What happened when one game writer tried making a game in 30 days with Godot
Veteran narrative designer Ben Reeves undertook a challenge to learn open-source game engine Godot from scratch and develop a complete game within 30 days, resulting in “The Last Lamplighter,” now available on Itch.io. The experiment provides a case study in the practical accessibility of game development engines for experienced professionals.
Godot has increasingly become the engine of choice for indie game developers, valued for its versatility and relative ease-of-use compared to competitors. The engine’s adoption accelerated significantly following Unity’s controversial 2023 Runtime Fee announcement, which prompted many developers to seek alternative platforms. However, Reeves’ experience offers a distinct perspective by examining how an industry veteran adapts to the engine rather than focusing on newcomer adoption.
The article documents Reeves’ monthlong development journey, exploring the specific challenges and advantages he encountered while transitioning from his background as a narrative designer to hands-on engine development. His successful completion of a full game within the 30-day timeframe contrasts with the common pattern of aspiring developers abandoning projects within weeks of starting. The story serves as a practical exploration of Godot’s development workflow and learning curve for professionals considering the engine for their own projects.