Doubts about starting your game creator’s journey? Have you considered GAME DEVELOPMENT WITH PYTHON? If not, take a look at our article that will highlights some of the most important points about creating games with Python.
Don’t like Python? Then in the GAME DEVELOPMENT WITH series we have already visited the Rust Language, check it out maybe it could better fit your needs.
Introduction
Game development is the process of creating interactive entertainment software, such as video games, mobile games, and computer games. Choosing the right programming language is an important decision for game developers, as it can affect the efficiency, performance, and scalability of the game.
Python is a popular programming language that is often used for game development. Python is a high-level, interpreted language that is known for its simplicity, readability, and flexibility. It is often used for a wide range of applications, including web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and scientific computing.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of using Python for game development, discuss some of the challenges that developers may face, and provide examples of successful games that have been made using Python. We will also introduce some of the game engines and tools that are available for Python game development, and discuss the pros and cons of using Python for game development.
Why use Python for game development
There are several reasons why Python is a good choice for game development.
First, Python is a versatile programming language that can be used for a wide range of applications, including game development. It is known for its simplicity and flexibility, which makes it a good choice for beginners and experienced developers alike.
Second, Python has a large and active community of developers and users who are constantly creating new libraries, frameworks, and resources to help make game development easier and more efficient. This means that you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced developer looking to improve your skills.
Third, Python is a high-level language, which means that it is relatively easy to read and write. This makes it a good choice for beginners who are just starting out in programming, as well as for experienced developers who want to quickly prototype and test ideas.
Fourth, Python is highly compatible with other languages and platforms, which means that you can use it to create games for a variety of platforms and devices. This makes it a good choice for developers who want to create games for multiple platforms or target a wider audience.
Finally, Python is a powerful language that can handle complex tasks and simulations, making it a viable option for more advanced and resource-intensive games. It has a range of libraries and frameworks that are specifically designed for game development, such as Pygame, Panda3D, and Pyglet, which can help developers create professional-quality games more efficiently.
Overall, Python’s versatility, ease of use, and large community of developers make it a popular choice for game development across a wide range of genres and platforms.
Pros and cons of using Python for game development:
Using Python for game development has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Python for game development:
Pros:
- Easy to learn and use: Python is a high-level language that is known for its simplicity and readability. It has a relatively small and easy-to-learn syntax, which makes it a good choice for beginners who are just starting out in programming.
- Large community and resources available: Python has a large and active community of developers and users who are constantly creating new libraries, frameworks, and resources to help make game development easier and more efficient. This means that you have a wealth of resources at your fingertips, whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced developer looking to improve your skills.
- Versatility and compatibility with other languages and platforms: Python is a versatile programming language that can be used for a wide range of applications, including game development. It is also highly compatible with other languages and platforms, which means that you can use it to create games for a variety of platforms and devices.
- Ability to handle complex tasks and simulations: Python is a powerful language that can handle complex tasks and simulations, making it a viable option for more advanced and resource-intensive games. It has a range of libraries and frameworks that are specifically designed for game development, such as Pygame, Panda3D, and Pyglet, which can help developers create professional-quality games more efficiently.
Cons:
- Performance issues with larger and more resource-intensive games: Python is a high-level language that is interpreted at runtime, which means that it may not be as fast as lower-level languages such as C or C++. This can lead to performance issues with larger and more resource-intensive games, especially when compared to languages that are compiled directly to machine code
- Limited support for certain platforms and hardware: While Python is a versatile programming language that can be used to create games for a variety of platforms and devices, it may have limited support for certain platforms and hardware. For example, Python may not be well-suited for creating games for mobile devices due to its performance and memory requirements.
- Dependence on third-party libraries and frameworks: Python game development often relies on third-party libraries and frameworks, such as Pygame, Panda3D, and Pyglet, which can introduce dependencies and potential compatibility issues. This means that developers may need to spend extra time and effort researching and integrating these libraries and frameworks into their projects.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons of creating games with Python, the final decision will have to depend on the specific needs and goals of the project. While Python has many benefits that make it a good choice for game development, developers should also be aware of its potential limitations and challenges.
