Introduction to Making a 2D Game with Pure Code

If you're curious about making a 2D game from scratch without a game engine like Unity or Godot, you might wonder what the easiest way could be. The answer is through pure coding, which means you'll write every necessary piece of functionality yourself. However, it's important to understand the complexity and extensive amount of code involved in such a task.

What is "Pure Code" in Game Development?

When discussing "pure code" in game development, it's essential to clarify that there is no such thing as absolute "pure code." A game engine is a vast collection of code that abstracts complexities and provides developers with a simpler interface to work with. Even the simplest game engines are built on top of lower-level languages and libraries, making them inherently complex.

For instance, a game as simple as Tic Tac Toe can be coded in JavaScript, a high-level programming language. While this might appear to be "pure code," it still runs on a higher abstraction level. Even JavaScript, despite its simplicity, uses abstractions and frameworks under the hood to function efficiently.

The Challenges and Requirements of Pure Code Game Development

Developing a 2D game from scratch with pure code is an ambitious project, and it's not the easiest way to create a game. Here's a summary of what you need to consider:

System Requirements

Input System: Handling keyboard or mouse input. Rendering: Managing the rendering of graphics. Core Loop: Creating a game loop that manages the game state. UI: Implementing user interface elements and controls. Asset Management: Loading, unloading, and managing assets. Physics: Implementing physics simulation. Sound: Handling audio integration. Level Editor: Creating a level editor for game design.

Each of these components is a significant undertaking, and implementing them from scratch is a daunting challenge. This is where game engines like Unity and Godot shine—they handle these intricacies, making game development more accessible.

Building the Game from Scratch

If you have the ambition and the background to tackle this project, here's a step-by-step guide to start with:

Step 1: Input System

Implement a basic input system that can handle user actions like keyboard or mouse input. You'll need to translate these inputs into actions that affect the game state.

Step 2: Core Loop

A core game loop is essential. It should handle updating the game state, rendering the game, handling input, and managing time deltas for smooth performance.

Step 3: Asset Management

Create systems to load, unload, and manage assets like images, sounds, and animations. Use reference counting to ensure assets are not unloaded until they are no longer needed.

Step 4: Rendering

Develop a rendering pipeline that can handle 2D graphics. This includes handling sprite rendering, sprite sheets, and basic lighting.

Step 5: Physics and Sound

Implement simple physics and sound systems. Basic collision detection and sound playback are essential for a smooth game experience.

Step 6: Level Editor

Create a level editor that allows you to design and manage game levels. This can be a simple XML-based system or a more complex, visual layout tool.

Step 7: Entity-Component System

To manage complex game entities, implement an entity-component system. This will allow you to create modular, scalable game entities.

After completing these steps, you should have a functional 2D game engine. However, you may want to go further and add features like multiplayer support or advanced graphics.

Conclusion

Developing a 2D game with pure code is a challenging and rewarding task. While it requires a significant amount of effort and expertise, it can lead to a deeply understanding of game development concepts. However, it's important to recognize that this approach is not the easiest way to create a game, especially if you're new to the field. Game engines like Unity and Godot can handle many of these complexities for you, making game development more accessible and efficient.

Remember, the best way to learn and grow as a game developer is to start small and build incrementally. Whether you choose to use a game engine or go the pure code route, each path has its benefits and challenges. Happy coding!