What is Robocode?

Robocode is a programming competition where the goal is to code a robot to compete against other robots in a battle arena. The player is the programmer of the robot, who will have no direct influence on the game. Instead, the player must write the AI of the robot telling it how to behave and react to events occurring in the battle arena. The name Robocode is short for "Robot code".

Robocode is designed to help you learn Java, and have fun doing it. Robots are written in the Java(TM) Programming Language, and the Robocode game can run on any operating system supported by the Java Platform, which includes all common systems like Windows, Mac OS X, Linux etc.

Workshops and Competitions

Free Robocode workshops and mini-competitions will begin on Saturday June 18, and will continue on Saturdays through the end of July. All workshops will be informal, and are designed to introduce the basic functional coding strategies you'll need to create a successful robot.

The Robocode CHICAGO tournament will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 1:00 to 6:00 at the Howard Area Computer Clubhouse, 1527 W. Morse, Chicago 60626.

Update: The Robocode Chicago 2011 Tournament was held on July 30, and consisted of two competitions, a melee battle and a bracketed double elimination 1-on-1 competition. The winners in each category took home gift certificates from ThinkGeek.com. Thanks to everyone for participating! As a result of the success of this initial tournament we've decided to hold several workshops and mini-tournaments throughout the year. Check this site for announcements!

Helpful Resources

Robocode Home

RoboWiki Tutorials

Schoolbots video tutorials

Wikipedia entry for Robocode

Robocode Facebook Community

Robot javadoc

Other Robocode Clubs and Competitions

Virtual Combat held by CodeFest'11, the annual international online coding festival of Computer Engineering Society, IT-BHU. Virtual Combat is a competition designed as an extension to Robocode.

Robocode UdL held by the Universitat de Lleida.

CityU-CS Robocode Contest CityU-CS Robocode Contest 2010 is the first annual contest organized by the Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong.

Robocode Ireland - Robocode Ireland, Games Fleadh Game Festival 9th to 10th March 2011

IPL Robocode competition 2010 - Belgian Robocode Competition held by IPL in April 2010

Robocode Thailand Contest 2009 - The First National competition in Thailand

Robocode Germany - A German site about Robocode

Robocode Forum - Russian Robocode Community Website

Robocode Argentina - A Robocode site from Argentina written in Spanish