The Future of Game Development — why developers need to know

3 years ago..

and then..

who is this man, and what impacts on Gaming Industry?

TL;DR

• Open source software, such as Blender, fosters a democratic development model driven by user needs, ensuring inclusivity and community engagement in software evolution.
• The game development industry has witnessed significant growth, facilitated by third-party engines like Unity and Unreal, democratizing game creation and making it more accessible.
• Open source game engines, like Godot Engine, have gained traction, providing a viable alternative to commercial options. These engines thrive on community contributions and donations, embodying a democratic and community-funded ethos.
• While selecting a game engine depends on project specifics, exploring open source options like Godot Engine can expand horizons and contribute to the future of game development.
• The author underscores the importance of diverse software organization approaches and extols the virtues of open source in enhancing the game development landscape.

Who is Brackeys?

Brackeys, founded by Asbjørn Thirslund in 1997, stands out as a prominent YouTube destination renowned for its top-tier game development tutorials. Specializing in diverse topics ranging from programming to game design, the channel predominantly leverages the Unity game engine. Additionally, Brackeys has garnered acclaim for organizing game jams, fostering environments where developers craft games within strict timeframes and parameters.

Enjoying a substantial following, Brackeys’ videos delve into a plethora of subjects including C# programming, Unity’s 2D and 3D functionalities, and animation rigging. Despite its immense popularity, the channel recently announced its closure after nearly eight years, propelled by a quest for fresh opportunities. Nonetheless, Brackeys’ legacy endures, serving as an invaluable educational hub for burgeoning game developers seeking to hone their craft.

Brackeys is a valuable resource for aspiring game developers. Here’s what you need to know:

Brackeys Website:

Brackeys provides free tutorials and resources for game development.

• Content Focus: The website covers a wide range of topics related to game development, including programming, game design, and using the Unity game engine.
• Video Tutorials: Brackeys offers video-based tutorials that guide you through various aspects of game development.
• Skill Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, there’s something for everyone.
• Free Access: All the content on Brackeys is available free of charge.
• URL: Brackeys Website

Brackeys YouTube Channel:

Brackeys’ YouTube channel is a popular destination for game development enthusiasts.

• Tutorials: The channel covers topics like C# programming, Unity game engine, animation rigging, and more.
• Game Jams: Brackeys hosts game jams, where developers create games within a short timeframe.
• Legacy: Although the channel announced its closure after almost eight years, its tutorials continue to be a valuable resource for learning game development.
• Subscriber Count: Over 1.69 million subscribers1.
• URL: Brackeys on YouTube

Below are the key highlights of his accomplishments that have cemented his status as a leading figure in the industry:

• High-Quality Tutorials: Brackeys’ YouTube channel is celebrated for its top-quality game development tutorials, covering everything from Unity and programming to game design1.
• Popular Videos: Some of his most viewed tutorials include “How to Program in C# — BASICS,” “THIRD PERSON MOVEMENT in Unity,” and “How to make a HEALTH BAR in Unity!” which have garnered millions of views1.
• Game Jams: He hosted Brackeys Game Jam events, which are highly anticipated in the developer community. These events challenge participants to create games within a limited time, fostering creativity and collaboration1.
• Educational Impact: His tutorials have helped countless aspiring developers learn game development, regardless of their skill level or budget2.
• Community Engagement: The Brackeys Discord server is a hub for game developers to connect, share knowledge, and grow together2.
• Free Learning Resources: The Brackeys website offers a wealth of free assets and learning materials, making game development accessible to everyone2.

Summary from the video

Brackeys reflects on their journey in game development and the challenges faced within the industry, from the absence of unionization to the hurdles of running an independent studio, which had once overshadowed their passion. However, they found solace and renewed vigor in open-source software, notably the Godot Engine, a versatile tool for 3D graphics and beyond. Brackeys marvels at Godot’s evolution from a humble project to a robust competitor against costly industry standards, lauding its democratic ethos where every user can contribute and shape its development.

