Complete Pygame Tutorial - Create a Dungeon Crawler from Udemy

In this course you will learn how to use the very popular Pygame module by coding a dungeon crawler game completely from scratch. Since this is a Python module, we will also cover a lot of the fundamentals of Python in the process. This will include different types of loops, lists and even working with files on the computer.

The course will cover the fundamentals such as the game loop, keyboard inputs and drawings shapes and images onto the screen. This will give an introduction to Pygame and a refresher of Python if you haven’t used it in a while.

After that the course will move onto more advanced topics such as animation and level tilemaps.

We will also tackle AI within this project, by gradually building up layers of intelligence for the enemies, starting with simpler logic, such as having the enemies always run towards the player, to more advanced logic, where the enemies need to see the player before they can chase him.

The course includes a set of starter files to help you get the folder structure setup correctly from the beginning. Additionally, I have included my custom level editor so you can edit the levels and even create your own ones to add to the game.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create a game loop and learn the fundamentals of the pygame module
Work with spritesheets to create various animations
Work with classes using object oriented programming

Create characters with ai
Use tilemaps to create various game levels
Add collision between the characters and the game level

Create a game loop and learn the fundamentals of the pygame module
Work with spritesheets to create various animations
Work with classes using object oriented programming
Create characters with ai
Use tilemaps to create various game levels
Add collision between the characters and the game level

Syllabus

Build the foundation of a game by creating the various game mechanics

Introduction

Project Setup

Setting up the Game Loop

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers fundamental game development concepts like game loops, keyboard input, and drawing shapes, which are essential for building any game

Teaches Pygame, a popular Python module, which allows learners to create games and interactive applications using Python

Covers Python fundamentals such as loops, lists, and file handling, which are crucial for anyone starting with Python programming

Explores advanced topics like animation, tilemaps, and AI, which are necessary for creating more complex and engaging games

Includes a custom level editor, which allows learners to create and customize their own game levels, enhancing the learning experience

Uses Object Oriented Programming principles, which are essential for writing clean, maintainable, and scalable code in game development

Reviews summary

Pygame dungeon crawler game development

According to learners, this is a highly recommended course for anyone starting game development with Pygame. Students praise the practical project approach of building a full dungeon crawler, finding it engaging and rewarding. It's described as a solid introduction, particularly good for beginners and intermediate Python users looking to learn game development fundamentals like game loops, sprites, and animation. While the explanations are generally clear, some found sections like AI or tilemaps challenging or a bit rushed. A few mentioned minor code compatibility issues with Pygame versions, requiring some debugging. However, the included starter files and level editor are highlighted as helpful resources. Overall, it provides a strong foundation through hands-on development.

Starter files and editor are great bonuses.

"The provided starter files and level editor were a great bonus."

"The bonus level editor is cool."

"The provided resources were very helpful."

"The provided level editor is a nice touch."

Suitable for those new to Pygame/game dev.

"As a beginner to game development, I found the step-by-step approach incredibly helpful."

"Highly recommend for anyone starting out with Pygame."

"If you're a beginner to intermediate Python user wanting to get into game dev, this is a great starting point."

"The instructor's pace was good for a beginner-intermediate level."

Learn Pygame by building a full game.

"Building a complete dungeon crawler from scratch gave me a real sense of accomplishment."

"The project-based learning really works for me. Building the dungeon crawler piece by piece was engaging."

"The course takes you through building a complete game, which is much better than just covering isolated concepts."

"Building a working game reinforced all the concepts."

Minor version issues may require tweaks.

"I ran into some issues with the code, specifically with Pygame version compatibility. Had to spend time debugging..."

"encountered some small code errors related to Pygame versions."

"Sometimes, I needed to spend time debugging code to make it work with newer Pygame versions."

AI, tilemaps, collision parts felt complex.

"Some parts, particularly the AI section, felt a bit rushed and I had to rewatch them."

"the AI part was confusing."

"I found the tilemap loading and collision slightly tricky, but manageable."

"I struggled with the AI section. The instructor moved a bit fast there."

