A retro-style, multi-platform paddle ball game built in my spare time using C++20 and SDL3, inspired by my kids and childhood memories.
Retro Paddle Ball brings the timeless fun of paddle-and-ball mechanics into a sleek and modern engine.
This is a personal project that started when my kids asked:
"Can you build a game like the ones we play on RetroArch?"
This project began as a fun challenge: could I build a retro-style paddle ball game that my kids would love to play, while balancing a demanding professional life? As an engineering leader who spent most of my time managing teams, I missed being in the trenches and creating something end-to-end for a little while. This game gave me the perfect excuse.
Encouraged by my kids, who regularly play on RetroArch, I built this cross-platform game in C++20 using SDL3. It supports keyboard, touch, gamepads, and mouse input across:
- 🖥️ macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)
- 🪟 Windows
- 📱 Android 6.0+(phones, tablets, TVs)
- 🌐 Browser - Play Online
- 🕹️ Supports keyboard, mouse, gamepad, and touch
My goal: to demonstrate that it's possible to build something meaningful, fun, and technically robust—even with limited time—while staying curious and humble.
The result: a journey through graphics, physics, audio, input handling, resolution scaling, multi-platform deployment, machine learning & AI, and computer networking.
Why paddle ball?
Because it's simple, nostalgic, and just enough of a challenge to build well across platforms. Plus, my kids asked me to build something like the games they play on RetroArch!
What makes this different from other paddle ball games?
The revolutionary power-up system and strategic depth! With 10 unique power-ups, three distinct game modes (including turn-based Squash Duel), and dynamic audio, this transforms the classic arcade experience into a modern strategic masterpiece.
What's new in the Power UP Update?
Everything! 10 strategic power-ups, a new Squash Duel mode, dynamic music, 15+ sound effects, comprehensive help system, and enhanced controls. It's the biggest evolution in the game's history.
Can I contribute or suggest features?
Absolutely. Use the Discussions tab or raise an issue. Feature suggestions from kids get bonus points!
Are you switching to gaming professionally?
No—this is a passion project. I love the gaming domain (I wrote DOS games as a teenager), but have no plans to pursue it full-time. My main focus remains engineering leadership.
Are you returning to an IC/technical role?
Not exactly. I'm deeply committed to engineering leadership, but staying hands-on sharpens my empathy and leadership judgment. I enjoy hands-on work, but my passion lies in leading teams, driving results, and developing people.
Are you making the source code open?
Not right now. I’ve poured countless hours into building this project, often late at night or on weekends, balancing it alongside family and professional life.
While I fully believe in the spirit of open source, I’m currently choosing to keep the code closed for a few key reasons:
- 🧼 The codebase needs cleanup and refactoring before it represents the kind of quality I want to stand behind publicly.
- 🔒 I want to avoid misuse or misrepresentation of the code, especially while I’m actively iterating on features.
- 🧩 Many gameplay elements are still in flux, and publishing the source now could lead to misunderstandings about the design or quality.
That said, I’m happy to:
- Answer technical questions
- Share learnings through future blog posts
- Possibly open up certain parts of the code later if there’s enough interest and context
For now, I’m prioritizing clarity, completeness, and integrity of the experience—both for players and fellow developers.
Did you use AI to build this?
Yes. I used GitHub Copilot for code acceleration and various AI tools for art and visual effects.
However, AI is not a silver bullet—it accelerates development and provides creative inspiration, but the core game design, strategic decisions, quality standards, and engineering architecture still require deep human thought, experience, and iteration.
This game has evolved from a simple family project into a testament that no matter how busy life gets, we can always create something meaningful.
What started as a weekend project has become:
- A demonstration that strategic depth can enhance classic gameplay
- Proof that modern AI tools can accelerate solo development without replacing human creativity
- Evidence that you can stay technical while being an effective leader
- A reminder that you can build beautiful, polished things even with limited time
- An example that learning never stops—even familiar domains can surprise you
- A showcase that hobbies can be deeply meaningful, especially when they involve your kids
The Power UP Update represents growth:
- From simple mechanics to strategic depth
- From basic audio to immersive soundscapes
- From single-mode play to diverse gaming experiences
- From functional interface to comprehensive user experience
This journey proves that passion projects, when approached with dedication and modern tools, can achieve professional quality and meaningful impact.
