A software engine is a program that serves as the foundation for larger software, often used in game development for graphics or general game engines. It can be developed by one company and licensed to others. The contents of the engine vary depending on the program.
A software engine is a computer program, or part of a computer program, that serves as the foundation for larger software. This term is often used in game development, where it typically refers to a graphics engine or game engine around which the rest of a video game is built. While the term can also be used in other areas of software development, its particular meaning can be more nebulous in those cases. A software engine can be developed by one company that uses it, or it can be developed by another company and then licensed to other developers.
When used in the general context of computer software development, a software engine typically refers to the building blocks of a particular program. This usually doesn’t include features like user interface (UI) and numerous art assets added to the main engine itself. For an operating system (OS), for example, the software engine might be the source code that establishes file hierarchy, input and output methods, and how the operating system communicates with other software and hardware. However, the exact contents of such an engine may vary from program to program.
In computer and console game development, a software engine typically refers to a game’s graphics engine or general game engine. A game’s graphics engine is typically the software used to properly render the graphics seen by players. This often uses art assets created in other programs, which are then pushed into the graphics engine for use during gameplay. Using a software engine for a game’s graphics can make rendering much easier, and can also simplify the process of ensuring software and hardware compatibility.
A software engine in game design can also refer to a game engine, which is a large program that forms the core of a game. This engine often handles how artificial intelligence (AI) is handled for game characters, physics in the game world, and even provides tools for inputting art assets and creating a user interface for a game. By using a game engine, creators can make future development much easier, especially for sequels. This type of software engine is often created as an early part of game development and may be licensed to other companies to allow them to more quickly and easily develop new games using the core engine.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
