2 Tools and Game Engines

In game development, game engines are essential tools that provide the basic functionalities for creating, designing, and programming games. Modern game engines not only make it easy to create graphics and implement physics, but they also offer integrated development environments that allow developers to write and debug code, manage resources, and build complex interactive experiences.

 

2.1 Unity

2.1.1 Installation and Configuration

Installation:

1. Download Unity Hub: Installing Unity starts with downloading Unity Hub, an app that makes it easy to manage engine versions, projects, and configurations.

   – Website: [Unity Hub] (https://unity3d.com/get-unity/download)

2. Install Unity Hub: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Set up Unity Hub: Open Unity Hub and create a Unity account if you don’t already have one.
4. Download a Unity version: Within Unity Hub, select the “Installs” tab and click “Add” to select and install the version of Unity you want to use. It is advisable to start with the latest stable version.
5. Select additional modules: During installation, you can select additional modules according to your needs, such as support for specific platforms (Android, iOS, WebGL, etc.).

 

Configuration:

1. Create a new project: In Unity Hub, go to the “Projects” tab and click “New.” Select a template (2D, 3D, VR, etc.) and assign a name and location for your project.
2. Initial Project Setup: Once the project is created and open in the Unity editor, configure the project options in the “Edit > Project Settings” menu. Here you can adjust the quality settings, physics, and other key aspects.

 

 

2.1.2  Interface and Key Components

Interface:

1. Scene View: Allows you to view and edit game elements in a 3D or 2D environment.
2. Game View: Shows a preview of the game from the perspective of the main camera.
3. Hierarchy: Displays a list of all objects in the current scene.
4. Inspector: Displays the properties of the selected object, allowing it to be edited.
5. Project: Contains all the assets of the project organized into folders.
6. Console: Displays debug messages, errors, and warnings generated during game execution.

 

Key Components:

1. GameObjects: These are the basic elements of a scene in Unity. They can be visual objects (such as 3D models or sprites) or logical (such as triggers and scripts).
2. Components: These are the building blocks that are added to GameObjects to define their behavior and characteristics. Examples include scripts, colliders, rigidbodies, and materials.
3. Assets: Resources used in the game, such as textures, models, sounds, and scripts.

Follow the Games4Green PLE (Personal Learning Environment) to know more about Unity 3D by clicking here.

 

2.2 Unreal Engine

2.2.1 Installation and Configuration

Installation:

1. Download Epic Games Launcher: The first step is to download and install the Epic Games Launcher.

   – Website: [Epic Games Launcher] (https://www.unrealengine.com/download)

2. Install Epic Games Launcher: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Download Unreal Engine: Open the Epic Games Launcher, navigate to the “Unreal Engine” tab, and select “Library.” Click “Install Engine” to download and install the latest version of Unreal Engine.

 

Configuration:

1. Create a new project: In the Epic Games Launcher, select “Launch” in the Unreal Engine section. In the Unreal Engine home window, choose “New Project” and select a suitable template (Blank, First Person, Third Person, etc.).
2. Initial Project Setup: Configure the project settings in the “Edit > Project Settings” menu, where you can adjust the input preferences, rendering, networking, and more.

 

2.2.2 Interface and Key Components

Interface:

1. Viewport: Area where the game scene is viewed and edited.
2. World Outliner: List of all the actors present in the current scene.
3. Details: Displays the properties and components of the selected actor.
4. Content Browser: Allows you to manage all the assets of the project.
5. Blueprint Editor: Visual tool for creating game logic using Blueprints.

 

Key Components:

1. Actors: These are the basic elements in Unreal Engine, like the GameObjects in Unity. They can represent static objects, characters, cameras, etc.
2. Components: They add functionalities to the actors, such as meshes, lights, colliders, and scripts.
3. Blueprints: Visual scripting system that allows you to create game logic without writing C++ code.
4. Assets: Resources such as materials, textures, sounds, and models that are used in the game.

 

Follow the Games4Green PLE (Personal Learning Environment) to know more about Unreal Engine by clicking here.

2.3 Godot

2.3.1 Installation and Configuration

Installation:

1.Download Godot: Visit the official website of Godot and download the latest stable version.

   – Website: [Godot Engine] (https://godotengine.org/download)

2. Install Godot: Unzip the downloaded file. Godot does not require installation, as it is a standalone executable.

 

Configuration:

1.Create a new project: Open Godot and select “New Project”. Give your project a name and location and select the appropriate template (2D or 3D).

