Construct (software)

Construct

The Construct user interface. Editing a layout and a sprite.
Developer(s)	Scirra
Initial release	October 27, 2007
Development status	Retired
Written in	C++
Operating system	Microsoft Windows
Available in	English
Type	Game development
License	GPL
Website	www.scirra.com

Construct is a free, open source DirectX game creator. It aims to allow games to be created in an easy drag and drop manner, using an event-based programming system, or optionally with Python scripting. It features pixel shaders, motion blur, zooming and rotations, a Behaviors system, a skeletal animation system, a debugger, and over 50 built-in objects. In addition, the engine includes support for 2D physics using the Box2D library. It was developed by a group of students.^[1] On April 20, 2013, Scirra announced Construct Classic had been retired in order to focus on Construct 2.^[2]

Event system

The primary method of programming games and applications in Construct is through 'event sheets', which are similar to source files used in programming languages. Each event sheet has a list of events, which contain conditional statements or triggers. Once these are met, actions or functions can be carried out. Event logic such as OR and AND, as well as sub-events (representing scope) allow for sophisticated systems to be programmed without learning a comparatively more difficult programming language. Groups can be used to enable/disable multiple events at once, and to organise events.

Release history

The first public open source build, version 0.8, was released on October 27, 2007.^[3] The last stable release was R2,^[4] released on February 5, 2012, before being retired on April 20, 2013. Its successor, Construct 2, has been released as a commercial product and exports games to HTML5.^[5]

Notes