Essential Tools and Engines for 2D Game Development Without Unity or Godot
Game Engines
Ebitengine (for Go): A lightweight and powerful engine for building 2D games in Go. It’s beginner-friendly and helps rekindle passion for coding.
libGDX: A versatile and widely-used cross-platform Java framework. It supports 2D game development with a robust set of features.
Construct: Known for its ease of use, Construct is a drag-and-drop engine that doesn’t require extensive coding experience.
Programming Languages
Kotlin: With increasing support for game development, Kotlin is a modern language offering strong tools for building complex 2D games.
JavaScript: A great choice for web-based 2D games, thanks to the wide array of libraries and frameworks such as Phaser.
Essential Tools
Graphics Tools: Use GIMP or Inkscape for creating 2D assets. These free tools are essential for developers focusing on high-quality graphics.
Sound Design:Audacity is a powerful open-source tool for editing and creating sound effects, which are crucial for immersive game experiences.
Development Resources
Pikuma: Fundamental Math for Game Developers: Understanding math fundamentals is key. This resource helps developers enhance their mathematics skills applied in game development.
Game Development Life Cycle: Knowing the development process is as crucial as having the right tools. This involves understanding ideation, prototyping, development, and deployment stages.