less_retarded_wiki

main page, file list (652), source, commit RSS feed, report abuse, stats, random article, consoomer version

Game Engine

Game engine is a software, usually a framework or a library, that serves as a base code for games. Such an engine may be seen as a platform allowing portability and offering preprogrammed functionality often needed in games (3D rendering, physics engine, I/O, networking, AI, audio, scripting, ...) as well as tools used in game development (level editor, shader editor, 3D editor, ...). The scope and complexity (bloat) of game engines vary, some are quite tiny (good), others are full fledged all-in-one frameworks with tools, asset stores and so on (bad).

Game engines differ from general multimedia engines/libraries, such as SDL, by their specific focus on games. They are also distinguished from generic rendering engines, e.g. 3D engines such as OpenSceneGraph, because games require more than just rendering (audio, AI, physics, ...). While one may use general purpose technology such as C + SDL to create a game, opting for a game engine should make the process easier. However, beware of bloat that plagues most mainstream game engines. LRS advises against use of any frameworks, so try to at worst use a game library. Many game programmers such as Jonathan Blow advocate and practice writing own engines for one's games.

Should you use a game engine? Probably NOT, either use something LRS approved, such as SAF, or write the game from scratch, as a portable software without dependencies.

Existing Engines

The following are some notable game engines.

See Also

Powered by nothing. All content available under CC0 1.0 (public domain). Send comments and corrections to drummyfish at disroot dot org.