Video Game Emulation: Using FPGA Technology with Open Source Tools
This paper explores the application of FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology based on the Basys 3 board in video game development. Given that the hardware of most classic games is no longer functional, the programmable nature of FPGA allows for precise replication, allowing modern devices to run these games and provide an authentic gaming experience. The paper presents the design and emulation of a video game on the Basys 3 FPGA development system. It also examines the use of open-source tools for the development of FPGA applications, comparing them with commercial alternatives. The Basys 3 system was prepared for game emulation by implementing a RISC-V processor, a VGA controller, and memory in Verilog. The game was initially developed in $\mathbf{C}$ for Windows and later ported to the FPGA environment, with particular attention paid to memory management to ensure proper image display via the VGA controller. The results demonstrate that FPGA systems are viable platforms for video game emulation and complex application development, with open-source tools proving efficient and effective.