"The AI part was a bit challenging but rewarding once I got it."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Complete Pygame Tutorial - Create a Dungeon Crawler with these activities:

Review Python Fundamentals

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Solidify your understanding of Python fundamentals, including loops, lists, and file handling, which are essential for using Pygame effectively.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Review Python syntax and data structures.
Practice writing basic Python programs.
Work through online Python tutorials.

Review 'Python Crash Course'

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Use this book to reinforce Python concepts and learn how to apply them in practical projects, preparing you for the game development aspects of the course.

View Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Read the introductory chapters on Python basics.
Complete the exercises related to data structures and control flow.
Skim the advanced topics for future reference.

Follow Pygame Tutorials

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Enhance your Pygame skills by following online tutorials that cover specific aspects of game development, such as sprite animation and collision detection.

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Search for Pygame tutorials on YouTube or dedicated websites.
Choose tutorials that align with the course's topics.
Implement the tutorial examples in your own Pygame project.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a Simple Pygame Project

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Start a small, independent Pygame project to practice the concepts learned in the course, such as creating sprites, handling user input, and drawing shapes.

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Design a simple game concept (e.g., a pong clone).
Implement the game loop and basic game mechanics.
Add visual elements and user interaction.
Refine the game based on feedback and testing.

Document Your Dungeon Crawler Journey

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Create a blog or video series documenting your progress in building the dungeon crawler game, sharing your challenges, solutions, and insights.

Show steps

Choose a platform for your documentation (blog, video, etc.).
Document each stage of the game development process.
Share your documentation with the course community.

Contribute to Pygame Libraries

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Contribute to open-source Pygame libraries by reporting bugs, suggesting improvements, or even submitting code contributions, deepening your understanding of the Pygame ecosystem.

Show steps

Explore existing Pygame libraries on GitHub.
Identify areas where you can contribute (bug fixes, documentation, etc.).
Submit your contributions following the library's guidelines.

Expand the Dungeon Crawler with New Features

Show steps

Extend the dungeon crawler game by adding new features, such as additional enemy types, power-ups, or levels, showcasing your mastery of Pygame and game development principles.

Show steps

Brainstorm new features to add to the game.
Implement the new features using Pygame.
Test and refine the new features.
Share your expanded game with the course community.

Career center

Learners who complete Complete Pygame Tutorial - Create a Dungeon Crawler will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Developer

A game developer brings virtual worlds to life. This role involves designing, coding, and debugging video games for various platforms. The Complete Pygame Tutorial, by providing hands-on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch, helps build a foundation in game development principles. You will learn how to implement game loops, handle keyboard inputs, and draw shapes and images, along with more advanced topics like animation and level tilemaps. The course's focus on AI implementation, teaching you how to create increasingly complex enemy behaviors, is directly applicable to creating engaging gameplay experiences. If you're aiming to become a game developer, the hands-on experience with game mechanics provided by this course is invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Python Programmer

Python programmers write code in the Python language to create software applications. This course is highly relevant, as it states that learners will cover of a lot of the fundamentals of Python. While building a dungeon crawler game, the course will cover different types of loops, lists and even working with files on the computer. If your goal is to become a Python programmer, this course can help build a strong foundation in the language, while also providing a practical project that can be showcased in a portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Python Programmer

Level Designer

Level designers are responsible for creating engaging and immersive environments within video games. The course includes a custom level editor that you can use to edit levels and create your own. The Complete Pygame Tutorial will provide a solid foundation in level design principles and techniques. If you're aiming to become a level designer, the hands-on experience with level design offered by this course is invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Software Developer

Software developers create applications that allow users to perform specific tasks on a computer or another device. The Complete Pygame Tutorial provides hands-on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch. This role involves implementing game loops, handling keyboard inputs, and drawing shapes and images. It also works with animation, level tilemaps, and AI implementation. Aspiring software developers will find this course helpful in building a foundation in programming, while also providing a practical project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and test software applications. The Complete Pygame Tutorial using Python may be useful for aspiring software engineers, as it enables learners to cover a lot of the fundamentals of Python. While building a dungeon crawler game, you will cover loops, lists, and file handling. This course offers practical experience in software development, focusing on problem-solving and project management skills. If you're aiming to become a software engineer, this course can help build a strong foundation in Python, while also providing a practical project that can be showcased in a portfolio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

