Learn game development with SFML and create a simple, functional tic-tac-toe game where you will get to understand the principles of coding. The first course module covers SFML setup on Windows (using Visual Studio) and Mac (using Xcode and Homebrew) systems before moving onto setting up the gaming engine which includes State Machine (switching between states), Asset Manager (loading and storing assets), Input Manager (handles all of the input, providing specific data such as when a sprite is clicked), and the Game Loop (what brings all of the managers together).

The second module of this SFML game development course covers explaining and implementing the game states and grid system development. The tic-tac-toe game contains five states which are the splash, main menu, game, pause, and ‘game over’ states. You then move on to the game logic components, which consists of the grid, AI, and ‘game over’ screen switch implementations. The grid development process is broken down into three parts: initialisation (which represents the initial set-up process), checking for empty and occupied grid spaces in order to place a piece, and implementing a ‘check for the win’ condition. The implementation of AI essentially adds an extra dimension to the game with an artificial opponent capable of winning. The next part of the course  is the “extras” section and suggests extra features that can be added to the game to further enhance the user experience.

This game tutorial is an asset to anyone interested in a career in game development. It goes into intricate details on every process, providing you with all of the information that is necessary to complete the game, but also apply the principles to other game development projects. If you have existing game development experience, then this free online course can also provide a comprehensive refresher on SFML. Enrolling in this course from start to finish will take only three hours and video demonstrations make learning fun, interesting and practical at the same time.