How can you develop a game engine that is compatible with multiple platforms?

1 Choose your target platforms

The first step is to decide which platforms you want your game engine to support. There are many factors to consider, such as the hardware specifications, operating systems, APIs, libraries, and market share of each platform. You should also research the existing game engines and frameworks that are available for each platform and compare their features, performance, and licensing. Some popular platforms for game development include Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, web browsers, consoles, and VR/AR devices.

3 Design your game engine architecture

The third step is to design your game engine architecture, which is the structure and organization of your code and data. You should aim for a modular, scalable, and maintainable architecture that follows good programming practices and design patterns. For example, you may want to use a component-based architecture, where each game object is composed of reusable components that define its behavior and properties. You may also want to use a data-driven architecture, where the game logic and configuration are stored in external files, such as XML or JSON, rather than hardcoded.

4 Implement your game engine core modules

The fourth step is to implement your game engine core modules, which provide the essential functionalities and features. Rendering, for example, handles the graphics output and you may want to use a cross-platform graphics API such as OpenGL or Vulkan. Physics handles the physical simulation and you may want to use a cross-platform library like Box2D or Bullet. Audio handles sound output and you may want to use OpenAL or FMOD. Input handles user input and you may want to use SDL or GLFW. And scripting, which is the ability to write code at runtime, can be useful for creating game logic and customizing behavior. You may want to use a cross-platform scripting language such as Lua, Python, or JavaScript.

5 Test and debug your game engine

The fifth step is to test and debug your game engine, which is the process of finding and fixing errors and bugs in your code and data. You should test your game engine on each target platform and ensure that it works correctly and consistently. You should also use various tools and techniques to debug your game engine, such as breakpoints, watch variables, logging, profiling, and unit testing. You should also document your game engine code and data, using comments, diagrams, and manuals, to make it easier to understand and maintain.

6 Extend and improve your game engine

The final step is to extend and improve your game engine, which involves adding new features and functionalities, optimizing performance and quality, and updating and maintaining your code and data. To do this, you should look for ways to add new modules, such as networking, animation, AI, UI, or editor; support new platforms like web browsers, consoles, or VR/AR devices; refactor your code to remove duplication, simplify complexity, or enhance readability; optimize performance by reducing memory usage, increasing frame rate, or minimizing loading time; update libraries, APIs, and tools by using the latest versions, patches, or features; and fix bugs and errors like crashes, glitches, or compatibility issues.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?