AI Programmer

AI programmers specialize in developing artificial intelligence algorithms and systems. This role often requires advanced degrees (master's or phd for example). The course's section on AI implementation, where you will gradually building up layers of intelligence for enemies, is directly applicable to creating realistic behaviors. The course's focus will move from simpler logic, such as having the enemies always run towards the player, to more advanced logic, where the enemies need to see the player before they can chase. For those aiming to become an AI programmer, the hands-on experience with AI design provided by this course is invaluable.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Programmer

Mobile Game Developer

Mobile game developers create games for smartphones and tablets. This role requires proficiency in game development frameworks and mobile development environments. The Complete Pygame Tutorial may be useful in this field, as it provides hands-on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch. You will learn how to implement game loops, handle keyboard inputs, and draw shapes and images, along with more advanced topics like animation and level tilemaps. The course will help you become a mobile game developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobile Game Developer

Application Developer

Application developers are computer programmers who specialize in creating software applications, typically for mobile or desktop devices. The Complete Pygame Tutorial may be useful for application developers. It provides hands-on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch. You will learn how to implement game loops, handle keyboard inputs, and draw shapes and images, along with more advanced topics like animation and level tilemaps. The course will help you become an application developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Application Developer

Technical Artist

Technical artists bridge the gap between artists and programmers in game development. Their role involves optimizing art assets for performance and implementing visual effects. This role typically requires advanced degrees (master's or phd for example). By creating a dungeon crawler game, the Complete Pygame Tutorial can introduce you how to work with spritesheets to create various animations. The course is invaluable to technical artists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Game Designer

Game designers create the vision and rules for video games. This role involves designing gameplay mechanics, levels, and storylines to create engaging experiences. The Complete Pygame Tutorial may be useful for game designers. The course includes a set of starter files to help you get the folder structure setup correctly from the beginning. Additionally, the level editor allows you to edit the levels and create your own ones to add to the game. The course will prove very useful to game designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Web Developer

Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications. While this course focuses on game development, the Python programming skills taught may be useful. The Complete Pygame Tutorial may be useful in this field, as it provides a hands-on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch. You will learn how to implement game loops, handle keyboard inputs, and draw shapes and images, along with more advanced topics like animation and level tilemaps. The course will help you become a web developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data scientists analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making. While the Complete Pygame Tutorial is primarily focused on game development, the Python programming skills taught may be useful. The course provides hands on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch, and covers the fundamentals of Python including different types of loops, lists and even working with files on the computer. The course will help you with Python programming, which may be useful to a data scientist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, process, and perform statistical analyses of data. This course emphasizes Python programming. The Complete Pygame Tutorial may be useful to a data analyst since the the fundamentals of Python are covered including different types of loops, lists and even working with files on the computer. This course will prove especially useful with the handling of data from files.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Quality Assurance Tester

A quality assurance tester is a professional who plays a crucial role in verifying the functionality, reliability, and stability of software, games, and other products. While this course focuses on game development, the Python programming skills taught may be useful. The Complete Pygame Tutorial may be useful in this field, as it provides a hands-on experience in building a dungeon crawler game from scratch. You will learn how to implement game loops, handle keyboard inputs, and draw shapes and images, along with more advanced topics like animation and level tilemaps. The course will help you become a quality assurance tester.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Tester

Simulation Engineer

Simulation engineers develop and run computer simulations to model real-world systems and processes. While the Complete Pygame Tutorial is primarily focused on game development, the Python programming skills taught may be useful. The Course is focused on AI within a project, by gradually building up layers of intelligence. The course is invaluable to simulation engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Engineer

Complete Pygame Tutorial - Create a Dungeon Crawler

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Pygame dungeon crawler game development

Activities

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