The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Dieter Maes built WingDerby, a multiplayer pigeon-loft management game, as a WordPress plugin and theme. He chose WordPress for more than publishing pages: its accounts, routing, cron, and multilingual content features let him focus more of his effort on the game’s scheduled simulation. His experience points to a narrow but useful conclusion: WordPress can suit a slow, tick-based management game, but he would choose another architecture for fast-paced play.
Why build a game on WordPress?
Maes wanted the content and search features WordPress already offered, including per-language URLs, hreflang, XML sitemaps, and JSON-LD. He also reused WordPress’s user system, routing, and cron. In his account, that meant less time building authentication, internationalization, and administration screens—and more time for the simulation.
That is a workload-specific trade-off, not evidence that WordPress is a better game backend in general. The value comes from reusing platform capabilities that match the project. A game with different timing or infrastructure needs may not benefit from the same choices.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How WingDerby’s game loop works
WingDerby is a multiplayer pigeon-loft management game, rather than a tool for timing real-world races or managing an actual loft. Maes describes gameplay systems that advance through scheduled jobs and database updates:
#1 Best Overall
- 【Lifelike Pigeon Design】This artificial foam pigeon model features a lifelike bird shape, detailed coloring, and a handcrafted appearance that adds natural character to your display. The simulated pigeon figurine is designed as a lightweight decorative accent for garden landscapes, home decor, miniature scenes, and creative arrangements. Its compact size makes it easy to place on shelves, tables, planters, branches, wreaths, or other decorative settings.
- 【Lightweight Foam Construction】Made primarily from compressed foam with a flocked surface, this artificial pigeon ornament is lightweight and easy to position or rearrange. The wings and tail are made from painted paper, while the feet are made from plastic. The mixed-material construction creates a dimensional bird model with a detailed appearance. Please note that the painted paper wings and tail are not waterproof, so indoor or covered outdoor placement is recommended.
- 【Compact Size & Easy Display】Measuring approximately 12 x 5 x 10 cm / 4.72 x 1.97 x 3.94 inches, this mini pigeon figurine is convenient for decorating small spaces without taking up much room. Use it as a garden bird ornament, tabletop accent, plant pot decoration, miniature landscape accessory, or creative scene prop. Its lightweight design makes placement and repositioning simple for seasonal or everyday displays.
- 【Versatile Decorative Uses】More than a simple pigeon model, this artificial bird ornament works well for garden decor, home decoration, wedding arrangements, party displays, photography props, craft projects, wreaths, floral arrangements, birdhouse scenes, and miniature landscapes. Place several decorative birds together to create a more natural-looking scene, or use one as a subtle accent for shelves, windowsills, tables, patios, and covered outdoor areas.
- 【Creative Accent for Crafts & Events】This foam pigeon figurine is a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts, photographers, event decorators, and collectors of miniature animal models. Its realistic bird shape adds visual interest to themed displays, creative photo scenes, wedding decorations, party setups, classroom projects, and seasonal arrangements. The small lightweight design is easy to handle, store, and incorporate into different decorative layouts whenever you want to refresh your display.
- Races and live race tracking
- Breeding and pigeon ageing
- An in-game market with bids, bid history, and sales records
- Bot lofts, with bot bidding adjustable down to off
The calendar is part of the simulation. Maes reports twelve federations, including Southern Hemisphere schedules during Northern Hemisphere winter, and player-specific time zones so scheduled releases make local sense. The federation count is his 2026 project description, not an independently audited figure.
What design rules shape the game?
Maes lists two principles for the game: no purchase makes a pigeon faster, and pigeon and player records start at zero, counting only races flown in the game. These are the creator’s stated design intentions; they are not an independent verification of current product behavior.
Rank #2
- The Pigeon series by Mo Willems follows the hilarious escapades of a cheeky and opinionated pigeon who finds himself in a variety of comical situations. From desperately wanting to drive a bus to attempting to stay up late, The Pigeon's antics entertain listeners of all ages.
- Teaches children about patience, persistence, and listening.
- Includes The Pigeon toy character with 7 stories, 5 songs, and total run time of approximately 38 minutes. Recommended Age Range: 3+, Language: English.
- Tracklist: Stories: Hello Listeners, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!, The Pigeon Wants A Puppy!, The Duckling Gets A Cookie!?, The Pigeon Has To Go To School!, Don’t Let The Pigeon Stay Up Late!, Goodnight. Songs: Bus Driver, I Never Get To Do Anything, Let Me Drive The Bus, Panic At The Bus Stop!, Keep Flappin’.
- Requires Toniebox Audio Player to play audio; sold separately.
The WordPress issue he encountered
Maes reports that sitemap URLs returned 404 on LiteSpeed hosting before WordPress handled them. For this project, he explicitly handled the paths in WordPress with the pre_handle_404 and template_redirect hooks. This is a reported fix for WingDerby’s routing problem, not a general diagnosis or remedy for every LiteSpeed sitemap error.
