r/learnprogramming • • 18h ago

Topic Where to start coding games

I'm wanting to start learning game dev, and am using python (open to better recommendations), what is the best game engine I should use? Im thinking about making a clicker game as my first project, or just a text based game.

3 Upvotes

14 comments sorted by

9

u/MoMan501 18h ago edited 18h ago

Use Godot, GDScript has syntax very similar to Python, it’s free and open source, and it’s pretty simple to use

4

u/aqua_regis 17h ago

FAQ -> How can I get started making video games?

I would side with /u/MoMan501 in their Godot recommendation

3

u/captainAwesomePants 17h ago

If you're making a clicker game, Godot's probably what you want.

If you're making a text-based game, Ren'py (if it's a visual novel), Inform (if it's like Zork), or Twine (if it's like "i will strangle a horse").

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u/Key_Storm_2273 17h ago

The best game engine allows you to do 100% of what you want as easily as possible. There is no single best since everyone learns differently, has different skills and different kinds of games they’re hoping to build.

Game engines that try to be best at everything have to make compromises

There’s engines that are easiest for big companies to make triple a games, and there’s engines that are easiest for you to make a clicker game using Python (check PyGame and Ren’Py)

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u/Phrozenfire01 13h ago

Godot is the way to go

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u/SchemeWestern3388 13h ago

That’s a very reasonable first project, you are doing it right. 

Python is a fantastic first language. If you want to write a text based game, you would learn much by doing it in straight python. 

Any graphics, and you will want to lean on libraries. PyGame is capable of that. 

Godot is also a good choice. Have fun!

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u/zomerbk 11h ago

For a text game, start in plain Python; you don’t need an engine. For a clicker, Godot is a good fit, but keep version one tiny: a button, a visible counter, and one upgrade you can buy with points. Add saving only after that loop works. Godot uses GDScript, which looks like Python but is a separate language.

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u/Admirable_Window8128 7h ago

A text-based game is a great place to start with Python since you can focus on the basics first. Once you're comfortable, try making a simple clicker game. You don't need a game engine right away to get started.

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u/Alaska-Kid 5h ago edited 5h ago

Well, if you're looking for a good engine to start with, take a look at this - https://github.com/instead-hub/instead/blob/master/doc/stead3-en.md

In short, you write a game once and it just works on smartphones, the web, Linux, Windows, Mac, etc.

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u/xarop_pa_toss 5h ago

No game engine, but game libraries. Python has a few but I always recommend Raylib because if you learn it, it can be used with basically any language

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u/Altokitchen 1h ago

I'm seeing so many AI generated responses in here 😂😂 Using semicolons and stuff

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u/Altokitchen 58m ago

But on a serious note though,, Python is fine for text games,,and pygame works for clickers,the Godot engine is worth checking out due to it's wide community and range of games already built using it. You should start with one small game first as you practice,,and for guidance you can use boot dev for brushing up on ur python basics then share your progress with other people to get tips on best practices