Wed Sep 25 01:54:10 UTC 2024: ## xBill, a 90s Anti-Microsoft Game, Gets a 25-Year-Old Update for PalmOS
**[City, State] -** A beloved 90s game, xBill, which satirized Microsoft’s antitrust behavior, has received a long-awaited update after a quarter-century. The game, originally bundled with the SlackWare Linux distribution, allowed players to prevent “Bills” (representing Microsoft Windows) from spreading to other devices.
A Palm OS version, known as pBill, was released in 1999 but was incompatible with color devices, rendering it unusable on newer models.
Fast forward to 2024, a passionate developer has revitalized the game, making it playable on modern Palm devices. The update, after years of inactivity, ensures pBill can run on all devices with OS 3.5 or higher, adds color support with hi-res graphics, and updates the game’s aesthetics.
The developer, [Developer Name], faced various challenges, including identifying the original SDK used for pBill and adapting the game’s code to newer versions. They also meticulously recreated the game’s visuals, adding a static background buffer for efficiency.
Despite attempts to contact the original author, their website is defunct, and the only online trace of pBill is a listing in an old repository. The developer hopes to connect with the original team through emails.
The updated pBill’s source code is available on GitHub, although the developer recommends using their “MiniGolf” game for those interested in learning PalmOS game programming. The updated game can be played directly in a web browser or downloaded to Palm devices.
The revitalization of this 90s relic is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic games and the passionate community that keeps them alive.
First Piper 