When this architecture makes sense—and when it does not
Maes says he would use WordPress again for a slow, tick-based management game. He considers it a fit when gameplay does not need real-time sockets and much of the work consists of scheduled jobs and database updates. He would choose something else for fast-paced games.
Rank #3
- SINGLE‑PACK REALISTIC FOAM PIGEON ORNAMENT:You will receive 1 piece simulation pigeon figurine. Crafted with foam base, simulated feather surface and plastic claws, it delivers lifelike pigeon appearance. Please note feather patterns and colors are random, each ornament has slight individual difference.
- DETAILED SIZE REFERENCE:4.72 x 1.97 x 3.94 inches (12 x 5x 10cm). Light‑weight foam structure makes it easy to move and place. Perfect size for miniature garden, diorama, shelf display and floral decoration.
- WIDE RANGE OF DECOR SCENARIOS:Great for lawn, yard and flower‑bed landscaping. This fake pigeon also fits for wedding & party layout, photography props, wreath, bouquet, birdhouse ornament, DIY craft and home shelf decoration, adding natural vivid atmosphere for various occasions.
- MATERIAL USAGE REMINDER:Foam‑based decorative figurine is lightweight but fragile. Please avoid heavy squeezing, dropping or strong collision. Long‑term full direct sunlight may cause color fading, partial‑shade outdoor placement or indoor display is recommended.
- ARTIFICIAL ANIMAL MODE: Amazing ornament, artificial pigeon will bring happy and fun to you and create cheerful atmosphere,artificial.
For another project, the practical decision is whether WordPress’s ready-made capabilities offset the cost of adapting it to the game. Consider the timing model, whether real-time sockets are essential, and how much the project needs built-in accounts, routing, cron, content, localization, and administration. Maes’s account provides an architecture judgment for WingDerby’s workload—not a measured performance comparison with another backend.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about WingDerby
In his September 25, 2026 article, Maes describes WingDerby as free to play in six languages. The current live status, language list, adoption, and present commercial terms were not independently verified. The game is described at wingderby.com.
Rank #4
- Mini Pigeons: you will receive 100 mini resin pigeon statues, with gray bodies to reflect the beauty and elegance of this iconic bird; These gray pigeons can bring a natural touch to your space, and the quantity can meet all your decoration needs
- Reliable Materials and Exquisite Design: the miniature pigeon statues are made of strong resin, which is not prone to fading or wear; The details of each small resin pigeon are depicted beautifully, whether it is the texture of the feathers or the posture of the pigeon, all are vividly lifelike, making your artworks more lively
- Suitable Size: the gray pigeon miniature statues measure approximately 1.02 X 0.71 x 0.71 inches and can be adapted for decoration in various Spaces; You can place them on tables, shelves, fireplaces, kitchens, display cabinets, window sills, tiered trays, and other places, making them an exquisite addition to multiple Spaces
- Exquisite Gift: the miniature gray pigeon statue is the suitable gift for bird and city lovers; Whether for pigeon enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or collectors of animal statues, this gift is of significance, fashionable; It is also a thoughtful gift for family and friends
- Elegant Decoration: these pigeons are not only ideal decorations for miniature landscapes and bonsai, but can also be applied for birds themed parties, summer parties, theme decorations, birthday cake decorations, home or office decorations, etc
Source: Dieter Maes, “I built a multiplayer pigeon racing manager as a WordPress plugin,” DEV Community, September 25, 2026. The implementation details and assessments above are attributed to Maes; they are a creator’s account, not an independent technical or security audit.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Soft & Safe Material - Made from premium plush fabric and filled with high-quality PP cotton, this pigeon plush is gentle on the skin and lightweight. It’s soft, huggable, and easy for little hands to carry and cuddle anytime
- Inspired by the Classic Comic Book - Bring the funny, mischievous pigeon from “Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus” to life! With big embroidered eyes, soft blue-gray feathers, and a playful look, this plush captures the beloved character’s personality – a fun way to jump from story time to playtime
- For Play, Rest & Decor - Use it as a nap time buddy, a travel friend for car rides, a cozy reading pillow, or a cute decoration on a shelf or bed. The compact 12-inch size fits easily in backpacks, making it a great companion at home, in the classroom, or on the go
- A Thoughtful Gift & Early Learning Tool - Looking for a unique present? This plush is perfect for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or “just because” gifts. Parents and teachers can use it to act out stories, encourage reading, and teach emotions – a fun way to help kids fall in love with books while learning
- About the Package - Your pigeon plush toy arrives in a compressed vacuum bag for clean and easy shipping. Simply open, gently knead the product to restore it to its original state, and wait about 24 hours to reach maximum huggable softness
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
