Playload micro game engine packs a whole game into a 3KB URL

Developer Takashi Kitajo released Playload, an open-source micro game engine that stores an entire game's code in a single URL, for free on October 21, 2026, according to gamemeca.com.

The engine is built in JavaScript, and its compressed source code is capped at 3 kilobytes. That limit matches X's automatic link shortening, which turns web addresses of 4096 characters or fewer into a 23-character short link. Because the whole game lives in the web address, sharing the URL shares the game.

Playload renders at 160x144 pixels with CRT-style output, up to 8 colors and built-in 8x8 pixel character graphics. It supports 3 sound channels and 4-directional input with 2 buttons.

The project's web page places a code editor next to the running game, alongside the full API and runnable examples. Kitajo also published shooter, jump action and puzzle games built with the engine.

Games already appearing

Other users have started making their own titles on Playload, including a 3D maze and a 3D dungeon explorer. Kitajo previously worked at Konami as main programmer, lead engineer and game designer on the Zone of the Enders series. Playload was published to mark the recovery of his GitHub account.