Game Developers·2yWhich Engine (or Framework) Did You Start With?
A one-year game developer shares their experience starting with Unity and then switching to Godot due to hardware limitations. They seek insights on others' starting engines or frameworks and ask for tips on learning game development frameworks.
freeCodeCamp·2yCreate a PC game using JavaScript
Learn to create a Flappy Bird-like game in JavaScript using the KAPLAY library and package it for PC installation with Tauri. The comprehensive course includes setting up the development environment, loading assets, implementing player logic, building the game, and creating a score UI. Suitable for beginners and experienced developers, this tutorial provides practical hands-on experience in game development and desktop application packaging.
Hacker News·2yThe secret inside One Million Checkboxes
One Million Checkboxes (OMCB) was a web project launched on June 26th, 2024, which allowed 500,000 users to check over 650 million boxes collectively. Each change was global and instantaneous. The author initially thought the database had been hacked due to strange data, but it was revealed users were sending hidden binary messages. A community of sharp young developers formed around the project, creating elaborate drawings and complex animations using checkboxes. Despite concerns about botting degrading user experience, the author found the creative interaction deeply moving and reminiscent of his own early programming experiences.
YouTube·2yMaking a Game with Java with No Experience
An enthusiastic developer, inspired by childhood favorites like RuneScape and Minecraft, embarks on creating an RPG game using Java from scratch. The journey begins with revisiting Java basics using a mobile course and then downloading Eclipse. After a successful 'Hello World' program, the developer progresses to creating a game window, implementing entity classes, and developing a tile map system. They also work on NPCs, dialogue systems, artwork, and basic game mechanics, emphasizing the rewarding experience of building a game without a game engine. Useful resources like RN’s Java tutorial series and Brilliant are mentioned for those interested in learning more.
Game Developers·2yMy top picks for game engines!
Choosing the right game engine can be challenging, so here are the author's top 5 picks: Godot for its lightweight and open-source nature, Unreal Engine for its flexibility and professional use, Unity for versatility in game types but expensive paid plans, Gdevelop for beginners with limited coding experience, and Roblox Studio for young developers using Lua. Each engine has its pros and cons, from scripting languages to cost considerations.
YouTube·2y6 Years of Learning Game Development
Over six years, the author transitioned from a novice game developer to a seasoned professional, utilizing Unity and Unreal Engine. They shared experiences from early arcade games and 2D projects to complex 3D games and indie releases. The post touches on team dynamics, solo projects, feature creep, and the challenges of VR game development. The author also highlights their career as an instructor and their pivot to creating game development tutorials.
Hacker News·2yPikuma: Isometric Projection in Game Development
The post explores isometric projection in game development, explaining its origins and comparing it with orthographic and perspective projections. It offers a historical view of retro isometric games and delves into the math behind isometric mapping. Additionally, the post provides a detailed tutorial for coding an isometric tilemap using JavaScript and P5js, along with examples of modern and retro isometric games.
Game Developers·2yHow to become a Game Developer?
An individual shares their journey from playing video games to studying game development in college, seeking advice on the key skills and knowledge required to become a game developer. They have basic knowledge of C/C++ with OOP concepts and are learning Data Structures and Algorithms, as well as some Java and Python basics.
YouTube·2y1 Year of Developing My Game in Godot
The author has spent over a year developing a game in Godot, transforming a simple prototype into a more complex, fully-featured game with over 1,200 commits and 25,000 lines of code. The development process can be divided into three phases: getting something playable, finding the fun, and production and polish. The game, named Bloodthief, incorporates elements from Quake, Hotline Miami, and Titanfall, with a focus on fast-paced movement and challenging mechanics. Throughout the journey, the author faced various challenges, including refining animation, improving code quality, and optimizing performance. The flexibility and features of Godot were praised, despite occasional bugs. The post also discusses the use of tools like FMOD, Trench Broom, and Jolt Physics, and emphasizes the importance of quick iteration and continuous playtesting.
Godot·2yDesign of the Skeleton Modifier 3D
Godot 4.3 introduces the SkeletonModifier3D node to improve bone animation by handling it outside the AnimationMixer and eliminating the limitations of the previous pose override system. This new design ensures a consistent processing order, making complex scene management easier. Users can create custom SkeletonModifier3D nodes for specific needs and use signals to retrieve modified pose values. Future versions will include additional built-in SkeletonModifier3D nodes like IK and constraints.
Gleam·2yWelcome Lambda! – Gleam
Lambda, a diverse tech company involved in machine learning, crypto infrastructure, video games, and animation, has become the primary sponsor of Gleam, a type-safe and scalable language for Erlang VM and JavaScript runtimes. Lambda utilizes various BEAM languages and has an extensive open-source portfolio, including their latest mobile game, Champions of Mirra. They plan to use Gleam for future backend iterations, underscoring their commitment to the Gleam ecosystem.
Community Picks·2yWriting a game the hard way - from scratch using C. #1
The post explores creating a retro-style video game from scratch using a C compiler and basic tools, mimicking the development processes of the 1980s and early 1990s. The author delves into the historical context of game development during that era, highlighting the use of shareware, lack of internet resources, and the simplicity of games driven largely by hardware limitations. The project is not intended as a tutorial but as a narrative journey, where the author plans to build a basic top-down arena shooter with rudimentary elements before expanding its features.
