Hacktoberfest 2026: Help Build a Tamagotchi That Lives in VS Code

Description and use

DevGotchi offers an easy entry for Hacktoberfest contributors with small, mergeable PRs, prompt reviews, and no telemetry.

Problem

Contributing to open‑source projects during Hacktoberfest is often hampered by large setup guides, flaky Docker files, and slow PR reviews.

Outcome

The project offers a low‑bar entry for Hacktoberfest contributors, with clear issue labels, prompt reviews, and no telemetry. Contributors earn real extension credits and a sense of ownership in a playful tool that encourages code quality.

Workflow

• 1. Clone the DevGotchi repo. 2. Open an issue labeled "good first issue" and "hacktoberfest". 3. Choose a task (e.g., write a new random event, design an achievement, add a new shop skin, translate UI, create a mini‑game, add a streak‑freeze potion, improve tutorial copy, or scope a larger feature). 4. Implement the change locally. 5. Commit and push to a feature branch. 6. Open a pull request. 7. Await review (the maintainer reviews in the evenings CT).
• 8. Once merged, the change is published to the VS Code Marketplace and Open VSX, and the contributor receives Hacktoberfest credit and bragging rights.

Evidence

DevGotchi is a free, open‑source VS Code extension that turns your editor into a cyberpunk RPG.

Source

No telemetry. Ever.

Source

Issues are labeled good first issue and hacktoberfest.

Source