Game engines and tools for Python game development:
There are a number of game engines and tools that are available for Python game development. These tools provide a range of features and functionality that can help developers create professional-quality games more efficiently. Here are some examples of game engines and tools that are available for Python game development:
Pygame
Pygame is a free and open-source library for Python that is designed specifically for game development. It provides a set of modules and functions for creating games and includes features such as 2D graphics, audio, and input handling. Here is an example of how to use Pygame to create a simple game:
import pygame
# Initialize pygame
pygame.init()
# Set the window size and title
screen = pygame.display.set_mode((640, 480))
pygame.display.set_caption("My Game")
# Run the game loop
running = True
while running:
for event in pygame.event.get():
if event.type == pygame.QUIT:
running = False
# Update game logic here
# Draw the screen
screen.fill((0, 0, 0)) # Clear the screen
pygame.display.flip() # Update the screen
# Quit pygame
pygame.quit()
Panda3D
Panda3D is a 3D game engine that is built on top of the Python programming language. It offers a wide range of features, including support for graphics, physics, networking, and more. Here is an example of how to use Panda3D to create a simple 3D scene:
Pyglet: Pyglet is a cross-platform windowing and multimedia library for Python that is designed for game development. It provides support for 2D graphics, audio, and input handling, as well as support for multiple windows and full-screen display. Here is an example of how to use Pyglet to create a simple 2D game:
import pyglet
# Set the window size and title
window = pyglet.window.Window(640, 480)
window.set_caption("My Game")
# Load and display an image
image = pyglet.resource.image("image.png")
image.blit(0, 0)
# Run the game loop
@window.event
def on_draw():
window.clear()
image.blit(0, 0)
pyglet.app.run()
Kivy
Kivy is an open-source library for Python that is designed for the development of mobile and desktop applications. It includes support for touch input, animations, and various graphics backends, making it a good choice for creating games for multiple platforms. Here is an example of how to use Kivy to create a simple game with touch input:
import kivy
kivy.require("1.11.1")
from kivy.app import App
from kivy.uix.widget import Widget
class MyGame(Widget):
def on_touch_down(self, touch):
# Do something when the screen is touched
print("Touch detected at", touch.pos)
class MyGameApp(App):
def build(self):
return MyGame()
if __name__ == "__main__":
MyGameApp().run()
Cocos2d
Cocos2d is a 2D game engine for Python that is built on top of Pyglet. It offers a range of features for creating 2D games, including support for sprite animation, physics, and particle effects. Here is an example of how to use Cocos2d to create a simple 2D game:
import cocos
# Create a scene
scene = cocos.scene.Scene()
# Add a layer to the scene
layer = cocos.layer.Layer()
scene.add(layer)
# Create a sprite and add it to the layer
sprite = cocos.sprite.Sprite("image.png")
layer.add(sprite)
# Set the sprite's position and anchor point
sprite.position = (100, 100)
sprite.anchor = (0, 0)
# Add a "move" action to the sprite
move_action = cocos.actions.MoveBy((100, 100), duration=1)
sprite.do(move_action)
# Run the game
cocos.director.director.run(scene)
This code example demonstrates how to use Cocos2d to create a simple 2D game with a sprite that moves across the screen. The code creates a scene and a layer, and it adds a sprite to the layer. It then sets the sprite’s position and anchor point, and adds a “move” action to the sprite using the “do” method. Finally, the code runs the game using the Cocos2d director.
To use this code, you will need to install Cocos2d and its dependencies, and create an image file named “image.png” to use as the sprite’s texture. You can then paste the code into a Python script and run it to see the sprite move across the screen. You can also add additional logic and functionality to the script to create more complex games.
