TL;DR
TinyCity is an open-source city-building simulation adapted to run on RP2040 boards using MicroPython. The project repository includes gameplay systems like zoning, budgets, disasters, milestones and save/load, and is published under GPL-3.0.
What happened
A developer published TinyCity, a compact city-simulation game inspired by SimCity, as a MicroPython project targeting RP2040-class hardware. The GitHub repository presents a playable simulation that asks users to manage residential, commercial and industrial zones while balancing power, crime, pollution and municipal budgets. The game offers three terrain options or a procedurally generated map, a system of milestones and hidden bonuses, and a random disaster mechanic that challenges city planning. Utility buildings such as police and fire stations, power plants and stadiums are included, and players can save and load progress. The project lists tips for play — for example, taxes are assessed annually and parks boost population attraction — and credits jhhoward’s MicroCity on Arduboy as a major inspiration. The codebase is written in Python, carries a GPL-3.0 license, and the repo shows a v1.0 release and modest community attention.
Why it matters
- Brings a traditionally desktop-style simulation genre to very small, MicroPython-capable hardware, expanding what hobbyist devices can run.
- Demonstrates practical MicroPython use cases for RP2040 boards beyond simple demos and utilities.
- Provides a compact, open-source reference for building resource-aware game systems (budget, power, pollution) on constrained devices.
- May encourage ports and adaptations for other microconsole or RP2040-based projects given its permissive public code and release.
Key facts
- TinyCity is a city simulation game inspired by SimCity and MicroCity (Arduboy).
- Target platform noted as Raspberry Pi RP2040 running MicroPython (project title references the Thumby micro console).
- Gameplay includes zoning (residential, commercial, industrial), budgeting, power, crime, pollution and random disasters.
- Features include three terrain choices or random maps, milestones, hidden bonuses, and save/load functionality.
- Buildings listed include police and fire stations, power plants, stadiums, parks, trees and schools.
- Repository is written entirely in Python and distributed under the GPL-3.0 license.
- Project on GitHub shows a v1.0 release, 2 stars, 0 forks and 0 watchers at the time of capture.
- README contains player tips such as annual tax collection and measures to attract residents.
- Author credits jhhoward’s MicroCity on the Arduboy as a major source of inspiration.
What to watch next
- Repository activity and future releases or commits (monitor the GitHub repo for updates).
- Community forks or ports to other microcontrollers and microconsoles (not confirmed in the source).
- Compatibility or optimization notes specific to the Thumby micro console (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- MicroPython: A lean implementation of Python 3 designed to run on microcontrollers and constrained hardware.
- RP2040: A microcontroller chip developed by Raspberry Pi, used in boards like the Pico and other RP2040-based devices.
- Zoning: In city-simulation games, the designation of map areas for residential, commercial, or industrial use that shapes development.
- GPL-3.0: A copyleft open-source license that requires derivative works to be distributed under the same license terms.
- Save/load: Functionality that lets players persist game state to storage and restore it later.
Reader FAQ
What is TinyCity?
A compact city-building simulation implemented for MicroPython on RP2040-class hardware, inspired by classic SimCity titles.
Where is the code hosted and under what license?
The project is hosted on GitHub and distributed under the GPL-3.0 license.
Does it include save and load features?
Yes — the repository lists save/load functionality among its features.
Is there an official port for the Thumby micro console?
Not confirmed in the source.
How do I install and run TinyCity?
Not confirmed in the source.
TinyCity TinyCity is a city simulation game inspired by SimCity for the Raspberry Pi RP2040 running MicroPython Build and manage a growing metropolis in this tiny city sim. Balance zones…
Sources
- Show HN: TinyCity – A tiny city SIM for MicroPython (Thumby micro console)
- MicroCity – City simulation in your pocket – Games
- jhhoward/MicroCity: City simulator game for microcontrollers
- SimCity Source Code Is Now Open
Related posts
- Nvidia Reportedly Halts RTX 5070 Ti Production; RTX 5060 Ti 16GB Next
- Programming, Evolved: How Coding Assistants Reshape Engineering Work
- Inside the 3D Software Rendering of 1998’s Thief: The Dark Project