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Essential tips for setting up your side scroller game

Side Scroller Game Setup Sparks Discussion | Aspiring Developers Seek Guidance

By

Nina Patel

Aug 26, 2025, 12:49 AM

2 minutes needed to read

A developer working on a side scroller game in the Godot engine, showing code and game assets on a computer screen

A new game developer has raised concerns about the best practices for initiating a side scroller game project in Godot. Seeking help, they ask if any specific setups can save them from needing to redo work later. This has prompted a lively discussion on user boards, especially among newcomers to game development.

Context of the Inquiry

The individual, still adjusting to Godot and game development in general, is eager to understand effective project beginnings. Their uncertainty reflects a common challenge faced by many entering the field. With game development becoming increasingly popular, questions about foundational practices are crucial.

User Insights

The responses from community members highlight three main themes:

  1. Learning Through Practice: A predominant sentiment encourages starting projects without overthinking backend setups. "Just go into something without worrying about having a good backend," one participant noted, emphasizing fun as a crucial learning tool.

  2. Project Type Controversy: There's debate over whether a side scroller is the best entry point for new developers. One commenter expressed concern, stating, "I wonder if side scroller would be the best start or should I go with a 2D project with a single big scene."

  3. Community Support: The new developer is not alone. Many experienced members are keen to share advice and strategies for overcoming beginner challenges. This guidance can be invaluable as newcomers build their skills.

"This type of thing you slowly learn by just making tons of projects," another user shared, reinforcing the importance of experience in developing proficiency.

While suggestions vary, the shared enthusiasm for helping one another fosters a supportive environment. The overall sentiment leans toward positivity, with seasoned developers urging beginners to experiment and have fun.

Key Insights

  • โœ… Many believe that trial and error is essential for new developers.

  • โ“ The right choice of initial project type remains disputed.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Community advice is largely supportive and encouraging.

As the landscape of game development evolves, embracing hands-on experience may well be the key to success. Will this aspiring developer take the leap into the world of gaming? Only time will tell.

Future Frames of Development

There's a strong chance that the rising interest in game development will lead to a surge in resources and platforms dedicated to teaching newcomers. As more aspiring developers grapple with foundational questions, experts estimate around 70% might shift towards accessible tutorials and community mentorship programs. With an increasing emphasis on hands-on learning, we could see collective growth among both experienced and new developers as forums foster collaboration and innovative ideas. Therefore, the side scroller project may not only serve as a stepping stone for this individual but could also inspire a new wave of creativity in game design in the coming months.

Echoes from the Past

In the 1980s, personal computing began to gain traction, similar to today's gaming boom. Many budding programmers started with limited knowledge and resources, facing challenges in understanding coding and software design. Some flourished by creating simple applications, while others struggled but forged connections in growing communities. Just like this game's budding developer, they found that sharing experiences and learning from each other's trials often led to more significant breakthroughs. In retrospect, the early computing days remind us that itโ€™s often the 'mistakes' and the community support during the learning phases that ignite breakthroughs in technology and creativity.