PYGLET
Pyglet is an open-source Python library for game development that is built on top of the OpenGL graphics library. It offers a range of features for creating 2D and 3D games, including support for sprite animation, text rendering, and event handling.
One of the main advantages of Pyglet is its simplicity and ease of use. It has a small and lightweight codebase, and it is designed to be easy to learn and understand. This makes it a good choice for beginners and developers who are new to game development.
Pyglet also offers a number of features that can be useful for game development, such as the ability to create and manipulate sprites, display text, and handle user input. It also supports a range of file formats, such as images, audio, and video, which can be used in games.
In addition to its core features, Pyglet can be extended and integrated with other libraries and frameworks to add additional functionality. For example, it can be used in combination with PyOpenGL to create 3D games, or with Pyglet-Gui to create user interfaces.
Overall, Pyglet is a versatile and easy-to-use library for game development with Python, and it is a good choice for developers who are looking for a lightweight and simple solution. If you are interested in using Pyglet for your game development projects, there are many resources and tutorials available online to help you get started.
Blender
Blender is a 3D modeling and animation software that can be used for game development. It includes support for a wide range of features, including modeling, texturing, animation, and physics simulation. While Blender is not specifically designed for game development, it can be used in combination with Python to create 3D games. Here is an example of how to use Blender and Python to create a simple 3D game:
import bge
# Get a reference to the current scene
scene = bge.logic.getCurrentScene()
# Get a reference to an object in the scene
obj = scene.objects["MyObject"]
# Update the object's position
obj.position.x += 0.1
# Check for a collision
if obj.sensors["Collision"].positive:
print("Collision detected")
his code example demonstrates how to use Blender’s Game Engine (BGE) to access and manipulate objects in a 3D scene. The code gets a reference to the current scene and an object within that scene, and it updates the object’s position and checks for collisions.
To use this code in Blender, you will need to create a 3D scene with at least one object, and add a “Python” controller to the object. Then, you can paste the code into the “Script” field of the controller and press the “Run Script” button to execute the code. You can also add additional logic and functionality to the script to create more complex games.
Tiled
Tiled is a 2D level editor that can be used to create levels and maps for games. It supports a wide range of features, including support for multiple layers, tilesets, and object types. Tiled can be used in combination with Python to create 2D games, and it has a number of libraries and frameworks available for integration, such as pytmx and pytiled. Here is an example of how to use Tiled and Python to create a simple 2D game:
import pytmx
import pygame
# Load the Tiled map
tmx_data = pytmx.load_pygame("map.tmx")
# Iterate through the layers and draw them to the screen
for layer in tmx_data.visible_layers:
if isinstance(layer, pytmx.TiledTileLayer):
for x, y, gid in layer:
tile = tmx_data.get_tile_image(gid)
screen.blit(tile, (x * tmx_data.tilewidth, y * tmx_data.tileheight))
PyCharm
PyCharm is a popular integrated development environment (IDE) for Python that is specifically designed for Python development. It includes a range of features, such as code completion, debugging, testing, and version control, that can help developers create games more efficiently. PyCharm is not a game engine, but it can be used in combination with other game engines and tools to streamline the game development process.
Drawbacks of using Python for game development:
While Python is a popular and powerful programming language for game development, it also has some drawbacks that developers should be aware of. Here are some of the drawbacks of using Python for game development:
- Performance issues with larger and more resource-intensive games: As mentioned earlier, Python is a high-level language that is interpreted at runtime, which means that it may not be as fast as lower-level languages such as C or C++. This can lead to performance issues with larger and more resource-intensive games, especially when compared to languages that are compiled directly to machine code.
- Dependence on third-party libraries and frameworks: Python game development often relies on third-party libraries and frameworks, such as Pygame, Panda3D, and Pyglet, which can introduce dependencies and potential compatibility issues. This means that developers may need to spend extra time and effort researching and integrating these libraries and frameworks into their projects.
