About McRogueFace

A Python game engine for roguelikes and tile-based games - C++ performance, Python simplicity.

Why McRogueFace?

McRogueFace is designed specifically for roguelikes and tile-based games. Write your game logic in Python while the C++ engine handles rendering, pathfinding, and field-of-view calculations. No game loop to manage, no low-level graphics code - just import mcrfpy and start building your dungeon.

vs Pygame

Pygame gives you a blank canvas and event loop. McRogueFace gives you Grid, Entity, and FOV systems purpose-built for roguelikes. No need to implement your own tile rendering, camera systems, or pathfinding.

vs libtcod/python-tcod

libtcod is console-based with character cells. McRogueFace is sprite-based with full graphical rendering, while providing the same FOV and pathfinding algorithms under the hood.

vs Godot/Unity

Full engines require learning editors, scene formats, and scripting integration. McRogueFace is a single executable - your entire game is Python scripts. No project files, no asset pipeline, no compile step.

Core Philosophy

  1. Python First: Your entire game logic lives in Python scripts. No C++ required (unless you want to extend the engine).

  2. Batteries Included: Grid systems, pathfinding, FOV, animations, and UI components are all built-in. Focus on your game, not infrastructure.

  3. Roguelike-Native: Tile-based rendering, turn-based input handling, and procedural generation tools are first-class features.

  4. Simple Deployment: One executable, your Python scripts, and your assets. That’s it.

Target Audience

  • Game Jam Participants: Get a roguelike up and running in hours, not days
  • Python Developers: Use the language you know without learning a new engine
  • Roguelike Enthusiasts: Purpose-built tools for the genre you love

License

McRogueFace is open source under the MIT license. Created for 7DRL 2025.