Mastering LibGDX Game Development

Leverage the power of LibGDX to create a fully functional, customizable RPG game for your own commercial title

LibGDX is a Java-based framework developed with a heavy emphasis on performance, and includes cross-platform support out of the box (Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, and HTML5) as well as providing all the low-level functionality so that you can focus on developing your game and not battling with the platform. LibGDX also has an engaged and responsive community, active maintenance, and is available for free without a prohibitive license.

Starting from the beginning, this book will take you through the entire development process of creating an RPG video game using LibGDX.

First, this book will introduce you to the features specific to RPG games, as well as an overview of game architecture. Then, you will create map locations, develop character movement, add animation, integrate collision detection, and develop a portal system. Next, you will learn and develop a HUD and other UI components, as well as an inventory management system. You will then develop NPC interactions including dialog trees, shopkeepers, and quest givers. After this, you will design and create battle features for fighting enemies, as well as event triggers for world events. Finally, you will add the final polish with sound, music, and lighting effects.

By the end of this book, you will have learned and applied core components from the LibGDX framework, as well as have a finished game to use as a springboard for customization and story development for your own commercial video game.

What You Will Learn

• Develop characters with stat attributes, player movement, animation, physics, and collision detection
• Create interactive NPC characters with speech windows and build immersion via dialog trees
• Build inventory management system UIs with drag and drop items to sell, buy, and equip
• Design a quest system to expand out the content of your game
• Form interesting enemies with battle mechanics and spawn points
• Devise scripted cutscenes to add an element of story and drama
• Develop save and load game profiles
• Create special effects to give the game extra “juiciness” and polish, and help build the atmosphere