User Tools

Site Tools


dragengine:modules:main

This is an old revision of the document!


Start Page » Module System

Modules provide the core functionality for the Drag[en]gine game engine. Every module takes over a specific task in the game engine. Graphic Modules for example take over the job to render the game to the screen while Physics Modules for example take over the job to provide physical simulations and collision detection. These are typically all modules loading resources from file like models, images and so forth. Multiple modules of the same category can be loaded at the same time without interference. This is logic as modules able to load different file formats can (and have to) be used at the same time in a game. The launchers are responsible to ensure all required modules are ready to be used. The user has to choose the optimal module configuration only once. From there on every game based on this game engine just works, a feature which most if not all AAA class game engines are direly lacking.

Single Type Modules

Single type modules provide functionality that can not coexist with other modules of the same category. For example you can not run an OpenGL module and a DirectX module at the same time as both need full access to the hardware. Besides you have only one game screen to render to. For each cathegory the user has thus to choose his favorite module to run. Launchers provide the user with a way to select the single type modules optionally providing convenient profiles if required. The table below shows all existing single type module categories. Click on category name to learn more.

Module CategoryDescription
AIAI handling and navigation
AnimatorAnimates components using animator definitions
AudioHandling audio devices, mixing and playing back sound and music in a 3D environment
Crash RecoveryAnalyze a crashed game engine instance and getting it back running where it crashed if possible
GraphicHandling windows, screens and rendering to them
InputProcess input from the user
NetworkingNetwork communication between servers, clients and other network components if required
PhysicsSupport for physical simulations and collision detection
ScriptingRun game logic

Multiple Type Modules

Multiple type modules provide functionality that can coexist with other modules of the same category. These are typically all modules loading resources from file like models or images. Modules of the same category can be loaded at the same time without interference. This is logic as modules able to load different file formats can (and have to) be used at the same time in a game. Games state towards the launcher what files formats they need to run. The launchers then make sure the right modules are loaded and running to handle the requested files. Hence not all modules are required to be functional for every game. The launcher is responsible to ensure everything is ready to run a game. The table below shows all existing multiple type module categories. Click on category name to learn more.

Module CategoryDescription
AnimationLoad and save animation files containing precanned animation sequences for use with animators
FontLoad and save font files containing colored or colorable bitmap fonts
ImageLoad and save image files for direct use or for use with skin resources
Language PackLoad and save language pack files containing text translations to be used with translator resources
ModelLoad and save model files with static or deformable meshes optional with LOD meshes
Occlusion MeshLoad and save occlusion mesh files containing low polygon meshes used for occlusion testing
RigLoad and save rig files defining physical simulation properties as well as collision shapes
SkinLoad and save skin files containing named textures for use with components
SoundLoad and save sound files containing sound effect or looped or non-looped music
VideoLoad and save video files containing videos with or without sound to be played back with video players

Module Listing

There is no fixed list of modules the game engine has since users can download and install modules on their own. Furthermore on different platforms not all modules exist or are usable in the same way. This listing here contains all the default modules the Drag[en]gine can ship with. The module pages contain also in depth technical information if existing.

ModuleTypeDescriptionPlatform
OpenGLGraphicOpenGL based rendering for high-end graphic cardsLinux, Windows

( pages for other modules will be added later on )

You could leave a comment if you were logged in.
dragengine/modules/main.1354566823.txt.gz · Last modified: 2012/12/03 20:33 by dragonlord