- Power-up System Architecture: How strategic gameplay transforms classic mechanics
- Cross-platform Audio: Dynamic music and spatial sound implementation
- Frame Rate Independence: Physics and animation consistency across devices
- Input Abstraction: Unified control systems across diverse platforms
- Responsive Design: Lessons in 6" to 80" display adaptation
- Solo Development: Perseverance, shipping, and work-life balance insights
⚡ REVOLUTIONARY POWER-UP SYSTEM
- 10 Strategic Power-ups: 5 game-changing buffs + 5 tactical debuffs
- Buffs: Enlarge Paddle, Slow Ball, Multi-Ball, Sticky Paddle, Shield
- Debuffs: Shrink Paddle, Fast Ball, Slow Paddle, Invert Controls, Ghost Ball
- Stunning Visual Effects: Beautiful particle systems with every power-up collection
- Strategic Depth: Timing and positioning become crucial for competitive advantage
🏓 THREE ENGAGING GAME MODES
- Solo Rally: Perfect your reflexes in precision-focused challenges
- Classic Duel: Competitive head-to-head tennis-style action
- Squash Duel: NEW turn-based strategic wall bouncing mode
🎵 IMMERSIVE AUDIO EXPERIENCE
- Dynamic Music: Background music adapts to gameplay intensity
- 15+ Professional Sound Effects: Every action has satisfying audio feedback
- Independent Volume Controls: Separate sliders for music and SFX
- Smart Audio Management: Intelligent handling for calls and background usage
🎮 MULTI-INPUT SUPPORT & CONTROLS
- Touch Controls: Intuitive drag mechanics with haptic feedback
- Keyboard: Arrow keys or
<(,)and>(.)with customizable bindings - Gamepad: D-Pad/Left Analog Stick with automatic detection
- Mouse: Precision horizontal movement and click-and-drag
📺 MULTI-PLATFORM & DISPLAY SUPPORT
- Cross-Platform: Built and tested on:
- 🖥️ macOS (Intel + Apple Silicon)
- 🪟 Windows (10/11)
- 📱 Android 6.0+ (phones, tablets, TVs)
- 🍎 iOS (iPhone and iPad - in progress)
- 🌐 Web (WASM)
- Multi-Display Support: Resolution-agnostic layout (6" phones to 80" TVs)
- Adaptive Interface: Perfect scaling for all screen sizes and DPI settings
🎯 ADVANCED GAMEPLAY MECHANICS
- Realistic Physics: Enhanced collision detection and ball dynamics
- Sophisticated Scoring: Rewards precision (center paddle hits) and control
- Extra Life System: Earn lives through consistent excellent performance
- 60fps Performance: Smooth gameplay across all supported devices
📚 COMPREHENSIVE FEATURES
- Interactive Help System: Visual guides and expert strategies
- Persistent Settings: Preferences save across gaming sessions
- Accessibility Options: Enhanced support for all players
- Achievement Framework: Recognition for gameplay milestones
While the current version features a complete power-up system and three game modes, I have several exciting features and improvements I'd love to explore as time permits.
- Online Multiplayer: Home network multiplayer over Wi-Fi
- AI Paddle: Adjustable difficulty trained on real human play data
- Tournament Mode: Organized competitive play with brackets
- More Power-ups: Additional strategic buffs and debuffs
- Dynamic Objects: Bricks and collectibles for extra points and complexity
- Custom Game Modes: Survival challenges and timed competitions
- Replay System: Record and share epic matches
- Advanced Statistics: Detailed performance analytics and improvement tracking
- Enhanced Physics: Even more precise edge collision detection
- Smart Layout Engine: Further adaptive UI improvements. Smart layout engine for adaptive UI across devices
- XBox
- Frame rate–independent physics
- Input abstraction across devices
- Designing for both 6” phones and 80” TVs with a unified HUD engine
- Lessons in perseverance, ambiguity, and solo-shipping
💬 Timelines depend on spare time and complexity—but I'm excited to keep growing this.
Download the latest version from the Downloads page
| Input Type | Control Scheme | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Arrow keys or <(,) and >(.) |
Customizable key bindings |
| Gamepad | D-Pad / Left Analog Stick | Auto-detection, Xbox controller optimized |
| Touch | Drag paddle directly | Haptic feedback, precision control |
| Mouse | Move paddle horizontally | Click-and-drag mechanics |
All input methods support the new power-up collection and strategic gameplay features.
The biggest evolution in Retro Paddle Ball history! Version 2.0 introduces game-changing features that transform the classic arcade experience into a strategic masterpiece:
10 Strategic Power-ups that completely change how you play:
- 🟢 Buffs (Your Advantages): Enlarge Paddle, Slow Ball, Multi-Ball, Sticky Paddle, Shield
- 🔴 Debuffs (Tactical Challenges): Shrink Paddle, Fast Ball, Slow Paddle, Invert Controls, Ghost Ball
Revolutionary turn-based gameplay where players alternate wall shots. Miss your turn and lose a life—ultimate precision and strategy combined!
- Dynamic background music that adapts to game intensity
- 15+ professional sound effects with spatial audio
- Independent volume controls for complete customization
Interactive tutorials, visual guides, and expert strategies to master every aspect of the enhanced gameplay.
This update represents months of development and transforms Retro Paddle Ball into the most complete paddle ball experience ever created.
I'll be sharing technical articles and lessons learned from the Power UP Update, including:
- Power-up System Design: Balancing strategic depth with accessibility
- Dynamic Audio Architecture: Adaptive music and spatial sound implementation
- Cross-platform Polish: Ensuring consistent experience across diverse devices
- AI-Assisted Development: How modern AI tools accelerated complex feature development
- Solo Shipping at Scale: Managing feature complexity while maintaining quality
- Multi-resolution Game Layout: Advanced techniques for 6" to 80" display adaptation
- SDL3 Advanced Features: Leveraging modern graphics and audio capabilities
- Strategic Game Design: Transforming simple mechanics into engaging experiences
- SDL3
- SDL3_image
- SDL3_ttf
- SDL3_mixer
- Google Oboe – high-performance audio on Android
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
Only precompiled binaries are shared at this time. The source code is not open.
Built with ❤️ by Stanly Thomas Connect on LinkedIn
