How to Make a 3rd Person Game on GDevelop

Creating a 3rd person game can be an exciting and rewarding venture for anyone interested in game development. GDevelop is a free, open-source game development platform that allows users to create their own games without needing extensive programming knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a 3rd person game using GDevelop, from setting up your project to adding gameplay mechanics.

What You’ll Need

• GDevelop installed: You can download it from the official website.
• Assets: 3D models or sprites for characters, textures, backgrounds, and sounds. Many free resources are available online (e.g., OpenGameArt, Kenney.nl).
• A basic understanding of GDevelop’s interface: Familiarity will help you as you go through the creation process.

Step 1: Set Up Your Project

1. Create a New Project:
   • Open GDevelop and click on “Create a new project.”
   • Select the “Platformer” template since it provides a good starting point for a 3rd person perspective.
2. Project Settings:
   • Name your project and set the resolution (e.g., 1920×1080 for HD).

Step 2: Setting Up the Scene

1. Add Background:
   • On the scene editor, you can add a background image to set the mood. Upload your desired image and drag it onto the scene.
2. Create a Terrain:
   • Use GDevelop’s built-in platform tools to create a terrain for the player character to navigate. You can change the color and shape as required.
3. Add Objects:
   • Include various game objects like obstacles, collectible items, and enemies. Use the “Add an Object” function to import sprites or shapes representing these elements.

Step 3: Implementing 3rd Person Camera

1. Camera Controls:
   • The 3rd person camera should follow the player character. Select the “Camera” properties in the scene.
   • You will need to set the camera to follow a specific object (your player character). Choose the player sprite you’ve added earlier.
2. Adjusting Camera Position:
   • Set the camera offset to create a distance between the player and the camera. Experiment with values to find the right positioning for your game. Typically, you might set it slightly above and behind the character.

Step 4: Player Controls

1. Character Movement:
   • You can modify the default movement controls for your character.
     • Open the player object and go to the “Behaviors” section.
     • Add the “Top-down movement” behavior (you may need to tweak settings to give it a 3rd person feel).
   • Set controls to allow movement with arrow keys or WASD.
2. Mouse/Joystick Control (Optional):
   • For a more advanced control system, consider allowing players to use a mouse or joystick to rotate the character relative to the camera.

Step 5: Adding Gameplay Mechanics

1. Collectibles:
   • Create objects that the player can collect. Add an event condition to check when the player collides with these objects and increase the player’s score or inventory.
2. Enemies and AI:
   • Design enemy objects with behaviors to make them move or attack. You can create simple AI that follows or shoots at the player.

Step 6: Polish and Optimize

1. Sound Effects and Music:
   • Adding audio can significantly enhance the user experience. Import background music and sound effects for actions (like jumping or collecting items).
2. Graphics and Sprites:
   • Ensure all graphics are optimized for performance. Keep an eye out for resolution and file sizes.
3. Test Your Game:Consistently test your game to uncover any glitches or problems with the controls.. Iterate based on feedback until your gameplay feels smooth.

Step 7: Exporting Your Game

1. Preview and Publish:
   • Use GDevelop’s built-in preview feature to test your game. Once you’re satisfied, export it for different platforms (web, mobile, desktop).
2. Share Your Game:
   • Publish your game on platforms like itch.io or GameJolt to share it with the world. You can also gather feedback and improve your game further.

Conclusion

Creating a 3rd person game in GDevelop is a fun and engaging process. With its user-friendly interface and powerful capabilities, you can bring your game ideas to life without excessive coding. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to creating an engaging 3rd person experience. Remember to iterate on your design, seek feedback, and most importantly, have fun along the way! Happy game developing!