Making Video Games in 2025 (without an engine)
Hacker News
February 27, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In 2025, after two decades of making video games, the author reflects on their decision to avoid using large commercial game engines like Unity or Unreal. Instead, they rely on custom tools and lightweight frameworks, finding that these approaches offer more control, flexibility, and less overhead compared to traditional engines. The author highlights how modern open-source libraries and small frameworks, such as FNA or SDL, provide viable alternatives for indie developers. By focusing on specific use cases and creating tailored solutions, the author achieves a development workflow that feels more personal and efficient.
The article emphasizes that making games without a "do-it-all" engine doesn’t mean starting from scratch with assembly code. Instead, it often involves leveraging existing tools and frameworks to build systems suited to individual needs. The author points out how large engines can become cumbersome, requiring extensive workarounds for features that don’t align with the project’s goals. This leads to a situation where the engine becomes little more than an asset loader or UI editor, questioning why it is being used at all.
The author also addresses concerns about future-proofing their projects by avoiding reliance on engines that may become obsolete or impose restrictive updates. They advocate for simplicity and efficiency in development, noting how modern programming languages like C# have evolved to better support game development with features like hot reload and improved performance. By using these tools, the author ensures they retain control over their workflow, allowing them to troubleshoot issues quickly and maintain creative freedom.
Ultimately, the article challenges the notion that making games from scratch is an insurmountable task in 2025, especially with the availability of open-source frameworks and libraries. The author’s approach demonstrates that indie developers can thrive by embracing custom workflows tailored to their unique needs, rather than being constrained by large engines. This perspective is particularly valuable for those interested in tech and game development, offering insights into alternative methods for creating engaging and innovative games.
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Originally published on Hacker News on 2/27/2026