Game Developers·2yThe Beauty of Godot and Open Source Game Develpment
Godot is highly recommended for beginners in game development due to its ease of use and the ability to participate in large projects. Thrive, an open-source game similar to Spore 2 and developed under the GNU GPLv3.0-or-later, is suggested as a good starting point, especially for those familiar with Unity, as it uses C#.
Game Developers·2yLove the process instead of the product
Emphasize the joy of the development process rather than focusing solely on the end product. This approach helps maintain motivation and continues improvement even if the first project fails. Loving the process over the result is applicable not just in game development but in all aspects of life. The advice is backed by scientific research in human nature.
Khronos·2yUltra Engine 0.9.7 Released
Ultra Engine 0.9.7 introduces a new decals system, particle emitters, and enhanced entity and material properties. It also includes upgraded flowgraphs, over 30 bug fixes, and various improvements to compatibility and functionality. The update aims to enhance performance and visuals for game and simulation development.
Unity·2yGame programming patterns with Unity 6
An updated edition of the e-book *Level up your code with design patterns and SOLID* for Unity is now available, featuring enhanced content and a sample project based on Unity 6. This guide covers key design patterns including Factory, Object Pooling, Singleton, Command, State, Observer, MVP, MVVM, Strategy, Flyweight, and Dirty Flag, and includes actionable examples for implementing SOLID principles. The sample project can be downloaded from the Unity Asset Store and follows the concepts explained in the guide.
Unity·2yLearn and Build Multiplayer Games this Summer with Unity 6
This summer, focus on building multiplayer games with Unity 6. Take advantage of new learning materials, webinars, and live streams designed to help you utilize Unity's latest multiplayer features. Learn how to implement LiveOps for better player retention and get up to speed with Unity 6 Preview packages like Multiplayer Play Mode and the Multiplayer Services Package. Join community sessions on Twitch and download the new VR Multiplayer Template to create immersive games for Meta Quest and other OpenXR devices.
Godot·2yIntroducing the improved ufbx importer in Godot 4.3
Godot 4.3 introduces native .fbx support through the integration of Samuli Raivio's ufbx library. This new ufbx importer replaces the need for the external FBX2glTF converter, offers better platform support, and includes numerous technical improvements. Existing projects will continue using FBX2glTF by default, but new imports will use ufbx. Several enhancements have been made to improve the import of animated characters and skeletons, aiming to address past issues. Users are encouraged to test the new importer and report any bugs encountered.
JetBrains·2yJoin Us for JetBrains GameDev Days 2024
Join JetBrains GameDev Days 2024 for a hybrid event on October 9-10. The event features experts discussing topics like CI/CD processes, Unity's DOTS, C# scripting, and game development with Godot. In-person sessions will occur on October 9, followed by an online event on October 10. Talks will cover Unreal Engine development, mobile game development, Godot with Kotlin, and more. Sessions will be streamed live on YouTube and will remain available afterward.
Google Developers·2yHow We Built Purrfect Code: A Puzzle Game for Developers
Purrfect Code is a box-pushing programming puzzle game designed for developers, built using Flutter, Dart, and the Flame game engine. Players use JavaScript to control a robot navigating grid-based puzzles to achieve efficient solutions. The game leverages WebAssembly for optimal browser performance and integrates with Google Developer Program for achievements. Firebase Hosting ensures secure and efficient global delivery. Project IDX was utilized for cloud-based development, offering features like intelligent code completion and real-time error checking.
Community Picks·2ydgreenheck/tree-js: Procedural tree generator written with JavaScript and Three.js
The post describes a procedural tree generator built using Three.js, featuring over 30 tunable parameters and the ability to export to .glb files. The generator code is available as an npm package and can be integrated into other projects. A demo application allows real-time tuning and export of both 3D and 2D representations of the generated trees.
Godot·2yRelease candidate: Godot 4.3 RC 2
Godot 4.3 has entered the Release Candidate stage with RC 2 now available. This version fixes many critical bugs and regressions found in RC 1. The community's extensive testing played a crucial role in identifying issues which have mostly been resolved. Users are encouraged to test the new version and report any remaining bugs, especially regressions. Financial support for the project is crucial as it is maintained by volunteers and a small team of paid contributors. Downloads for various builds, including standard, .NET, and Windows ARM64, are available.
Community Picks·2yHow to Write a Game in Under 13 Kb While Taking Care of a Baby
The post details the author's journey of developing a game under the constraints of 13KB while juggling the responsibilities of parenting. It covers the challenge of participating in the js13kgames competition, from planning and setting goals to coding and using generative algorithms. It provides insights into setting up a development environment with Webpack and TypeScript, creating game mechanics, designing with Kontra.js, and exploring generative textures, music, and procedural elements in game design. The piece also discusses techniques for managing limited coding time effectively and making the most of small pockets of availability.
Godot·2yRelease candidate: Godot 4.3 RC 3
Godot 4.3 RC 3 has been released with several regressions fixed from previous candidates. Major highlights include numerous bug fixes and stability improvements in animations, core resource loading, editor dialogs, GDScript, GUI, input handling, multiplayer protocols, network settings, porting specifics for Windows and macOS, and rendering systems. Contributions are welcome, as Godot is an open-source project maintained by volunteers and a small team of paid contributors. Users can download and test this new release and report any issues on GitHub.