BYOND
BYOND is a game engine and development tool used to create multiplayer online games and virtual worlds. It uses a custom scripting language and allows for the quick development of complex, multiplayer environments.
multiplayer
game-engine
virtual-worlds
BYOND: Game Engine & Development Tool
BYOND is a game engine and development tool used to create multiplayer online games and virtual worlds. It uses a custom scripting language and allows for the quick development of complex, multiplayer environments.
What is BYOND?
BYOND (Build Your Own Net Dream) is a proprietary game engine and development tool designed for the quick creation of complex, multiplayer online games and virtual worlds. Originally released in 1995 by Danial-Keith Jamin, BYOND has developed a strong following in the indie game development community thanks to its ease of use and built-in tools like map editors, sprite managers, and debugging suites.
Games created with BYOND allow hundreds or even thousands of players to interact in real time. Its custom scripting language, called DM (Dream Maker), enables the rapid development of sophisticated game mechanics without needing to worry about low-level details. The editor is primarily tile-based, making it simple to build intricate 2D levels and environments. Integrated messaging, player management, and world persistence spare developers the work of coding their own chat systems, logins, and databases.
Over the years, skilled coders have managed to push BYOND's graphical limits to produce surprisingly advanced 3D visuals as well. Popular BYOND games tend to be based on classic codebases that have been gradually expanded and improved over many years. A few of the more prominent BYOND titles include Space Station 13, a wildly popular sci-fi roleplaying game first released in 2003, and Nanotrasen Fleet Command, a fan created spin off.
BYOND Features
Features
- Object-oriented programming
- Custom scripting language
- Built-in map editor
- Multiplayer networking
- 2D and 3D rendering
- Asset management
- Community hub
Pricing
- Free
- Freemium
- Subscription-Based
Pros
Rapid development and prototyping
Large asset library
Active community support
Cross-platform compatibility
Free license for non-commercial use
Cons
Steep learning curve
Limited documentation
Not suitable for high-end 3D games
Small user base compared to major engines
Official Links
The Best BYOND Alternatives
Top Games and Game Engines and other similar apps like BYOND
Here are some alternatives to BYOND:
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