Introducing Hytopia SDK for Game Development
Hytopia is now offering TypeScript and JavaScript developers the opportunity to create games using their platform through the Hytopia Software Development Kit (SDK). This SDK provides developers with access to essential tools and libraries for building game mechanics, designing new worlds, and managing assets. The SDK is currently in its early stages and can be found on GitHub and is also available as an NPM package.
From Initial Setup to Creating the First Game
- Set up the run time environment: Developers using the Hytopia SDK must set up their local development environment and create a sample project. This involves running the SDK on Mac, Linux, or Windows with Bun for its JavaScript runtime. Developers can then create a new directory, upgrade bun to the latest version, and initialize the HYTOPIA project.
- Start Hytopia and Play: Before entering development mode, developers need to load the server and make it live using the command “bun –watch index.ts”. This will create an entry point for the game, and the server will go live on https://localhost:8080, allowing developers to start playing their first HYTOPIA game.
Hytopia SDK provides a user-friendly development environment that allows for immersive gameplay experiences. Setting up the project directory using a compatible code editor simplifies the server setup process, enabling creators to connect their game server and view real-time changes.
To create core game functionality, developers can use the “startServer()” function, which automates server initialization, builds game physics, and handles player connectivity. Adding entities like characters, objects, and vehicles involves defining each entity’s properties and behavior using Hytopia’s systems.
Building the First Map and Multiplayer Testing for Enhanced Gameplay
To build a map, developers can use build.hytopia.com to select blocks and utilize fill tools to create the basic structure of their world. Maps can be exported in JSON file format and uploaded to the server with built-in functionality for asset management.
For multiplayer testing, developers can use ngrok.io to create secure tunnels to the local server. By creating an account on ngrok.io, developers can access relevant details on running the server and starting a tunnel for testing.
Hytopia offers collaboration opportunities for developers to work together on building games, including submitting projects as templates on the shared repository. The platform also has a Discord channel for developers to connect, ask questions, report bugs, and collaborate on game development.
About Hytopia
Hytopia is a voxel-based social gaming platform that provides a modern game platform for creators to build imaginative games and bring people together. While still in its internal alpha phase, registrations for the pre-beta phase are open, and the creator platform is accessible. The Hytopia team plans to host new games and run prize pools to incentivize developers to adopt the SDK.
