The term “game engine” is rarely mentioned in AAA game announcements or among gamers themselves. However, when it comes to developing your own project, the engine is the first thing you need to consider. The term refers to a set of software tools that developers use to create software.
In the second half of the 1990s and the first half of the 2000s, many studios used self-written engines, as well-known technologies such as idTech or Unreal Engine were unavailable to small teams due to the high cost of licensing. Now the situation has changed: any developer can choose the optimal base for their project from a variety of options — paid and free, for working with 2D and 3D, universal and highly specialized.
We are launching a series of articles dedicated to the best and most suitable engines for video game development. And before you set aside a budget for purchasing the necessary software, it is useful to consider the technologies that are freely available. Below is a list of seven free engines that are popular in game development. Familiarizing yourself with their characteristics will help developers make the right choice. It is worth noting that working with these technologies largely depends on having certain knowledge.
Godot
The engine was developed by two programmers from Argentina, Juan Linietsky and Ariel Manzur, in 2007. For several years, Godot was the basis for the internal software of some Latin American companies. Before the engine’s source code was made publicly available, its iterations were released under various names: Larvotor, Legacy, NG3D, and Larvita. Godot is still actively supported thanks to donations on Patreon from a community interested in the development of the technology.
Achievements:
- According to data from the itch.io portal, Godot ranks fifth among the most popular game engines, leaving RPG Maker and Unreal Engine 4 behind.
- More than 5,000 projects have been made on Godot.
- In early 2021, the developers received a $120,000 grant from the Volgograd studio KEFIR!
Advantages:
- Suitable for 2D games.
- Unlike Unity, it supports a pixel-based measurement system and facilitates the creation of pixel art.
- The multi-platform editor (Windows, macOS, Linux) works in two modes — 32 and 64 bits.
- Scripts are easier to implement than in other engines: in addition to its own GDScript, there is full support for C# 8.0, C++, as well as visual programming.
- Flexible object animation system built into the engine.
- Detailed documentation available in the community, as well as lots of useful information on Reddit.
Disadvantages:
- 2D physics and shadows are implemented worse than in other free engines;
- difficulties may arise with moving and changing objects on the level;
- The 3D engine cannot compete with more powerful alternatives.
- Does not support consoles.
- Limited integration with third-party APIs.
- Lack of iconic hits.
Games powered by the engine: Kingdoms of the Dump, The Garden Path, Until Then, Ex Zodiac, GDQuest.