Hello all!

I've made a simple game with C++ using SDL, and I will probably make a couple more games in the future using SDL. However, I really want to learn how to use a game engine, because then I can produce more advanced games in less time.

I will start with 2D then make my way into 3D. What game engine should I learn that's good for 2D game dev (and eventually, 3D?). I would like to stick to C++.

I thought I would learn Unreal Engine 4, but people said it was overkill for a beginner and it didn't have good 2D capabilities.

Only posting so I can track replies to this thread.

Interesting question!

Godot Engine seems to be a popular suggestion. It has both 2D/3D support and it's free. I believe you can code in C++ too.

http://www.godotengine.org/wp/

I will start with 2D then make my way into 3D.

I say, since you're going to transition to 3D, why not go with Unity (which will do both)?

Another benefit is you get to learn a new language for scripting: C#, UnityScript, or Boo.

Unity is good? Alright then, thanks for the info!

If you want to stick with C++, I'd pick Godot. UE4 also seems to support 2D rendering.

Why wouldn't UE4 support 2d? 2d in DX11, Unity and UE4 are all just 3d but you are not using one of the dimensions.

I have been an active member of the community of ORX (link in my signature) and I really enjoy using it.

It's a C/C++ engine, which focus on using ini files to describe the objects creation and code to program the logic, it is a bit strange in the beginning, but it allows you to create content very fast once you are used to it.

I remember the first time I used the particle system, I went from having no idea of what a particle system was to have the four effects I wanted in about two hours =)

Keep in mind it is only 2D and it does take sometime to understand its principles.

Why wouldn't UE4 support 2d? 2d in DX11, Unity and UE4 are all just 3d but you are not using one of the dimensions.

It does. Paper2D.

https://docs.unrealengine.com/latest/INT/Engine/Paper2D/index.html

I found LibGDX to be comparable with SDL.