Panda 3D is an open-source game engine designed for 3D games, simulations, and visualizations. What sets Panda 3D apart is its emphasis on simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to write games and applications in Python and C++.
Developed by Disney for its massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) “Toontown Online,” Panda 3D has since grown into one of the best game engines available in the open-source format.
It provides a rich set of features, including advanced graphics, audio, physics, and networking capabilities. Meanwhile, it doesn’t tie developers down to a specific environment or workflow. This flexibility empowers developers to create complex games that can run across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What Games Use Panda 3D Game Engine?
Several notable games and projects have been developed using Panda 3D. One of the most famous examples is Disney’s “Toontown Online,” a game that not only marked the engine’s birth but also demonstrated its capability to handle MMOG’s requirements. Other examples include “Pirates of the Caribbean Online,” another MMO developed by Disney, and “Wizard101” by KingsIsle Entertainment.
The engine has also been used in various independent projects and educational tools. Its open-source nature encourages experimentation and learning, making it a popular choice among indie developers and educators alike.
Is Panda 3D Free?
Yes, Panda 3D is entirely free. It is distributed under the revised BSD license, which allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the engine, even for commercial purposes.
This aspect of Panda 3D makes it an attractive option for indie developers or anyone starting in game development who might not have the budget for expensive licenses.
Incredibuild and Game Engines
Among other things, Incredibuild is a game development acceleration platform that can dramatically speed up compile and build times. While Incredibuild is not specific to any one game engine, its compatibility with Panda 3D can be a significant advantage for teams looking to optimize their development cycles.
Incredibuild works by distributing build tasks across multiple machines in a network, turning every host into a supercomputer-like resource. This approach can reduce build times from hours to minutes, enabling faster iterations.