As game developers, it’s all too easy to settle into a comfort zone; we get familiar with a certain engine or technology, and continue to use it on all our projects. But this can be detrimental to our development in the long-run; by challenging ourselves and learning new engines, we open up a world of possibilities.
The advent of game engines has allowed developers to access a range of functions and frameworks to create games with ease. These engines have become ubiquitous in the game industry, with some of the most popular being Unity, Unreal Engine, and CryEngine. With its combination of out-of-the-box features and customizability, it’s no wonder that these engines have become so popular amongst developers.
Still, as with any technology, there are limits to what you can create with a certain engine. If your game requires specialized functions or custom graphics, you may find yourself having to switch engines in order to achieve the desired result.
Learning a new engine can be a daunting task, and requires a good deal of dedication. You have to familiarize yourself with the different coding conventions and frameworks, as well as the design philosophies that the engine offers. It’s a time-consuming process, but ultimately one that is invaluable to your development skills.
Not only will you become more familiar with how games are created, but you will also be able to utilize more powerful features in your future projects. With each engine offering a unique set of features, you can take advantage of this and use it to give your games a wholly new spin. By developing a cross-engine repertoire, you can maximize the possibilities of the games you create, giving you the opportunity to create something truly unique.
Learning new engines can be hard, but it’s a challenge that every developer should take on. By expanding your arsenal of skills, you open up a world of possibilities and breathe new life into your development. By pushing yourself past your comfort zone, you can create something that could be truly new and potent – and that’s worth the effort.
So why not take the plunge and explore the world of game engines? You never know what possibilities could await.