How to Learn Python for Game Development

The global video game industry is expanding rapidly, bringing in an estimated $455 billion in revenue in 2024 [1]. Whether you want to create your own video game or start a career in commercial game design, learning Python programming may help you make engaging and exciting games using built-in tools designed to make your development process easier.

Explore how to learn Python for game development, including the top libraries, game engines, and integrated development environments (IDEs) that can help you get started.

What do you need to learn for Python game development?

To build games in Python, you’ll need a combination of programming knowledge and game development concepts. Python is a beginner-friendly programming language that excels in game development, even if you’re just starting. Using game-specific libraries (like Pygame and Pyglet), alongside game engines (like Panda3D) and integrated development environments (like PyCharm), you can create anything from basic 2D video games to advanced 3D animations.

While knowing programming basics will allow you to take advantage of available tools, creating an interactive and engaging game relies on an understanding of game design components and how to fit them together. To succeed, your game needs to respond to user input, display aesthetic and smooth animations, tell an engaging narrative, and follow logical game mechanics. 

Python game programming basics

To create the basic structure of your game, understanding Python programming can give you access to the resources you need. A few to start with include:

• Object-oriented programming: By understanding classes and objects, you can better structure your game elements (like players, enemies, and buildings) by representing them as objects with properties and behaviors.

• Variables, loops, and functions: Being able to use the building blocks of Python programs will enable you to craft clear and reusable code, including code for your games.

• Python libraries: One of the easiest ways to create games in Python is with libraries (like Pygame). Knowing how to import and use modules from these libraries opens your design to pre-built tools for graphics, sounds, and input handling.

Game development concepts 

When developing your game, you likely want to create an exciting and engaging experience for your players. This means that beyond coding, you’ll need an understanding of basic game development concepts. A few concepts you might implement include: 

• Sprites and animations: Sprites are visual representations of your game objects. Using your code, you can move and manage your sprites, including properties like their size, position, speed, and behaviors.

• Collision detection: In your game, you’ll need to detect when objects interact, like an object hitting the wall or a battle between players.

• Player feedback: Your game should provide feedback to player actions through visuals, audio, or haptic feedback. 

• Game narrative: Having a compelling narrative creates a more immersive experience for your players. Creating interesting characters, creative missions, and an immersive universe can make the game more fun.

Best tools and libraries to learn Python game development

The resources you choose for your game development process can make a big difference in your development process and the tools available. To find the best way to learn game development in Python for you, explore available tools, who they’re best for, and what features you can find in each.

Top Python game development libraries

Python offers a variety of libraries and frameworks that streamline the game development process. Each library provides tools for different functionalities, like creating 2D arcade-style games and designing 3D environments. The top ones include:

Pygame

Best for: Beginner game developers; basic game design; flexible code control

Pygame is widely considered to be easy to learn, especially if you have a basic understanding of Python. It offers functionality for drawing graphics, handling inputs, and adding audio, without taking away your control over program execution. With Pygame, the code you write for your game can run on a variety of platforms, such as Windows, Linux, and Mac.

While a number of frameworks have been built on top of Pygame to support more advanced game design, traditional applications of Pygame are best suited for arcade-style 2D games. This makes it a great starting point if you’re getting comfortable with coding and game design, as you can find a number of tutorials that walk you through basic design patterns, game creation, and the use of object-oriented programming concepts.

Pyglet

Best for: New, intermediate, and advanced developers; lightweight 2D/3D applications; fine-grained control

Pyglet is a Python library that supports windowing, OpenGL rendering, sound, and video playback without external dependencies. This means that you don’t need any additional installations beyond Python, and it offers more control of the interface and code base. 

While you can develop both 2D and 3D games, you won’t have built-in game object systems or engines. This makes it more suited for developers who want low-level control and have more comfort handling core systems themselves.

