Game engines are software frameworks used by developers to build video games, providing tools, libraries, and APIs to create, design, and optimize games. They include multiple subsystems that handle various aspects of game development. Unity, Unreal Engine, and GameMaker Studio are popular game engines used to create games on multiple platforms, including mobile, PC, and console. Developing a game using a game engine involves several stages, including pre-production, production, testing, and release. Game engines are essential to modern game development, providing a structured and streamlined approach to creating immersive and visually stunning games.
Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Software Engines Used to Create Today’s Top Games
Introduction
When you sit down to play a video game, you’re likely thinking more about the storyline, graphics, and gameplay than the software that powers the game. However, without the powerful software engines that drive modern games, those immersive experiences would not be possible.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the software engines used to create some of today’s top games, including how they work and what makes them so essential to game development.
Game Engines: What Are They?
A game engine is a software framework for developers to build video games. It includes a set of tools, libraries, and APIs that allow developers to create, design, and optimize their games. The game engine provides a structured way to incorporate gameplay mechanics, graphics, sound, and other essential elements into a game.
Underneath the surface, game engines usually consist of multiple subsystems that handle different aspects of game development, such as rendering, physics, input, and networking.
Popular Game Engines
There are many game engines out there, but a few are used most frequently by top game developers. These include:
Unity
Unity is a popular game engine used by developers to create games on multiple platforms, including mobile, PC, and console. It includes a wide range of features, such as support for 2D and 3D graphics, physics, and AI. Unity also incorporates a visual editor that allows developers to see changes in real-time as they make them.
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is another widely-used game engine that has been powering top-tier games since the late 1990s. It includes robust functionalities such as physics, audio, networking, and AI, and has an incredibly powerful visual editor that allows developers to create photorealistic gaming experiences.
GameMaker Studio
GameMaker Studio is a beginner-friendly game engine that has been used to create indie successes like Undertale and Hyper Light Drifter. It includes powerful features like a visual drag-and-drop interface, an asset library, and a code editor that allows developers to create games quickly and easily.
How Game Engines Are Used to Create Games
Creating a video game involves a complex and multi-layered process. However, game engines provide a structured and streamlined approach to game development, allowing developers to integrate all the necessary elements into a cohesive whole.
The process of creating a game using a game engine typically involves several stages, including:
Pre-Production
During the pre-production phase, developers plan out the game’s design, storyline, assets, and other fundamental elements of the game. They create documentation and concept art that lays out the vision for the game, including its gameplay mechanics, graphics, and overall tone.
Production
During the production phase, developers begin to build the game using a game engine. They use the engine’s visual editor to create and preview game assets such as environments, characters, and animations. They also program gameplay mechanics, incorporate physics and AI, and add sound and music.
Testing and Debugging
Once the game is built, developers test it thoroughly to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues. They may use various testing tools to identify and fix problems, and make tweaks to improve gameplay and overall quality.
Release
Finally, once testing is complete, the game is released to the public. Developers continue to monitor the game after release, making updates and patches as necessary to improve gameplay, correct bugs, and add new features.
Conclusion
Game engines are essential to modern game development, providing a structured and streamlined approach to creating immersive games. Whether it’s Unity or Unreal Engine, GameMaker Studio, or another game engine entirely, these software frameworks provide the necessary tools, libraries, and APIs to create the visually stunning and engaging games that we all love to play.