How Python 3 Can Be Useful in Creating Games

Muhammad Hassan Karim
7 min readJun 14, 2024

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Python 3 is among the most widely used programming languages in the current world, best known for its ease of use, comprehensibility and flexibility. More broadly, many developers know Python as a language for web development, data analysis, and machine learning, but it is also excellent for game development. In this piece, the author focuses on explaining how the programming language Python 3 can be applied to game growth as well as benefits, libraries, and examples.

Game Development using Python

The following are some of the benefits associated with using Python 3 in developing games;

Simplicity and Readability

Python’s grammar is simple and readable; hence this language is perfect for both clients and expert developers. The soft language does not complicate stuffs hence developers can easily comprehend it, especially when working on numerous and intricate game projects.

Rapid Prototyping

Python enables quick and well-organized coding due to the essence of its design as a scripting language. The game mechanics and controls can easily be implemented and tested by the developer without getting entangled in the wirings as it is necessary in some other languages. This fast iteration cycle is useful in this process especially in game development where the concepts require constant testing and feedback.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Python is also cross-platform; thus, it is capable of developing games that can be implemented on the various operating systems like windows, Mac, and Linux. While maintaining cross-platform compatibility is beneficial for developers as it allows them to target a larger audience without the need for extensive code modifications.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Extensive Libraries and Frameworks

Many libraries and frameworks available in Python make it easier to develop games. Such tools are ready-made features and interfaces, thus serving developers reduce their work time. The most widely used libraries are Py_game, Panda3D, and Godot.

Intro to Python Libraries for Game Development

Libraries

Py_game

Py_game is a powerful tool in the python language that is widely used in developing games. They are based on the SDL (Simple Direct Media Layer) library and allow working with graphics, sounds, and inputs.

Graphics: Py_game can be used to create and work with 2d drawing and graphics without so much effort. It supports most of the image functions such as loading images, displaying them and simple operations like scaling and rotation of images.

Sound: One of the key components of any game is the ability to play sounds such as sound effects and music; the library can incorporate these components.

Input Handling: The last common feature of Py_game is that it makes easy to deal with Keyboard, Mouse and game controllers since these are mostly required in interactive games.

Panda3D

Panda3D is an engine designed specifically for the creation of 3D games and contains all the essential tools for doing that. It is well suitable for those with little programming knowledge or those who are very experienced and it uses Python as a script language.

3D Rendering: As for the 3D capabilities of Panda3D, the engine has solid implemented 3D rendering, so developers can easily create detailed 3D landscapes and characters.

Physics Engine: It also boasts an engine for physics with possibilities provided for collision detection and gravity and physical interaction.

Networking: Network play is another feature that is supported by Panda3D, and the system offers tools for dealing with connections, syncing data, and the players themselves.

Godot Engine

While Godot specifically uses its own language called GD SCRIPT, it is accessible to Python through various add-ons. Godot is a cross-platform, asset, and code development environment for free and open-source video games with 2D and 3D abilities.

Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Godot offers an integrated development environment, so you use a scene editor, script editor, debugging and much more making it a one-stop shop for game developers.

Node System: Based on the node system, its reticular architecture helps a lot in structuring and managing the factors within the game.

Cross-Platform Export: Godot includes the options to compile the project for multiple targets, such as desktop, mobile and web targets directly in IDE.

The Role of Python in the Real World: Game Development

Learning to Create 2D Games Using Py_game

Py_game is most suitable for developing 2D games like the platformer games, puzzle games and arcade kind of games apart from others. Because of the simplicity, developers can directly concentrate on the essential mechanics and ideas behind a game, rather than spending much time working on the program’s code.

Platformer Game: Py_game provides the sprite and collision modules which can be used to implement a basic platformer game. It is possible for developers to describe the movements of characters, the principles of jumping, as well as the behavior of a character within platforms and obstacles.

Puzzle Game: Before presenting our game project, we need to mention that Py_game provides rich possibilities to display images and handle inputs that allow creating puzzle games where the main controls are clicks and drags.

Panda3D — Creating 3D Games

As for the type of games that would require a more advanced tool like Panda3D, it is ideal for simulation games, adventure and RPG games. It has a very commanding tool configuration to offer, where players can build elaborate 3D environments and realistic physics.

Adventure Game: Depending on the game settings, with the aid of Panda3D one can develop really vast space with highly detailed models and textures. This capability using LUA scripting makes it possible for complex game interactions, quests, and emergent narrative.

Simulation Game: It’s possible to use Panda3D for creating simulation games that are as accurate as possible in terms of physics that govern them, like car racing or construction games, etc.

How to connect Python with Godot for 2D and 3D

Although Godot is often scripted with GD SCRIPT, it can be also combined with Python and call Python functions and Python is a great language with a lot of libraries.

2D Game: In regard to the development, Godot offers a highly effective game engine for 2D games along with Python support for logic making it very efficient to prototype and tweak a game.

3D Game: Godot’s built-in 3D engine focuses on graphical output, while Python is used to encode intricate game mechanics and data processing.

Case Studies

Some of the Popular Games developed by means of this programming language are;

Python has been used in various successful games proving its effectiveness and versatility.

“Frets on Fire”: Described as another version of ‘Guitar Hero’, this music rhythm game was designed using Python and Py_game. It enables players to play right along with their favorite tunes, by enabling use of a keyboard or guitar controller.

“Battle for WESNOTH”: A strategy turn based game, “Battle for WESNOTH” was created through the use of Python and C++. It’s one of the games with rich gameplay, detailed graphics, and an active mod pack community.

Educational Games and Applications

Python is quite informal to use, which makes it a preferred choice for the classroom educational games or applications that impart programming skills.

“Tux, of Math Command”: An educational game which was developed by Python in order to give children the practice on their mathematic abilities. The game used simple graphics and simultaneous iconized interaction which will easily capture the attention of students.

Community and Support

Python Game Development Community

Games developers using Python are numerous online, and the community is very active, collaborating on forums, sharing knowledge and resources, and contributing to the open-source tools. Websites like Py_game. In addition, the official Animal of Moon base org and the Panda3D forums offer guides, tutorials, as well as information and assistance to developers of all experience levels.

Tutorials and Learning Resources

There are many tutorials and other sources with materials about game development using Python. They include the fundamentals guide, intermediate guide, and expert guide and cover areas as diverse as physics simulations and artificial intelligence.

Books: Some of the books which are available to help people learn Python and how to create games include “Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python” by Al Swigert gives readers a tutorial of how to make different games using Python.

Online Courses: Since Coursera, Udemy, and edX have a wide range of courses for Python game development, most of the classes include such projects with examples.

Thanks for Reading your good responses motivate me to write more for you guys …..

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Muhammad Hassan Karim
Muhammad Hassan Karim

Written by Muhammad Hassan Karim

Hey it's me Hassan Mir a Computer Science student and master of IT , I am here to share my thoughts and logics, I also work on writing some helping articles .

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