2026-02-24 05:02:32 +00:00

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Your First AeThex Game - Multiplayer Pong

Build a simple multiplayer Pong game in 30 minutes. Learn core AeThex features: multiplayer, cloud saves, and the Studio IDE.

What you'll build: Real-time multiplayer Pong where 2 players compete, with automatic cloud save of high scores.

Time required: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner

Prerequisites

AeThex Engine installed
Text editor or Studio IDE
Basic programming knowledge (any language)

Part 1: Project Setup (5 min)

1. Create New Project

In Studio IDE:

Click File → New Project
Name: MultiplayerPong
Location: Choose folder
Click Create & Open

<function_calls> # GDScript Basics

Quick reference for developers new to GDScript.

What is GDScript?

GDScript is Python-like scripting language designed for game development. Easy to learn, powerful for games.

Basic Syntax

Variables

var health = 100          # Integer
var speed = 5.5           # Float
var name = "Player"       # String
var is_alive = true       # Boolean
var position = Vector2(0, 0)  # Object

Constants

const MAX_HEALTH = 100
const GRAVITY = 980

Functions

func take_damage(amount):
    health -= amount
    if health <= 0:
        die()

func die():
    print("Game Over")
    queue_free()

If Statements

if health > 50:
    print("Healthy")
elif health > 20:
    print("Low health")
else:
    print("Critical")

Loops

# For loop
for i in range(10):
    print(i)

# While loop
while health > 0:
    take_damage(10)

# Iterate array
for item in inventory:
    print(item.name)

Arrays

var fruits = ["apple", "banana", "orange"]
fruits.append("grape")
print(fruits[0])  # "apple"
print(fruits.size())  # 4

Dictionaries

var player = {
    "name": "Alex",
    "level": 5,
    "health": 100
}

print(player["name"])  # "Alex"
player.health = 90

Common Lifecycle Functions

_ready()

Called when node is added to scene.

func _ready():
    print("Node is ready")
    health = MAX_HEALTH

_process(delta)

Called every frame.

func _process(delta):
    # delta = time since last frame (seconds)
    position.x += speed * delta

_physics_process(delta)

Called every physics frame (fixed timestep).

func _physics_process(delta):
    velocity.y += gravity * delta
    move_and_slide(velocity)

_input(event)

Called on input events.

func _input(event):
    if event is InputEventKey:
        if event.pressed and event.keycode == KEY_SPACE:
            jump()

Node Management

Get child nodes

var player = $Player  # Direct child
var health_bar = $UI/HealthBar  # Nested
var enemy = get_node("Enemy")  # Alternative

Create nodes

var bullet = preload("res://bullet.tscn").instantiate()
bullet.position = global_position
get_parent().add_child(bullet)

Remove nodes

queue_free()  # Remove this node
$Bullet.queue_free()  # Remove child

Signals

Define signal

signal health_changed(new_health)
signal died

func take_damage(amount):
    health -= amount
    health_changed.emit(health)
    if health <= 0:
        died.emit()

Connect signal

func _ready():
    $Player.connect("died", self, "_on_player_died")

func _on_player_died():
    print("Player died!")

Classes

class_name Player extends CharacterBody2D

var health = 100
var speed = 200

func _ready():
    print("Player ready")

func move(direction: Vector2):
    velocity = direction * speed
    move_and_slide()

Exports (Inspector Variables)

@export var max_health = 100
@export var speed = 5.0
@export var player_name = "Hero"
@export var sprite: Texture2D

These appear in the Inspector and can be edited visually.

Common Types

# Numbers
var integer: int = 5
var floating: float = 3.14

# Vectors
var pos2d: Vector2 = Vector2(10, 20)
var pos3d: Vector3 = Vector3(1, 2, 3)

# Colors
var red = Color.RED
var custom = Color(1.0, 0.5, 0.0)  # RGB

# Nodes
var player: CharacterBody2D
var sprite: Sprite2D

Tips for Beginners

Use typed variables for better autocomplete:

var speed: float = 5.0
var player: Node2D

$ is shorthand for get_node():
```
$Player == get_node("Player")
```
Connect signals in Inspector or code - both work
Use @export to expose variables to Inspector

Always null-check before using nodes:

if player != null:
    player.take_damage(10)

Use preload for resources:

const Bullet = preload("res://bullet.tscn")
var bullet = Bullet.instantiate()

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