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Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

noelberry.ca

11–20 of 225 posts

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#11
Has he dealt with some of the more challenging problems in game dev that engines help a lot with? Like... multiplayer netcode.

Seems like if you're doing this for a hobby or solo/small team then maybe it's reasonable.

For most people where they want to be a game dev but they probably will just work in industry, it seems like learning the major engines to competency cannot be ignored.

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#12
post #2

After I read the title, I fully expected this to be about writing games using AI. But no, actually there is no mention of AI to be found in the text, not even in the "Miscellaneous Thoughts" section, which seems to be mostly answers to "why don't you use X?" questions. Refreshing...

[deleted]

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#14

Has he dealt with some of the more challenging problems in game dev that engines help a lot with? Like... multiplayer netcode. Seems like if you're doing this for a hobby or solo/small team then maybe it's reasonable. For most people where they want to be a game dev but they probably will just work in industry, it seems like learning the major engines to competency cannot be ignored.

Well yeah, he's working with a pretty small team, and quite successfully: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celeste_(video_game)

I would say that one of the "Miscellaneous Thoughts" at the end of your article answers your question pretty well:

> I need only the best fancy tech to pull off my game idea

Then use Unreal! There's nothing wrong with that, but my projects don't require those kinds of features (and I would argue most of the things I do need can usually be learned fairly quickly).

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#16
Creating a game with an engine is like designing a character with a pixel dollbase. You can get something out quickly, skipping a few steps because they're done for you, but you have to live with whatever choices were made by the creator of the engine/dollbase. Those choices can constrain your execution and to some extent, your imagination.

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#17
post #2

After I read the title, I fully expected this to be about writing games using AI. But no, actually there is no mention of AI to be found in the text, not even in the "Miscellaneous Thoughts" section, which seems to be mostly answers to "why don't you use X?" questions. Refreshing...

The author is Noel Berry, creator of Celeste. They don't shout about it, but with that pedigree, I'm confident they'll be staying well away from AI.

Or they'll take a look at what, if anything at all,they can use in their workflow as a useful tool not a magic solution.

No need to brag about that.

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#18
post #6

> Our game, Celeste I was really enjoying reading this piece until I read the above, then I realized I am reading for a big developer, the maker of, Celeste [1]. I am definitely adding this to my list of favorite articles about making games. Also, you may want to check a previous discussion from nine months ago (573 points, 246 comments ): https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44038209 _____________ 1. https://store.s…

Just want to +1 this. It is a game so good I bought (and beat) it twice, once on Switch and once on Steam.

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The author is Noel Berry, creator of Celeste. They don't shout about it, but with that pedigree, I'm confident they'll be staying well away from AI.

Or they'll take a look at what, if anything at all,they can use in their workflow as a useful tool not a magic solution. No need to brag about that.

> can use in their workflow as a useful tool not a magic solution.

Like what? If you can already program your game and create art for it, what is it going to be doing?

People are so obsessed with using AI stuff for the sake of it, it’s nuts

Re: Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)

#20
This was a great read. I'm in my 40's and have mostly done web dev/devops type stuff throughout my career. Making video games has always eluded me even though I've always been interested in it. I think it's that everything feels like a brand new language I have to learn. Perhaps creating an engine is the move.
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