Special
Did you know that anitya, the platform you’re exploring right now, is powered by Godot, the biggest open source game engine? And the connection goes deeper: Ariel Manzur, co-founder of Godot, is also the CTO of anitya. His expertise shapes not only the tools you use but also the vision behind them. In this post, we dive into Ariel’s journey with Godot and the insights he shared during a live interview.
December 9, 2024
The Godot Engine has become a game-changer (pun intended) in the world of open-source game development. But what’s the story behind this phenomenon? In a recent live interview hosted by Gabriel Brasil, UX Strategist at anitya, we had the privilege of hearing from Ariel Manzur, the co-founder of Godot. Ariel opened up about Godot’s journey, the challenges faced by creators, and his thoughts on the future of gaming and immersive technologies. Let’s dive into the highlights of this fascinating conversation.
What happens when a group of talented developers in Argentina decides to push the boundaries of what’s possible in game development? You get Godot, a project that started as a niche tool and has grown into one of the most beloved game engines on the planet.
Ariel shared how the late 2000s marked a turning point for game engines. Devices like the iPhone and PSP were breaking the mould of traditional computing, and developers needed an engine that could adapt to these new paradigms. Godot was born out of necessity and vision: an open-source engine that could handle diverse platforms while offering creators the flexibility to innovate. According to Ariel, this was no small feat—it required rethinking everything from the ground up. And it paid off.
Today, Godot’s scene tree architecture, intuitive animation systems, and lightweight framework make it a favourite for game developers worldwide. It stands as a powerful example of how rethinking traditional approaches can lead to innovative solutions.
What sets engines like Godot apart is their focus on flexibility and adaptability. Ariel highlighted how important it is for developers to have tools that don’t just meet current needs but also empower them to think outside the box.
Game development is a highly creative process, and each project often requires unique workflows and tools. Godot’s design reflects this understanding, offering a framework that allows for customisation and expansion. Ariel emphasised how such adaptability enables developers to push boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and create truly unique experiences.
This philosophy aligns closely with anitya’s approach: creating tools that offer a balance between ease of use and the freedom to innovate. As Ariel said, “Every game brings new challenges, and having tools that evolve with your vision is key.”
If there’s one thing Ariel is passionate about, it’s enabling creators to focus on what they do best: creating. Godot’s user-friendly interface and robust tools are designed to eliminate the barriers that often hold developers back.
From indie studios to solo developers, Godot’s flexibility makes it a powerhouse for game creation. Ariel highlighted the importance of creating workflows that empower entire teams—from artists to programmers—to collaborate seamlessly. Godot’s editor, for example, allows for easy integration of custom tools, making it a dream for teams looking to push creative boundaries.
This philosophy is central to anitya’s mission as well. By leveraging the strengths of Godot and building on its foundation, anitya provides creators with tools that go beyond game development, empowering them to craft immersive and interactive experiences across various domains. Whether it’s education, e-commerce, or architecture, anitya ensures that creators can easily bring their ideas to life using intuitive, flexible workflows.
“Every complex project needs custom tools,” Ariel explained. “Godot was built with that in mind, so creators can shape their workflows without being shackled by limitations”—a principle that continues to guide anitya’s development philosophy.
What about the future? Ariel didn’t hold back when discussing emerging technologies like XR (extended reality) and AI. He described these innovations as “new paradigms of interface” that are reshaping how we interact with computers. But he also sounded a note of caution.
Ariel pointed out the growing tension between proprietary systems and open-source ideals. While open-source platforms like Godot have been instrumental in democratising access to tools, proprietary software like anitya also has a vital role in this landscape by providing polished, enterprise-ready solutions tailored to specific needs. This combination of open-source inspiration and proprietary innovation allows anitya to deliver advanced features for creators who require reliable and professional-grade tools.
“We’re seeing a shift where big companies want to control not just the software but the hardware and the entire ecosystem,” Ariel said. “It’s vital for creators to retain independence and have access to tools that truly serve their needs.”
Despite these challenges, Ariel is optimistic about how platforms like anitya are extending the potential of AI and XR technologies
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the conversation was Ariel’s tribute to the Godot community. What started as a small project by two developers has grown into a global movement powered by passionate contributors.
“The community has completely transformed how we approach development,” Ariel shared. “They’ve brought in new ideas, improved user experience, and expanded Godot’s reach far beyond what we could have imagined.”
This spirit of collaboration also informs anitya’s approach. While Godot’s open-source community brings invaluable creativity and accessibility, anitya builds on these strengths to offer tailored solutions for specific industries like education, e-commerce, and architecture. By combining the innovation of the open-source world with the precision of proprietary development, anitya continues to empower creators with tools that are both flexible and dependable.
From game jams to professional studios, Godot’s community is a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration. And the best part? It’s still growing, with platforms like anitya pushing its capabilities even further into new realms of immersive experiences.
As anitya continues to build on Godot’s foundation, Ariel’s vision of democratised game development resonates deeply with our mission. We can’t wait to keep on exploring the frontiers of immersive experiences and empowering creators to dream big.
Want to hear more? Watch the full interview to catch all the insights and inspiration straight from Ariel himself.
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