Glossary.
A quick-reference guide for the systems, features, and coined terms used across tinyfiles.tv.
- Hash Code
- A 12-character string (e.g.,
TF-8X2P-99KM) generated in the browser when you first save. Your state is encrypted in your browser with a key derived from the code, so the server only ever stores ciphertext. Twelve is the standard; games that need more can chain additional codes. If you lose the code, the save is gone forever. Learn more → - Sidecar JSON
- An accompanying file required for every submission. It acts as the "information sheet" containing the work's title, description, tags, and license.
- The Retro Save System
- The overarching architecture that powers Cloud Saves, Global Leaderboards, and Multiplayer Rooms using Hash Codes instead of accounts. Read the spec →
- Rater
- A trusted jury member who scores submissions using a secret key. Raters vote blindly to determine if a piece stays on the main feeds or falls below 50% and is moved to the graveyard. Read the guidelines →
- Curator Rating
- The aggregate blind score a piece receives from the Raters. Pieces falling below a 50% average are automatically de-listed.
- Asset Graveyard
- The archive for pieces that fell below the 50% rating threshold. Works remain playable and downloadable here, but are stripped of site promotion and grayscale-filtered in the UI. View the Graveyard →
- The 64
- The standardized set of 64 preset phrases and emotions (similar to Rocket League) required for all multiplayer games on the site. It replaces live text chat entirely to guarantee a safe, PG-13 environment. View the phrases →
- The Dispatch
- The tinyfiles.tv newsletter. Sent rarely, contains no tracking pixels, and only goes out when a large batch of new games goes live or infrastructure is updated.