Arcade

Best for: Beginner developers and hobbyists; simple 2D games; extensive built-in functionality

Arcade builds on Pyglet but abstracts away many of the complexities, offering a modern, intuitive API tailored to beginners. Arcade has a wide range of built-in functions, including sprite classes, physics engines, camera controls, and animation support. 

Because it’s tailored to beginners, you can often find courses that teach basic Python and programming concepts alongside an Arcade game design project.

Top Python game development engines and IDEs

Game engines and integrated development environments (IDEs) go beyond libraries to provide a full development space. Game engines provide a complete framework for game development and organization, making them suitable for more complex projects. IDEs, on the other hand, provide an environment where you can write, test, and debug your code from start to finish. 

Panda3D

Best for: Advanced programmers; 3D game design

Panda3D is an open-source game engine developed by Disney that offers full Python integration and C++ support. Unlike lightweight libraries, Panda3D is a complete engine, which means it can handle rendering, physics, audio, and input. This makes it a great choice for developing immersive 3D environments.

One of the standout features of Panda3D is that it’s scripted entirely in Python, but has performance-critical components written in C++, giving it more power and speed. If you’re developing complex 3D applications, especially VR or simulations, the commercial-grade environment of Panda3D may provide what you’re looking for.

Ursina Engine

Best for: 3D design with concise code; rapid prototyping; refined user interface (UI) design

Ursina is a high-level 3D game engine built on top of Panda3D. However, it offers a simpler and more beginner-friendly interface and provides extensive documentation for new users on how to set up their game platform and model their entities. With Ursina, you have more built-in support for entities, animation, UI elements, and creating projects, to name a few. 

Because of the built-in support, you can often create scenes in your game with only a few lines of code, making it more accessible to newer coders.

PyCharm

Best for: Professional developers or teams; complex codebases

PyCharm is one of the most powerful IDEs for Python developers, offering features like code completion, code analysis, and integrated debugging tools. You can use multiple libraries and game development engines within PyCharm, making it a great option to stay organized throughout your development process.

If you’re working with a team of developers, PyCharm offers an easy way to track code progress in one place. Plus, PyCharm is integrating more artificial intelligence and machine learning tools into the workflow, providing you with more modern features to automate development help, like code suggestion, generation, and testing.

Step-by-step guide to learning Python for game development

When learning game development, start with Python basics before layering in game design concepts and tools. This way, you’ll be better equipped to create games that are not only functional but also fun and polished. While the learning path will look different for everyone, steps you can take include: 

1. Learn Python basics.

Get comfortable working with Python, including string and list manipulation, writing functions, and using basic syntax. When you understand the language, moving to game design concepts like graphics programming will feel more accessible. 

2. Explore Python libraries.

Once you learn the basics of Python, you can explore game-specific libraries. Start with basic libraries like pygame and arcade to explore simple 2D design. You can follow tutorials online to learn how to code your objects, movement, graphics, and more. 

3. Practice game design concepts.

You’ll need to learn about game mechanics and interactive design to create an engaging game. By using different tutorials and reference code, you can practice how to code and implement game elements like adding and mixing sounds, loading images, and collision responses.

4. Choose development tools.

In addition to libraries, an IDE or game engine can help streamline your workflow and provide a centralized environment for each step of the game development process. Depending on your priorities, you can choose environments that help to edit your code, compile and test your designs, and debug as you move through each stage.

5. Create your first game.

Once you build foundational knowledge and choose your tools, it’s time to create your first game. Start small, don’t aim for perfection, and take the time to learn your way through each mistake as you go. 

You can continue learning by creating different types of games, gradually progressing to bigger projects, trying out new libraries, and exploring what different development environments have to offer.

Build Python skills on Coursera

You have the opportunity to learn game development in Python by building basic programming and game design skills, exploring libraries and game-specific tools, and practicing different types of projects. You can make the game design process easier by building a strong foundation in Python with self-guided courses on Coursera. For a comprehensive overview, complete the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, where you’ll have the chance to learn the tools, languages, and libraries used by professional data scientists, including Python.