Question: How can I create a platformer game in Love2D?

Answer

To create a platformer game in Love2D, you'll need to write Lua code that handles the game's physics, controls, collision detection, and graphics. Below is a basic guide on how to get started, including some code examples.

1. Setting up the Window

function love.load()
    love.window.setTitle("Platformer Game")
    love.window.setMode(800, 600)
end

2. Loading Assets

Load your character sprite and level tiles.

function love.load()
    playerImg = love.graphics.newImage("player.png")
    -- ... load more assets like tilesets
end

3. Defining Player Properties

player = {
    x = 100,
    y = 100,
    width = 32,
    height = 32,
    speed = 180,
    velocity_x = 0,
    velocity_y = 0,
    jump_height = -300,
    gravity = -500
}

4. Handling Keyboard Input

function love.update(dt)
    -- Movement
    if love.keyboard.isDown("right") then
        player.x = player.x + player.speed * dt
    elseif love.keyboard.isDown("left") then
        player.x = player.x - player.speed * dt
    end
    
    -- Jumping
    if love.keyboard.isDown("space") then
        if player.grounded then
            player.velocity_y = player.jump_height
            player.grounded = false
        end
    end
    
    -- Apply gravity
    player.velocity_y = player.velocity_y - player.gravity * dt
    player.y = player.y + player.velocity_y * dt

    -- Collision detection with the ground
    -- Assuming we have a function `checkCollisionWithGround` defined elsewhere
    if checkCollisionWithGround(player.x, player.y) then
        player.velocity_y = 0
        player.grounded = true
    else
        player.grounded = false
    end
end

5. Drawing the Player

function love.draw()
    love.graphics.draw(playerImg, player.x, player.y)
end

6. Collision Detection

You would need to implement or use a library for collision detection and handling. Here’s a simple AABB collision check as an example:

function checkCollisionWithGround(x, y)
    -- This function should return true if the player is on the ground
    -- For brevity, let's assume the ground is at y = 550:
    if y >= 550 then
        return true
    else
        return false
    end
end

This basic outline should help you get started with the structure of a platformer in Love2D. You will need to expand on each part, such as adding more sophisticated physics, handling collisions with obstacles, implementing a tile map system for your levels, and possibly adding enemies and additional gameplay elements.

For complex games, it might be useful to incorporate a physics engine like Box2D via the love.physics module, which Love2D integrates natively, simplifying many aspects of physics and collision handling.

Remember to test frequently and start with a very simple prototype that you can expand upon as you go.