📖 A new chapter "Implementing the Game Logic" of our course "Gamedev for the Littlest" is already available for free.

Game logic is the set of rules and algorithms that determine the behavior of a game. It is the backbone of any game, and it is essential to understand the fundamentals of game logic in order to create a successful game. This chapter will cover the basics of implementing game logic, including how to structure the logic, how to use data structures to store game state, and how to use algorithms to create interesting gameplay.

Game Logic Structure

The structure of game logic is the foundation of any game. It is important to consider the structure of the game logic before writing any code. A well-structured game logic will make the development process much easier and will result in a more maintainable codebase.

When designing the structure of game logic, it is important to think about the different components of the game and how they interact with each other. The game logic should be broken down into smaller, manageable pieces that can be developed separately. This will make the code easier to debug and will allow for more flexibility when making changes to the game.

Data Structures

Data structures are used to store game state. They are the foundation of any game and are essential for implementing game logic. Data structures are used to store information such as the current game state, the player’s position, and the objects in the game world.

The data structure used will depend on the type of game being developed. For example, a turn-based strategy game may use a graph data structure to store the game state, while a platformer may use a linked list to store the objects in the game world. It is important to choose the appropriate data structure for the game being developed in order to ensure the game logic is efficient and maintainable.

Algorithms

Algorithms are used to create interesting gameplay. An algorithm is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to perform a task. Algorithms are used to determine the behavior of objects in the game, such as how enemies move or how the player interacts with the environment.

When implementing algorithms, it is important to consider the performance of the game. Algorithms should be optimized to ensure the game runs smoothly and efficiently. It is also important to consider the complexity of the algorithm. Complex algorithms can be difficult to debug and maintain, so it is important to choose algorithms that are simple yet effective.