Frequently Asked Questions

SSOEngine is a lightweight, modular C++ game engine SDK built on Raylib. It's designed for rapid game development with these key features:

• Automated build system (one-click compilation)
• Ready-to-use subsystems (camera, timer, UI, etc.)
• Asset packing and management
• Cross-platform support (currently Windows)
• Free for personal and commercial use

It's perfect for indie developers, game jams, and educational projects.

SSOEngine is designed for:

• Indie Game Developers who want to focus on gameplay rather than engine setup
• Game Jam Participants needing rapid prototyping tools
• Students and Educators learning C++ game development
• Hobby Developers creating 2D games as a passion project
• Professional Developers needing a lightweight solution for simple games

If you're looking to create 2D games quickly without complex setup, SSOEngine is for you!

SSOEngine is optimized for 2D games. You can create:

• Platformers and side-scrollers
• Top-down shooters and action games
• Puzzle games and brain teasers
• RPGs and adventure games
• Arcade-style games
• Educational and serious games
• Prototype and concept games

While it's primarily focused on 2D, the modular nature allows for creative solutions beyond traditional genres.

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• Dual-core CPU (2.0 GHz or higher)
• 2GB RAM
• 100MB free disk space
• MinGW-w64 GCC 7.0 or higher

Recommended Requirements:

• Windows 11
• Quad-core CPU (3.0 GHz or higher)
• 4GB RAM or more
• DirectX 11 compatible GPU

Yes, you need a C++ compiler. SSOEngine requires:

• MinGW-w64 (recommended) - A Windows port of GCC
• The compiler must be added to your Windows PATH

Installation options:

• MSYS2: Package manager with MinGW-w64 (recommended)
• Standalone: Direct download from winlibs.com
• Visual Studio: MSVC compiler (requires build script modification)

Raylib libraries are included with SSOEngine, so you don't need to install them separately.

SSOEngine currently focuses on Windows because:

• Windows has the largest gaming market share
• Simpler development and testing process
• Consistent build environment
• Better integration with Windows development tools

Future plans include:

• Version 1.2: Linux support
• Version 2.0: macOS support and cross-platform builds

Since SSOEngine is built on Raylib, which is cross-platform, the foundation for multi-platform support already exists.

You need to know C++. Specifically:

• Basic C++ syntax and concepts
• Structures and classes
• Pointers and references
• Header files and includes

Skill level required:

• Beginner: Can follow tutorials with basic C++ knowledge
• Intermediate: Can modify and extend existing code
• Advanced: Can create complex systems and optimize performance

You don't need to be an expert - SSOEngine is designed to be approachable for learners!

Yes, but it requires some setup:

• Current Status: The automated build script (build.bat) is designed for MinGW-w64
• Modification Required: You'll need to modify build.bat to use MSVC compiler flags
• Alternative: Use Visual Studio Code with MinGW-w64 for the best of both worlds

To use Visual Studio:

1. Install Visual Studio Community (free)
2. Install C++ development tools
3. Modify build.bat to use cl.exe instead of g++
4. Adjust library linking for MSVC

For most users, we recommend using VS Code with MinGW-w64 for a simpler setup.

SSOEngine provides several debugging options:

1. Built-in Debug Mode:

• Press F1 to toggle debug information
• Shows FPS, player position, object count
• Displays collision boxes and debug info

2. Console Output:

• Use printf() or Raylib's TraceLog()
• Output appears in the console window
• Great for tracking variables and program flow

3. External Debuggers:

• GDB (comes with MinGW-w64)
• Visual Studio debugger (with MSVC)
• IDE debuggers (CLion, VS Code with extensions)

Start with the built-in debug mode, then move to external debuggers for complex issues.

Absolutely! SSOEngine is designed to be modifiable:

• All source code is included and readable
• Tools are modular - modify or extend as needed
• Add your own subsystems to the tools/ folder
• Customize the build system for your needs

Common modifications:

• Add new UI components
• Extend the camera system
• Create custom math functions
• Add new asset types

If you make useful improvements, consider contributing them back to the community!

Yes, SSOEngine is completely free!

What "Donationware" means:

• ✅ Free to use for personal projects
• ✅ Free to use for commercial projects
• ✅ No royalties or revenue sharing
• ✅ No attribution required (but appreciated)
• ✅ Can modify the source code

The "donation" part is optional:

• If you find SSOEngine useful and want to support development
• If you make money from games built with SSOEngine
• If you want to see continued development and new features

There's no pressure to donate - use it however you like!

Yes, absolutely!

You can:

• Sell your games on any platform (Steam, Itch.io, etc.)
• Keep 100% of your revenue
• Use SSOEngine in commercial projects without permission
• Create proprietary games with modified engine code

No restrictions on:

• Game genre or content
• Revenue amount
• Distribution platform
• Marketing and promotion

The only thing we ask is that if you're successful, consider supporting the engine's development!

No, attribution is not required.

However, credit is appreciated:

• Helps other developers discover SSOEngine
• Supports the engine's growth
• Shows appreciation for the work involved

If you want to credit SSOEngine:

• "Made with SSOEngine" in your game's credits
• Link to github.com/Rozaq125/SSOEngine
• Mention it in press kits or descriptions

But again, this is completely optional - no legal requirement!

Yes, with some guidelines:

You can redistribute:

• The original SSOEngine package
• Modified versions for your own projects
• SSOEngine as part of game development tools

Guidelines:

• Don't claim you created SSOEngine
• Keep original attribution in source code
• Don't remove donation requests
• Clearly indicate if it's a modified version

The goal is to help the community grow while respecting the original work.