Where to start coding games

[u/AccomplishedMany2138]

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.

[u/MoMan501]

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

[u/Distinct-Brief9643 → u/MoMan501]

I support

[u/aqua_regis]

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

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

[u/captainAwesomePants]

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").

[u/Key_Storm_2273]

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)

[u/Phrozenfire01]

Godot is the way to go

[u/SchemeWestern3388]

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!

[u/zomerbk]

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.

[u/Admirable_Window8128]

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.

[u/Alaska-Kid]

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.

[u/xarop_pa_toss]

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