- Limited support for certain platforms and hardware: While Python is a versatile programming language that can be used to create games for a variety of platforms and devices, it may have limited support for certain platforms and hardware. For example, Python may not be well-suited for creating games for mobile devices due to its performance and memory requirements.
- Steep learning curve for more advanced concepts: While Python is known for its simplicity and ease of use, it can have a steep learning curve for more advanced concepts such as object-oriented programming and data structures. This can make it more challenging for beginners to learn and may require more time and effort to master.
These are just a few examples of the drawbacks of using Python for game development. While Python has many benefits that make it a good choice for game development, developers should also be aware of its potential limitations and challenges.
Examples of games made with Python:
There are many videogames that have been created using Python, ranging from small indie games to larger commercial releases. Here are a few examples of videogames made with Python:
- Civilization IV is a popular turn-based strategy game that was developed using Python for its AI and scripting capabilities. The game was praised for its depth and complexity, and it has won numerous awards and accolades.
- World of Warcraft is a popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that uses Python for its server-side logic and game mechanics. The game has been highly successful, with millions of players and a dedicated fan base.
- Kerbal Space Program is a popular space flight simulation game that was developed using Python for its gameplay logic and scripting. The game has been praised for its realism and depth, and it has won numerous awards and accolades.
- Subnautica is an open-world survival game that was developed using Python for its gameplay logic and AI. The game has been praised for its immersive gameplay and stunning visuals, and it has won numerous awards and accolades.
- Eve Online is a popular MMORPG that uses Python for its server-side logic and game mechanics. The game has been highly successful, with a dedicated player base and a rich and complex universe.
- Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that was developed using Python for its server-side logic and modding support. The game has been highly successful, with millions of players and a dedicated modding community.
These are just a few examples of the many videogames that have been created using Python. Python’s versatility and ease of use make it a popular choice for game development, and there are many resources and tutorials available online to help developers get started.
GAME DEVELOPMENT WITH PYTHON YOUTUBE VIDEO
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Python is a popular and powerful programming language that is well-suited for game development. It offers a range of benefits, including simplicity, readability, and a large community of users and developers. Python also has a number of game engines and tools available, such as Pygame, Panda3D, and Pyglet, which can help developers create games more efficiently.
However, Python also has some drawbacks that developers should be aware of, including potential performance issues with larger and more resource-intensive games, dependence on third-party libraries and frameworks, limited support for certain platforms and hardware, and a steep learning curve for more advanced concepts.
Despite these drawbacks, Python has been used to create a wide range of videogames, from small indie games to larger commercial releases. Examples of videogames made with Python include Civilization IV, Toontown Online, World of Warcraft, Kerbal Space Program, Subnautica, Eve Online, and Minecraft.
As we have seen in this article Python is a versatile and powerful language that can be a good choice for game development, and there are many resources and tutorials available online to help developers get started.
GAME DEVELOPMENT WITH PYTHON REFERENCES
- Pygame (https://www.pygame.org/)
- Panda3D (https://www.panda3d.org/)
- Pyglet (https://pyglet.readthedocs.io/en/stable/)
- Kivy (https://kivy.org/#home)
- Cocos2d (https://cocos2d.org/)
- Blender (https://www.blender.org/)
- Tiled (https://www.mapeditor.org/)
- PyCharm (https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/)
- Civilization IV (https://www.civilization.com/games/civilization-iv/)
- Eve Online (https://www.eveonline.com/)
- Battlefield 2 (https://www.battlefield.com/games/battlefield-2)
- Maya (https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview)
- World of Tanks (https://worldoftanks.com/)
- Baldur’s Gate (https://www.baldursgate.com/)
- Icewind Dale (https://www.icewinddale.com/)
Thank you for reading this article on game development with Python. We hope you found it informative and useful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Also, be sure to check out our other articles on game development and programming for more information and inspiration.
In the GAME DEVELOPMENT WITH serie we have already visited the Rust Language, check it out maybe it could better fit your needs.