2. Initial Project Setup: Configure the project settings in the “Project > Project Settings” menu, where you can adjust parameters such as screen resolution, user inputs, and more.

 

2.3.2 Interface and Key Components

Godot is an excellent choice for game developers of all levels, from beginners to experts. Its open-source nature, flexibility in programming languages, and cross-platform capability make it a powerful and accessible tool for game creation

Interface:

1. Scena: Main area where the game scenes are built.
2. FileSystem: Displays the files and directories of the project.
3. Inspector: Allows you to edit the properties of the selected nodes.
4. Node: Hierarchical list of nodes in the current scene.
5. Script Editor: Built-in tool for writing and editing scripts in GDScript.

 

Key Components:

1. Nodes: Basic elements of Godot that make up a scene. They can be visual nodes (such as sprites and meshes) or logical nodes (such as scripts and collision areas).
2. Scenas: Sets of nodes that can be instantiated and reused. A scene can represent a level, a character, or any other entity.
3. Scripts: Code files that define the behavior of nodes. Generally written in GDScript, although Godot also supports C# and VisualScript.
4. Assets: Resources used in the game, such as textures, sounds, and 3D models.

 

Advantages of Using Godot

1. Free and Open Source:

• Accessibility: Godot is completely free and open source, meaning you can download, use, and modify it at no cost.
• Active Community: Being open source, it has an active community that contributes to the continuous development and improvement of the engine.

2. Multi-Platform:

• Compatibility: Godot allows you to develop games for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, HTML5, and more.
• Easy Export: It offers built-in tools to export your game to different platforms easily and efficiently.

3. Flexible Programming Languages:

• GDScript: Godot’s own scripting language, similar to Python, that is easy to learn and use.
• Support for Other Languages: It also supports C#, C++, and VisualScript, allowing developers to choose the language they are most comfortable with.

4. Intuitive User Interface:

• Visual Editor: Godot features an intuitive visual editor that makes it easy to create and edit scenes and nodes.
• Integrated Tools: Includes tools for animation, physics, scripting, and more, all in one place.

5. Scene and Node System:

• Modularity: Uses a scene and node system that allows for great modularity and reuse of components.
• Ease of Use: This system makes project organization and development clearer and more manageable.

6. Performance and Optimization:

• Lightweight Engine: Godot is known for being a lightweight and efficient engine, allowing for good performance even on devices with limited resources.
• Optimization: Offers tools and options to optimize game performance.

7. Documentation and Resources:

• Comprehensive Documentation: Godot features extensive and well-organized documentation covering all aspects of the engine.
• Tutorials and Examples: There are numerous tutorials, examples, and resources available to help developers learn and improve their skills.

Follow the Games4Green PLE (Personal Learning Environment) to know more about GODOT by clicking here.

 

2.4 Construct

2.4.1 Installation and Configuration

Installation:

1. Access Construct:  Construct is a web-based tool and requires no installation. Visit the official website of Construct to access the platform.

   – Website: [Construct](https://www.construct.net/)

2. Create an account: Sign up and create an account to start using Construct.

Configuration:

1. Create a new project: Once you’re inside Construct, select “New Project” and choose a template or start with a blank project.
2. Initial Project Setup: Adjust project settings such as screen resolution and game preferences in the property panel.

 

2.4.2 Interface and Key Components

Interface:

1. Layout View: Area where the levels and scenes of the game are designed.
2. Event Sheet: Tool for creating game logic using events and actions.
3. Properties Bar: Displays and allows editing the properties of the selected object.
4. Project Bar: Contains a hierarchical structure of all the assets and elements of the project.
5. Layers Bar: Manage layers within a layout, allowing you to organize and manage objects effectively.

 

Key Components:

1. Objects: Game elements such as sprites, texts, and buttons that are placed in the layouts.
2. Events: Rules that define the logic of the game, formed by conditions and actions. For example, “if the player presses the left key, it moves the character to the left.”
3. Behaviors: Predefined components that add common functionalities to objects, such as movement, physics, and platforms.
4. Layouts: Levels or game screens.

There are a wide variety of possibilities regarding platforms. We have referenced the most complete ones. You can learn more about different platforms and video games in the PLE that we have designed so that you have a dynamic reference in your learning. Check out video game platforms here.