Is it Legal to Create and Publish a Video Game Without Using Any Pre-Existing Code or Engines?

Creating and publishing a video game can be a thrilling endeavor, but it often comes with a multitude of complexities. One of the most critical considerations is the use of pre-existing code or engines. While it might seem like a good idea to create everything from scratch to ensure complete autonomy, there are inherent challenges and risks involved.

The Benefits of Complete Control

Developing a video game entirely from the ground up gives you 100% control over the codebase, avoiding any potential licensing issues. It also offers full flexibility, ensuring that no third-party decisions will negatively impact your project.

However, this does not necessarily equate to a less challenging or less costly project. The reality is that commercially viable games are typically complex projects involving thousands of people, even for the simplest of games.

The Reality and Reliability of Off-the-Shelf Tools

Commercially viable games almost invariably rely on pre-existing tools and assets. Even studios with custom engines use numerous pre-existing libraries. This includes operating systems, development tools, and many more components that are necessary for the process. Neglecting these could significantly impact the success and development of your game.

For instance, a commercial engine like Unity, Unreal Engine, or any of the numerous open-source alternatives is a game-changer for indie developers and medium-sized studios. These engines are well-tested, have extensive community support, and can save you a significant amount of time and resources. Some engines, like Godot, are even available at no cost and still come with a compatible license.

The Importance of Third-Party Tools and Libraries

While it's possible to create a game without pre-existing code or engines, it's crucial to leverage existing tools and libraries. These can help you minimize development time and costs, ensuring that your project remains commercially viable and can be shipped within a reasonable schedule.

Some high-level libraries that can be incredibly useful include SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) for low-level system interaction, window system libraries for basic UI, graphics API binding solutions for 3D rendering, and physics libraries for realistic interactions and behavior.

Conclusion: Legal and Practical Considerations for Game Development

Creating and publishing a game entirely from scratch is perfectly legal; however, if your goal is to publish your game, using third-party engines or at least third-party libraries can be a wise choice. Doing so can prevent you from getting lost in the complexities of game development.

In summary, while full control over your codebase is appealing, the practical realities of game development often necessitate the use of pre-existing tools and assets. Leveraging these resources can ensure that your game is not only legal but also commercially successful and feasible.