Blender Studio has unveiled Dogwalk, a micro-game developed using the Godot Engine, now available in early access. This project serves as a practical exploration of integrating Blender with Godot, aiming to refine the asset and level creation workflow between the two platforms.
Gameplay Mechanics and Design
Dogwalk offers a concise, interactive storytelling experience characterized by a papercraft aesthetic. Designed for a single sitting, the game centers around a primary mechanic that emphasizes player expression and replayability. Players control a large dog named Chocomel, accompanied by their child owner, Pinda, as they navigate a snow-covered forest in search of items to decorate a snowman. The dynamic between the robust dog and the easily-dragged child introduces humorous challenges and fosters a sense of relationship-building through gameplay.
Animation and Rigging Nuances
The development team implemented ten distinct petting animations to depict interactions between Chocomel and Pinda. These animations accommodate various states and transitions, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. (Blender Studio) Given Godot’s limitations with certain Blender features, such as bendy bones, the team introduced specific “Godot bones” to facilitate necessary movements, like the swiveling of Pinda’s arm when the leash is pulled. These bones are hidden from animators and remain unanimated within Blender, serving solely for in-game adjustments within Godot.
Current Status and Accessibility
While Dogwalk is feature-complete, it remains in early access, with known bugs and performance issues. Blender Studio plans to collect user feedback, address significant issues, enhance performance for broader hardware compatibility, and resolve various bugs to improve the overall experience. The game is currently exclusive to Blender Studio subscribers, with plans for a free public release upon completion. Interested users can access the game and its source code via the official Blender Studio website.
Final Thoughts
Dogwalk exemplifies Blender Studio’s commitment to exploring and refining the integration between Blender and Godot. By focusing on a manageable project scope and embracing a unique art style, the team provides valuable insights into the practicalities of cross-platform development. As the game progresses towards its full release, it stands as a testament to the potential of open-source tools in creating engaging interactive experiences. For more information and to follow the project’s development, visit the Blender Studio project page.
