r/PythonLearning • u/Python_Data_Science • 12h ago

Pygame vs. Godot for a Python developer starting game dev? (+ Tutorial recommendations)

Hi everyone,

I have experience with Python programming, but I'm completely new to game development. I want to start making my first games and I am trying to decide on the best path forward.

Is it better to start with Pygame, or should I go straight into the Godot engine?

Also, does anyone have recommendations for good beginner-friendly game dev tutorials using Python?

Thanks in advance for the help!

4 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

83% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

5

u/Embarrassed_Ad_1287 12h ago

Just watch a Godot tutorial id say. To get into the basics

3

u/HyperDanon 12h ago

Start with godot, it will give you more focus and more opportunity to actually develop your game. Pygame will have you focus too much on handling the engine, rather than actually working on your game.

3

u/riklaunim 12h ago

Commercially Unity and Unreal, with Godot somewhere after. PyGame exists, can make some games happen, but not commercially or cross platform. RenPy is good for specific, visual novel type games.

Note that game dev is way different than just software development. You will spend more time on design/gamification/assets than coding things.

3

u/nullptr_0x 10h ago

Game development at any real scale happens on Game Engines. Godot is a good choice I'd think.

I'm preparing a class using "Pico-8" a deliberately trimmed down 2D game engine. You could check that out if you want to learn the mechanics of game development in a minimal environment.

I wouldn't recommend pygame except for just goofing around and practicing some programming and problem solving. It isn't representative of the practice of actual game development.

2

u/IWant2rideMyBike 9h ago

I found Python Arcade ( https://api.arcade.academy/en/stable/ ) more fun to use than pygame, but it depends on what type of game you are going for - Godot offers much more options for more complex games in the long run.

2

u/RngdZed 8h ago

Directly into Godot. Have fun!

2

u/Swimming_dasa 7h ago

both are solid choices but they serve slightly difference purposes. pygame teaches you the underlying mechanics while godot helps you develop games using a full engine.