Introduction to Godot for Game Development

Overview

• Presenter: Experienced game developer with 14+ years in the industry
• Topic: Getting started with Godot for beginner game developers
• Key Benefits:
  • Open-source and free
  • Lightweight, can run in a browser
  • Beginner-friendly
• Sponsor: Zenwa Academy
  • Offers beginner and intermediate courses on Godot, Python, Unity, Unreal, etc.
  • Subscription includes access to over 250 courses
  • Special discount and 7-day free trial for new subscribers

Installing Godot

• Go to GodotEngine.org
• Download the latest version and unzip
• Place the folder somewhere memorable

Setting Up a New Project

• Open Godot, create a new project
• Name it (e.g., "first game") and save it in a new folder

Getting Started: Basic Game Development

• Initial Project Setup: Blank canvas ready
• Deciding the Game Concept: Flush out what the game will be about

Importing Assets

• Assets Needed: Sprites, models, textures, and sounds
• File System Organization:
  • Create folders for assets, scripts, scenes
  • Drag and drop assets into the assets folder

Understanding Nodes and Scenes

• Nodes: Fundamental building blocks of a Godot project
  • Various types: image display, sound, physics
  • Nodes can be extended
• Scenes: Collection of nodes bundled into reusable packages
  • Can be nested
  • Example: combining player, platform, coin scenes into level 1 scene

Making the Player Character

• Create a 2D scene for the player
• Add CharacterBody2D node and an AnimatedSprite2D for graphics
• Define sprite frames for animations using a sprite sheet
• Collision Shape: Add CollisionShape2D for physics interactions

Basic Movement Script

• Godot's scripting language: GDScript
• Add a script to the player for basic movement
• Adjust speed and jump velocity

Designing the Game World

• Tilemap for Ground:
  • Use Tilemap and Tileset to create levels
  • Physics layers for colliders
• Moving Platforms: Use AnimatableBody2D with AnimationPlayer

Collecting Coins

• Area2D and CollisionShape2D for detection
• Animation and sound for pickups
• Use signals to script interactions

Creating Enemies

• Similar process as the player: add nodes and animations
• Script for basic enemy movement using RayCast2D

Game Mechanics: Dying and Restarting

• Kill Zone: Use Area2D to detect player falls or touch enemies
• Add delay and use Timer to restart the game
• Slow-motion effects and player collision handling

HUD: Adding Score and Text

• GameManager node for game-wide variables
• Labels for Text: Integrate into the game world

Sound and Music

• Use AudioStreamPlayer2D for background music and sound effects
• Configure audio routing through an audio mixer

Exporting the Game

• Export Templates: Download and install
• Project Export Settings: Configure for Windows

Additional Tips and Next Steps

• Improving the Game: Expand levels, add effects, main menu, power-ups, etc.
• Check out Zenwa Academy for further tutorials and resources