one dataset · paper, tables, graph, wiki
simgrammar the grammar of simulation

core loop

click to add or remove a colored block on the irregular grid -> the solver picks modules for that cell and its neighbors -> arches, stairs, roofs, and gardens appear -> keep editing

design notes

The grid is a subdivided, jittered hex grid of irregular quads, and each edit triggers a real-time wave function collapse that narrows the valid corner modules for the changed cells and their neighbors before decoration is applied. The player expresses only occupancy and color; all architectural detail is derived, which makes the game a pure case of procedural build assist. It is a boundary case because nothing evolves without the player; its author calls it more of a toy than a game.

relations

3 stored edges
uses

Procedural build assist

Each block edit reruns a marching-cubes-style module lookup and a wave function collapse over affected cells, then adds windows, chimneys, and bushes; delay grows with structure size.

core
uses

Building placement

Colored blocks are added or removed anywhere on the grid, stacked vertically.

supporting
uses

Room recognition

Enclosed areas are detected and filled with gardens rather than paving.

supporting

backlinks

computed from other records

sources

3
Wikipedia contributors (2026). Townscaper. Wikipedia
Oskar Stalberg, Raw Fury (2026). Townscaper on Steam. Steam
Tommy Thompson (2022-04-06). How Townscaper Works: A Story Four Games in the Making. Game Developer

provenance

runs in log/runs
2026-10-24
created2026-10-24-catalog-gacatalog