Armory3D is an open-source 3D game engine that seamlessly integrates with the popular 3D modeling software, Blender. It allows developers to create fully interactive 3D games while working within Blender’s familiar environment. Armory3D’s real-time rendering and powerful visual scripting tools make it a compelling choice for game developers looking to streamline their workflows.
Key Features
- Full Blender Integration: Works directly within Blender, allowing 3D modelers to create assets and games in the same environment.
- Real-time Rendering: Offers real-time PBR (Physically Based Rendering) and GPU-accelerated rendering for quick previews and prototyping.
- Visual Scripting: Includes Logic Nodes, which enable non-programmers to create game logic visually.
- Cross-Platform: Export games to multiple platforms including desktop, mobile, and consoles.
- Haxe Programming Language: Allows scripting in Haxe, a versatile language that compiles into many languages like JavaScript and C++.
- Open-source: Fully open-source with a permissive license, giving developers access to the engine’s source code and the freedom to customize it.
- Physics Support: Utilizes the Bullet Physics Engine for realistic 3D physics.
Development Platform Support
Development Programming Languages
- Haxe
- Visual Scripting (Logic Nodes)
Supported Platforms
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Web (HTML5)
- Android
- iOS
- Consoles (Limited community support)
Ease of Use
Armory3D is relatively beginner-friendly, especially for those familiar with Blender. The Logic Nodes system offers a way for non-programmers to create game logic visually, though more complex games may require knowledge of the Haxe programming language. Its integration with Blender also means that anyone familiar with 3D modeling can quickly transition into game development.
Licensing & Costs
Armory3D is free and open-source, licensed under the permissive Zlib license. This allows developers to use and modify the engine without restrictions, even for commercial projects.
Use Cases & Notable Games
Armory3D is well-suited for 3D game development, especially for indie developers and artists familiar with Blender. It excels at prototyping and creating detailed, interactive 3D environments.
Games to Check Out:
Example Use Cases
- 3D Game Development: Create complex 3D games with real-time rendering and physics.
- Prototyping: Quickly prototype 3D game concepts using Blender's modeling tools and Armory3D’s real-time rendering.
- Visual Storytelling: Ideal for interactive storytelling experiences with immersive 3D environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Blender, reducing the need for asset imports.
- Free and open-source with no restrictions on commercial use.
- Real-time rendering within Blender for immediate feedback during development.
- Visual scripting for non-programmers.
- Strong cross-platform support.
Cons:
- Limited community compared to larger engines like Unity or Unreal.
- Haxe is less widely known, which may have a steeper learning curve for new developers.
- Still evolving, with some features being less polished compared to established engines.
- Limited support for consoles, and requires advanced configuration.
How to Get Started
Community and Support
