(Originally posted on Mastodon)

I realize I’ve never presented any overview of the game I’d like to create. So, let’s try to introduce it here.

The core idea is a construction game, where the player can build various machines and buildings (hence the game codename “Engineer”). Similar to what can be done in Kerbal Space Program. Except not in space. This would range from vehicles (trucks, trains, planes, boats) to automated factories, hydraulic power plants, navigation locks, etc. With an emphasis on emergent gameplay, using very generic parts that players can shape and combine to create functionality.

Here is an old prototype I made with Unreal Engine showing some ideas. I’ve now switched to Godot, which means I’m basically starting over. But Godot is really more aligned with my values, objectives and constraints (free-software game, compatible with old hardware, slow development).

A video presenting various scenes in a work-in-progress game. It takes place in a green landscape near a river, under a blue sky, in first-person view. First the player designs a vehicle by placing wheels and a seat on a frame. Then the vehicle is spawned in the world and the player can drive it. After that the player cuts down a tree and removes branches and shapes the trunk into a square wood piece. Then we see the player constructing a big building forming a bridge over a river, and the vehicle can also cross the bridge. And finally the player adds a water wheel under the bridge, and places rods to link it to a big circular saw, that is then used to cut down the wood piece into planks.

Now that I have a basic landscape and water system, my next focus will be to implement the construction mechanics in the Godot game.

The code is here if anyone is interested https://git.engineer-game.org/Engineer

There would be a resource gathering and refinement system too, based on kind-of-realistic mechanics. The idea is to reproduce real life technology advancement, starting from almost nothing, but with modern knowledge.

Which brings us to the game plot. I always feel that pure sandbox games are kind of boring. Even a simple plot can add a lot to drive the player towards various goals, motivate exploration, create challenges. I already have an overview in mind, whose main themes are ecology, natural resource depletion, and technological domination. But I still need to structure and develop it, and find ways to integrate it in the game without introducing too much work load.