Commands amount and execution steps optimization in human resource machine puzzles solution algorithms

Videogames are one of the most common forms of modern leisure, and also can be viewed as a form of collective authorship synthetic art. We often hear about computer games health hazard, but there are also studies indicating the benefits of some of their types, including various puzzles. Some puzzle videogames are very specific products, in particular, various programming simulators. Aim. In this work we consider the most complex algorithms optimization in the video game Human Resource Machine according to in-game optimality criteria. It is assumed that each task solution should contain no more than a given number of commands and be executed in no more than a certain number of steps. For most problems, a solution that simultaneously satisfies both criteria can be found, but some puzzles require two separate algorithms development. There are 36 tasks of various types and difficulty in the game, we selected 6 of them that proved to be the most difficult for optimization. Materials and methods. The issue describes chosen problems solving ideas and algorithms in natural language that satisfy both in-game optimality criteria, and also provides the resulting values of code commands number and amount of execution operations. Exact solutions are not included in the issue, because due to the game language cumbersome nature the corresponding algorithms with comments are too ponderous for the article. In addition, this article’s purpose is only to state the possibility and basic ideas of optimal solutions to the puzzles under consideration and not describing solutions themselves. Results. For two of the six tasks considered in the issue, we managed to obtain algorithms that satisfy the limitations both in the numbers of commands and operations. For the remaining four tasks, a couple of algorithms have been developed, one for each constraint. Conclusion. Based on the results of this issue we can confirm that there are computer games that are not just for entertainment, sometimes they can offer a real intellectual challenge. Finding optimal puzzles solutions in Human Resource Machine turned out to be a difficult and interesting task, which allowed us to break patterns and take a different look at some classical programming problems.