They delve into the transformative power of open-source (FOSS), extolling its advantages like freedom from subscription fees and revenue sharing, while noting its integration into mainstream platforms like Linux. Brackeys underscores the pivotal role of open-source in reshaping the digital landscape and democratizing game development, marked by the transition from proprietary engines to accessible third-party platforms like Unity and Unreal.

Acknowledging the burgeoning size of the game industry, surpassing even music and movies, Brackeys navigates through the challenges posed by this growth, emphasizing the newfound accessibility it brings. They highlight the emergence of Godot Engine as a formidable contender, its recent major update, Godot 4, signaling a milestone in its journey towards widespread adoption.

Personal anecdotes pepper the narrative, as Brackeys shares their own rekindled enthusiasm for game development fueled by their exploration of Godot Engine. They stress the importance of open-source alternatives like Godot, without disparaging popular third-party engines. Brackeys references Juan Netki’s advocacy for open-source in the industry and teases upcoming tutorial videos on Godot, promising a fresh perspective recorded from home with the assistance of Sophia, with the initial release focusing on game creation and GDScript language tutorials in Danish.

What we need to know?

Game developers should take away the following key points from this:

• Open-Source Software: The rise of open-source tools like the Godot Engine is a game-changer, offering a cost-effective and collaborative approach to game development.
• Industry Evolution: The game development industry has grown rapidly, with third-party engines like Unity and Unreal making it more accessible than ever before.
• Challenges and Opportunities: While growth brings challenges, it also presents opportunities for innovation and community-driven development.
• Godot Engine’s Milestone: The release of Godot 4 represents a significant update, positioning it as a strong alternative to traditional engines.
• Learning and Adaptation: Brackeys’ personal journey underscores the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new tools and technologies.
• Diverse Options: There’s a recognition of the variety of tools available, and the importance of choosing the right engine for your project’s needs.
• Community Contribution: The emphasis on community-funded and democratically-owned software highlights a shift towards more inclusive development practices.
• Educational Resources: Brackeys’ upcoming tutorials on Godot and GDScript language, although in Danish, indicate a commitment to sharing knowledge and educating others.

These insights are valuable for game developers at all levels, encouraging them to explore open-source options and stay informed about the evolving landscape of game development.

Impact on Gaming Industry

Educational Influence:

• Over the last eight years, Brackeys has created 460 tutorials that have been watched more than 127 million times.
• Their tutorials span a broad spectrum of topics, serving as invaluable resources for numerous budding game developers embarking on their educational journey.
• Brackeys’ lucid explanations and pragmatic examples have galvanized a global cadre of developers.

Community Building:

• Brackeys hosted some of the largest game jams and actively participated in industry events.
• They have fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange within the game development community, bolstering a supportive and dynamic environment.
• Their active involvement has been instrumental in nurturing a vibrant and interconnected community.

Advocacy for Accessible Learning Resources:

• Brackeys has been a tireless advocate for accessible learning resources.
• By offering free tutorials, they have democratized game development education, breaking down barriers and making it accessible to all who are interested.

Inspiring Others:

• Many developers, including Sebastian Lague and Jabrils, have expressed their gratitude and admiration for Brackeys’ work.
• Sebastian Lague foresees Brackeys’ videos serving as enduring sources of inspiration and assistance for years to come.
• Jabrils credits Brackeys with igniting the inspiration for many to embark on their own tutorial journeys.

Unity Community Partnership:

• Brackeys has forged a strong partnership with Unity, a prominent player in the game engine landscape.
• Their feedback has played a pivotal role in refining the Unity engine, while their tutorials have significantly bolstered the growth and cohesion of the Unity community.

In summary, Brackeys’ reentry into the gaming industry has left an indelible mark, empowering developers, nurturing community, and advocating for accessible education resources. Their influence transcends their YouTube platform, impacting novices and veterans alike within the gaming sphere.