Game development using the open-source Godot Game Engine

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis examined the open-source video game development tool, Godot Engine. The popularity and viability of independent game development is growing along with the many software tools available for developers today. This thesis focused on the potential of Godot Engine for game development, its design, features and workflows.

Evaluating Godot Engine in this thesis was done in multiple ways. Godot Engine was compared to the popular alternatives, Unity and Unreal Engine. Godot Engine’s history, design, features and community were examined. Godot Engine’s numerous features for graphics, physics, programming, animation, audio and networking were highlighted.

This thesis includes a practical project, which was created using Godot Engine. The goal of the practical part was to provide a closer look at the structure of a project in Godot Engine, and to showcase common workflows associated with the program. The project results were examined in detail, with examples of design, programming and features covered. The project was publicly released as open-source software for further reference and study.

A concluding discussion on the merits of Godot Engine as an independent game development tool was written to conclude the thesis work. Along with this, a reflection on the practical project, and some details about future developments and trends were included.