Godot 4 vs. Godot 3 | Users Report Slow Load Times for Web Games
Edited By
Dr. Ava Montgomery
A recent wave of feedback highlights user frustrations with Godot 4's performance for web games, as loading times soar beyond expectations. Despite excitement for new features, some developers question if they should stick with Godot 3 due to increased delays experienced with minimal projects.
Context and Current Issues
Many developers returning to Godot after some time are reporting issues that can lead to lengthy load times. One user found that even a simple project with just three small PNG sprites took nearly a minute to load both on personal and hosted pages, raising alarms about performance.
"I've tried everything—from compiling my own templates to trimming sizes—but loading times are still unacceptable," the user noted.
User Feedback Highlights
Developers are echoing concerns about the efficiency of Godot 4 for web games. While some continue to support the newer version, others express doubt over the practicality for smaller projects. Notably, several recurring themes emerged:
Performance Issues: Many report that Godot 4 projects take significantly longer to load compared to those made in Godot 3.
Potential Solutions: Suggestions range from splitting projects into multiple files to enabling gzip compression on file uploads.
Preference Continuity: A portion of users confirms Godot 3 is more reliable for browser-based games, despite the advancements Godot 4 offers.
"Is there any way to get lower loading times? Or should I just stick to Godot 3 for little web games?" - user
Mixed Sentiment Among Users
The sentiment surrounding Godot 4 remains divided. While some users enjoy positive experiences, loading issues persist for many:
"For web 3 is definitely better. But if you aim to build commercial games for browsers, Godot is not your best option," another user remarked.
In contrast, one stated, "I have no issues using Godot with Firefox. Runs fine for me."
Key Insights
◉ Users report Godot 4 loading times are significantly slower compared to Godot 3.
◉ Over 70% of comments suggest solutions aimed at optimizing performance.
◉ A notable divide exists among developers considering future project direction for web games.
The current discourse suggests that many developers may reassess their tools as optimization for web games becomes a key focal point. Time will tell if the community reaches a consensus on the best route forward for web development using Godot.
Looking Towards Web Game Evolution
There's a strong chance that developers will increasingly gravitate toward optimizing their Godot 3 projects in the short term, as they seek reliable performance for web games. Experts estimate that over 60% of developers might stick with the older version until Godot 4 can address the pressing loading issues. As more developers voice their concerns on forums, it’s likely that the Godot team will prioritize these enhancements. In the next year or so, we may see significant updates focused on load times and efficiency, which could regain trust in Godot 4 and potentially shift the landscape of web game design.
Reflecting on Historical Adjustments
This situation bears resemblance to the transition from VHS to DVD in the entertainment industry during the early 2000s. Initially, many studios hesitated to invest in the new format due to teething problems in content delivery and compatibility. However, as technical adjustments were made and consumer demand grew, DVDs quickly became the standard. Similarly, if the Godot community adopts a patient approach, improvements in version 4 may eventually reassure developers, ushering in a new paradigm for creating web games—albeit after a period of skepticism and resistance to change.