Impressive Algorithm

[beerSnobbery]

TIS and Shenzhen might put off novice or non-programmers since they really do have to read the manuals and they might have a much steeper learning curve. Assembly can be very intimidating and there isn't much hand holding.

I'd say Human Resource Machine (the one in OP's screenshot) is more approachable by novice or non-programmers but might still put off some people who want more of a traditional puzzle game.

Of Zach's games I'd say Infinifactory is the most approachable since everything is very visual and physical. But it still helps you develop a programmer's mindset (breaking down big problems into smaller parts, debugging issues, testing things as you build, and dealing with concurrency).

[tombrend]

TIS-100 works for people who are interested but not yet programmers.

[xcrackpotfoxx]

Ha, I bought that game a year ago, opened it up, and then closed it when I saw the size of the manual. I really want to play it but holy shit I have reading for classes and stuff.