Within BYOND: Year in Review (2024)

As another year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the whirlwind of creativity, innovation, and community that defined the past 12 months in the BYOND ecosystem. From new games and updates to engine advancements, here’s a look back at what made 2024 so memorable.

Major Releases: Kinfolk and Eternia Shine Bright

Kinfolk

Kinfolk debuted to widespread acclaim this year, capturing the hearts of players with its blend of strategic gameplay and heartfelt storytelling. Drawing comparisons to creature-collection classics, Kinfolk carved out its own niche with unique mechanics that emphasize relationships between characters and dynamic story progression. It’s a shining example of what’s possible on the BYOND platform when creativity meets meticulous design.

Eternia

Meanwhile, Eternia continued to evolve, solidifying its place as one of BYOND’s most captivating RPG experiences. With expanded lore, new character classes, and overhauled combat mechanics, the game has become a haven for fans of deep, story-driven adventures. Community engagement remains strong, with players contributing to fan-made quests and events that keep the world of Eternia vibrant.

Space Station 13: Innovation in Chaos

Space Station 13 (SS13) remains a cornerstone of BYOND’s legacy, and 2024 was no exception. This year saw major updates across various forks of the game:

• Dynamic Roles: The introduction of dynamically assigned roles brought a fresh layer of unpredictability to rounds. Players now find themselves in unexpected positions, leading to chaotic and often hilarious outcomes.
• Atmospherics Revamp: Several forks implemented a revamped atmospherics system, offering a more realistic simulation of gas behavior. Fires now spread more naturally, and explosive decompression is as terrifying as ever.
• New Antagonists: From rogue AIs with new capabilities to alien species with unique mechanics, the variety of threats keeps players on their toes.

The SS13 community continues to thrive on the ingenuity of its contributors, proving that even after decades, the game’s potential for reinvention is boundless.

Developer Tools: trace() and ALTER Command

Two major additions to the BYOND toolkit this year were the trace() function and the ALTER command, both of which made waves among developers:

• trace(): This debugging tool has revolutionized how developers track down bugs in their code. By providing real-time insights into variable changes and execution paths, trace() has significantly streamlined the development process.
• ALTER: This command offers unparalleled flexibility for modifying live game states during testing. Developers can now adjust variables, tweak mechanics, and resolve issues without restarting servers, making iteration faster than ever.

These tools underscore BYOND’s commitment to empowering developers with the resources they need to create and refine their projects.

Community Spotlight: Collaboration and Growth

Beyond individual projects, the BYOND community’s collaborative spirit shone brightly this year. Highlights include:

• Game Jams: Several game jams brought together developers of all skill levels to create inventive titles within tight timeframes. From whimsical puzzles to experimental storytelling, these events showcased the breadth of talent within the community.
• Tutorials and Resources: Veteran developers shared their expertise through tutorials and code snippets, fostering an environment of learning and growth. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to discover.

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2025, the future of BYOND looks as bright as ever. With ongoing updates to the engine, the passion of its developers, and the creativity of its players, there’s no limit to what the community can achieve. Whether you’re crafting the next big hit or exploring the rich worlds others have built, now is the perfect time to dive in.

Here’s to another year of building your own net dream!

Have something exciting to share about your BYOND project? Let us know in the comments or on the forums—we’d love to feature your work in future updates!