With all the facilities that technological advances offer us today. Activities that previously required great knowledge in programming and computing. They have become much more accessible to people, to the point that it is no longer an essential requirement to be an expert computer scientist or programmer to be able to create a video game. And it’s all thanks to graphics engines, or also known as game engines. Which will be the topic to be discussed throughout this entry. If you are interested in knowing how to create a video game and, above all, understanding what this software is, stay and read the article until the end, because this and other doubts will be resolved.
Before starting with the various points that we will develop in this article. The first thing to be clear about is the answer to the question. “What are graphics engines?”. Same question that gives rise to this article.
For this it is very simple and we can define it as follows… A graphics engine is a set of tools, functions and commands pre-established in the same software that allow the optimal development of a video game. This means that graphics engines can be perceived as a “Tool Kit” for game development.
It is worth mentioning that there are some engines that are focused on a certain genre of video games (for example, RPG Maker). And others that are more general like the famous unity, game maker, or Gdevelop. Which generally support distributing the game on various platforms, such as PC, mobile, browsers and even consoles. The latter will depend on the chosen engine and its specifications when exporting a project.
Requirements to be able to use a graphics engine.
In itself, in order to obtain a graphic engine, it is not necessary to have a super PC to be able to develop. In fact, this is a common mistake that people fall into, since many believe that in order to develop a video game, it is necessary to have expensive equipment for it. Although it is true that with a powerful PC you can expand your ambitions and bet on something more “Demanding”. That doesn’t mean that to make a great game you need to invest a bucks.
The reality is that with a standard PC (including office) you can consider the idea of developing a game. It does not matter if it is a basic game or one of those called “Casual”. In the end, if the idea is good and fun, the game does its job.
However, if we are talking about requirements to develop a game, obviously you are going to need to master some skills. As can be the handling of some design and illustration software (for example Photoshop). To be able to design the graphic elements of your game, and of course learn to use the tools of the graphic engine. Which, depending on what it is, you can create your game without having to learn to program, this is a function that is widely seen in modern engines and that in fact we will deal with in the next point of this post with a recommendation.
There is also the issue of musical composition, however this could be considered optional thanks to the vast amount of free audio libraries on the internet. So the music will be the least of your problems.
Recommendation and Advice.
To close this entry, we want to do it with a recommendation of a graphics engine that I have tried from my own experience. And of which I have been amazed with the ease and simplicity in the domain and management of it. It is the game engine “GDevelop”.
This engine stands out not only for how easy it is to learn, but also because it is open source software, you will be able to use all its functions and advantages without dropping a single buck. Not to mention that it allows you to export your game to a wide range of platforms, which range from Android, IOS, Windows, Mac, among others.
They have an active community which will be willing to address any problem that comes your way, and their documentation is completely in Spanish. Which makes learning much easier, since everything will be in our language.
Although the graphics engine does not stand out because some great game has been created with it. It certainly turns out to be perhaps the best option for beginners. For those who aspire to create a game without major complications. Remember that in the world of game development, the important thing is not the programs or tools you use, but your creativity, and Gdevelop offers you great options that, in the right hands. They can allow the birth of a great game.