GoKawiilDecker reaches four years with 1.61-to-1.71 update adding gamepad support and better compression
The Decker hypercard-like software project marked its fourth anniversary by summarizing a year of changes between versions 1.61 and 1.71. Key additions include gamepad input with keyboard fallback, a new IMG3 image codec that cuts file sizes 2-4x for many decks, and new contraption attribute types for configuring settings with structured data or notes.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The gamepad support could make Decker more viable for building arcade and action-style games, a genre the community has reportedly been interested in. Smaller file sizes from the new codec may matter particularly to creators distributing work on constrained media like floppy disks, suggesting the project is tuning itself toward retro-computing use cases.
- Decker added gamepad input with keyboard fallback for game development
- A new IMG3 codec shrinks many deck file sizes by 2-4x
- Contraptions now support 'data' and 'note' attribute types for structured configuration
8BitDo SN30 Pro Gamepad — Since Decker now supports gamepad input for building arcade and action-style games, having a reliable, well-built controller like the 8BitDo SN30 Pro makes testing and playing those creations far more enjoyable. Its compact design and broad compatibility make it a great companion for indie game tinkerers exploring new control schemes.
See 8BitDo SN30 Pro Gamepad on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: beyondloom.com, 2026-10-20
Published there as: “Four Years with Decker”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.