Dreamyard Engine

Dreamyard is a custom-built 2D game engine in C++ using SDL2 for cross-platform rendering, input, and window management, with a robust Lua scripting layer for easy content creation. Every system is designed for high performance, strong security, and full developer control.

Key features include a data-oriented ECS architecture, encrypted asset packaging, built-in scripting, optimized rendering and animation, and multiplayer support with client/server integration.

Data-oriented architecture and ECS design

Dreamyard's C++ core uses a data-oriented Entity Component System (ECS) architecture for efficient memory access and scalability. This approach mirrors best practices in high-end engines while staying lightweight, fully customizable, and easy to extend.

Flexible core gameplay systems

Movement, animation, collision, and combat systems work seamlessly together to bring the game world to life. Designed for flexibility, Dreamyard supports custom entities, AI, and real-time interactions in a performance-friendly engine.

Multiplayer and networking

Dreamyard includes custom client/server integration for online features like account management, in-game chat, and multiplayer gameplay. The server is efficiently built in C++ with SQL support and employs multi-layer packet encryption for secure communication.

Build rich interfaces and interactions

Dreamyard supports advanced UI systems for inventories, skills, quests, and dialogues. The integrated Lua scripting engine powers dynamic menus, branching dialogue trees, NPC interactions, and context-sensitive events to create engaging experiences.

Powerful scripting and in-depth developer tools

Dreamyard features a deeply integrated Lua scripting system for defining game assets, levels, events, AI behaviors, and UI interactions. Developers can customize nearly every aspect through scripts. Built-in debug overlays show collision bounds and map data in real time. Detailed logging and console output help developers diagnose and refine gameplay seamlessly.

Integrated systems under the hood

Dreamyard's systems work together to handle assets, scripting, sound design, and more. From efficient texture and map scripting, to sound effect pitch variations and robust encrypted asset packaging, every component is engineered for flexibility, performance, and developer control.