By The Numbers: A Strategic Numerical Race to Zero

 Dive into the fascinating world of By The Numbers, an innovative puzzle, deck-building, and roguelike game developed by GiriGiri Games (Choi Semin, Hollie Hughes, Robert Hughes), HollieRGCCX, schoi369, and DomoRobato. This title, which emerged from the GMTK Game Jam 2026, challenges you to a "race to zero where every rule counts."

What is By The Numbers?

By The Numbers combines the strategy of deck-building with numerical puzzle-solving, all wrapped in a roguelike experience. Your primary goal is conceptually simple: reduce an initial number to zero. However, how you achieve this is where the true complexity and fun lie. Players use cards with different mathematical operations and rules to manipulate the current number. Each playthrough is unique thanks to its roguelike elements, ensuring that your strategy must constantly adapt to new rules and emerging challenges.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The core of By The Numbers revolves around a card system representing operations (add, subtract, multiply, etc.) and special rules. You'll need to carefully choose which cards to play to reach zero, managing your deck and adapting to the limitations or advantages each round presents. The randomness of cards and rules adds a deep layer of strategy, making every decision crucial. Some players have commented that the game is so challenging it "makes them doubt if they actually know how to count," which highlights its clever design.

Visual and Sound Style

The game features a charming "hand-drawn" art style that gives it a unique and cozy personality, despite the sometimes challenging nature of its puzzles. Fluid animations and charismatic characters add a touch of charm to the experience. Furthermore, it boasts voice acting recorded by the developers themselves and a carefully selected set of sound effects and music that perfectly complement the game's atmosphere.

Conclusion and Recommendation

By The Numbers is a gem for puzzle and strategy lovers, especially those who enjoy a mental challenge. Its combination of genres and polished execution make it a remarkable title from the GMTK Game Jam 2026. If you're looking for a game that makes you think, offers replayability, and has a unique style, don't hesitate to try it. It's available for free.

You can play By The Numbers directly in your browser here: Play By The Numbers.

Developer Information:

GiriGiri Games: Choi Semin, Hollie Hughes, Robert Hughes

Art: All made by the team itself :)

VO: Human voices recorded by the team.

SFX: noah0189, michorvath, IENBA, kwahmah_02, Fupicat, yottasounds, Producing_RayLite (Freesound CC0); Kenney (CC0).

Music: Tatamusic, MFCC, Kulakovka (Pixabay License); BlondPanda (Freesound CC0); Bossa Nova by Joth (CC0); Mushroom Dance by bart (http://opengameart.org).

Fonts: VCR OSD MONO by Riciery Leal (DaFont.com 100% Free License); Winky Rough by Google Fonts (OFL-1.1).