Defold is a free and open-source 2D game engine designed for rapid development. It features a streamlined workflow with its own integrated editor, supports Lua scripting, and offers a wide range of built-in tools for graphics, physics, animation, and sound. Targeting multiple platforms including iOS, Android, HTML5, Windows, macOS, and Linux, Defold simplifies cross-platform deployment with a single-click build process. Its focus on efficiency allows for small game sizes and optimal performance, making it suitable for a variety of game genres and platforms.
The popular mobile game Luck Be a Landlord faces potential removal from the Google Play Store due to its use of simulated gambling mechanics. Developer Trampoline Tales received a notice from Google citing a violation of their gambling policies, specifically the simulation of "casino-style games with real-world monetary value, even if there is no real-world monetary value awarded." While the game does not offer real-world prizes, its core gameplay revolves around slot machine-like mechanics and simulated betting. Trampoline Tales is appealing the decision, arguing the game is skill-based and comparable to other allowed strategy titles. The developer expressed concern over the subjective nature of the review process and the potential precedent this ban could set for other games with similar mechanics. They are currently working to comply with Google's request to remove the flagged content, though the specific changes required remain unclear.
Hacker News users discuss the potential ban of the mobile game "Luck Be a Landlord" from Google Play due to its gambling-like mechanics. Several commenters expressed sympathy for the developer, highlighting the difficulty of navigating Google's seemingly arbitrary and opaque enforcement policies. Others debated whether the game constitutes actual gambling, with some arguing that its reliance on random number generation (RNG) mirrors many other accepted games. The core issue appears to be the ability to purchase in-game currency, which, combined with the RNG elements, blurs the line between skill-based gaming and gambling in the eyes of some commenters and potentially Google. A few users suggested potential workarounds for the developer, like removing in-app purchases or implementing alternative monetization strategies. The overall sentiment leans toward frustration with Google's inconsistent application of its rules and the precarious position this puts independent developers in.
Summary of Comments ( 70 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43726051
Hacker News users discuss Defold's ease of use, especially for beginners, and its suitability for 2D games. Some praise its small executable size and fast iteration times, while others highlight the active community and helpful documentation. Concerns include its limited 3D capabilities, the small talent pool, and uncertainty about its long-term viability despite its acquisition by King and subsequent independence. Several users share their positive experiences using Defold for both personal projects and commercially released games, citing its performance and streamlined workflow. The editor is lauded as clean and efficient. Some express disappointment in King's handling of the engine after acquiring it, but also optimism about its future as an independent entity once again.
The Hacker News post "Defold: cross-platform game engine" generated a modest number of comments discussing various aspects of the Defold game engine and its place within the broader game development landscape.
Several commenters shared their personal experiences using Defold, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. One user praised Defold's ease of use, particularly for 2D game development, and lauded its streamlined workflow and efficient tooling. They contrasted this with the complexities and steep learning curves often associated with more feature-rich engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. This sentiment was echoed by others who found Defold's simplicity and focus on 2D development appealing. The efficient nature of the engine, allowing for development on lower-powered hardware, was also mentioned positively.
Conversely, some commenters pointed out limitations they encountered with Defold. One user specifically mentioned challenges integrating third-party libraries and services. While acknowledging the engine's suitability for certain types of games, they cautioned against using it for projects requiring extensive external integrations. Concerns were also raised about the smaller community surrounding Defold compared to larger engines, potentially leading to fewer readily available resources and solutions for common issues. The acquisition of Defold by King and the subsequent open-sourcing were also discussed, with some expressing uncertainty about the long-term viability and community support for the engine.
One commenter questioned the licensing model for commercially successful games developed using the now-open-sourced Defold engine. This brought up a discussion around potential licensing issues and the importance of carefully reviewing the license terms.
Beyond personal experiences, some comments focused on Defold's technical aspects. One user highlighted the use of Lua for scripting, while another mentioned the engine's built-in editor and efficient handling of 2D graphics.
Finally, some comments provided comparisons with other game engines. Godot was mentioned as a potential alternative, particularly for its open-source nature and thriving community. Other comparisons involved discussions around the relative merits of different engines for specific types of game development, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right tool for the job.
While the discussion wasn't particularly extensive, it offered a range of perspectives on Defold, covering its ease of use, limitations, technical details, and position within the broader ecosystem of game engines.