Game Development at Rockborne: How is Python Used?

Just how is Python used in game development?

In this blog post, we see the Rockborne consultants put their theory into practice.

As the final project in their Python Basics module, Rockborne’s latest cohort of data and AI trainees undertook the challenge of creating a simple yet interactive game using Python.

This endeavour was not just a test of their programming skills but also a creative exercise, blending fundamental programming concepts with the practical application of their new Python knowledge.

Functionally, this project required our team to:

– Use functions to modularize your code and promote code readability.

– Implement proper error handling for user inputs to avoid crashes.

– Ensure the game provides clear instructions and feedback to the player.

The project was conducted in Rockborne’s state-of-the-art learning facility, designed to not only impart technical knowledge but also to nurture creativity and individuality among its trainees. This facility is equipped with the latest technology, offering a perfect environment for learners to experiment and innovate.

Functionally, this project pushed the trainees to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. So how is Python used in game development practically? Consultants were required to:

• Use functions to modularize code: This practice helps in breaking down complex code into simpler, manageable parts, thereby enhancing readability and maintainability.
• Implement error handling: Proper error handling ensures that the game can gracefully handle unexpected or erroneous user inputs without crashing, thus providing a robust user experience.
• Provide clear instructions and feedback: Essential for user engagement, clear instructions guide the player while immediate feedback helps them understand their interactions within the game.
• Comment code: Comments are crucial in explaining the logic behind complex sections of code, making it easier for others to understand and modify the code without introducing errors.
• Create a comprehensive README file: This document is vital as it guides users on how to set up and play the game, ensuring they have a smooth experience.

From a coding perspective, the Rockborne team approached the game’s foundation with systematic planning and execution:

• Developing pseudocode and flowcharts: These tools were employed to outline the game’s logic before the actual coding began, serving as a roadmap for the development process.
• Writing functions: At least two major functions were written to handle key game operations, demonstrating the ability to encapsulate functionality effectively.
• Validating user input: The game was designed to check for non-numeric or unexpected inputs, which is crucial in maintaining the game’s integrity and preventing errors.
• Using global counters: These counters track user statistics such as scores or levels, adding a competitive element to the game.
• Incorporating a GUI: The use of a Graphic User Interface, specifically through the ‘tkinter’ library, made the game visually appealing and interactive, enhancing the user experience.

Participant testimonials underscore the value and impact of the project. Anmol Aroz shared, “The Rockborne Python project was super exciting! I really enjoyed being thrown into the deep end. Initially, I sketched out a diagram, and it was incredibly helpful in visualizing what I wanted the code to do. Once I managed to get it all working, I had a lot of fun playing around with the GUI. It was a really challenging and creative exercise.”

Jenushan Jayarooban, another trainee, reflected on the learning curve: “One of our first projects on Python was creating an interactive game using ‘GUI’ (Game User Interface), which utilized the basic Python skills we learned while incorporating a new library called ‘tkinter’. This was a great opportunity to delve further into the vast uses of Python and was fulfilling to see how far we have advanced our programming skills in just a week.”

This project illustrates the practical application of Python in developing software that is both functional and engaging. It highlights how Python’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for educational projects that require a blend of creativity and technical proficiency.

Interested in joining our diverse team? Find out more about the Rockborne graduate programme HERE.