Building a 3D Maze Game with SDL2: A Journey Through Code and Creativity

The goal of my project was to create an engaging 3D maze game that combines classic maze-solving elements with modern graphics and interactive features. I aimed to challenge players with complex mazes while ensuring a visually appealing and fun experience. By leveraging SDL2, we were able to focus on creating a smooth and responsive gameplay experience.

Roles:

This project was made by one developer [Me] which i have the role of the whole project as:

1- Project Lead / Game Designer

2- SDL2 implementation

3- Level Design

4- User interface design for the game and the project landing page

Timeline:

Day 1-3: Conceptualization and design

Week 1: Core development (maze generation)

Week 2: Deploying the render of game and handle event

Week 2: Testing and debugging

Week 3: Final revisions and deployment

Target Audience:

This maze game was designed for gamers who enjoy puzzle-solving and exploration. It is aimed at players who appreciate a challenging experience and are interested in 3D environments. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a maze enthusiast, our game offers a stimulating and enjoyable experience.

As the Developer and Game Designer, my primary focus was on the game mechanics and overall user experience. I dedicated a significant portion of time to developing the maze generation algorithms and ensuring the game ran smoothly across various systems. Additionally, I worked on integrating SDL2's functionalities to enhance graphics and user input, making the game both responsive and immersive.

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A Personal Journey: From Childhood Dreams to 3D Mazes

My fascination with mazes dates back to when I was just a kid. I remember spending countless hours in the basement of my grandparents’ house, where they had this enormous, elaborate maze puzzle. It was a wooden board with pathways and hidden compartments that my grandfather had crafted himself. I’d sit there for hours, trying to solve it, the thrill of finding the right path or uncovering a hidden space was exhilarating.

That simple wooden maze was more than just a toy; it was a gateway to my imagination. It sparked my love for puzzles and problem-solving. I’d often create my own mazes on graph paper, designing complex labyrinths and dreaming of how it would feel to navigate them in a fully immersive environment.

Years later, when I started learning programming and game development, I realized that I could bring those childhood dreams to life. SDL2, with its powerful graphics and input handling capabilities, became the perfect tool for creating the 3D maze game I had always envisioned.

Working on this project was more than just a technical challenge for me—it was a personal quest to capture the sense of wonder and discovery that my grandfather’s maze once inspired in me. Each aspect of the game, from the maze generation algorithms to the interactive elements, was an homage to those early experiences. It felt like a way to reconnect with a part of my childhood that had always brought me joy.

Through this project, I’ve not only been able to create something technically impressive but also fulfill a long-held dream of building an immersive maze that captures the same excitement I felt as a child. It’s been a journey of blending nostalgia with modern technology, and I hope it resonates with players as much as it does with me.

Project Accomplishments

Our 3D maze game project has successfully created an engaging and immersive experience for players. By leveraging SDL2, we developed a fully functional 3D maze that features procedurally generated mazes, interactive gameplay, and dynamic visuals. The project not only met but exceeded our initial goals, providing players with a challenging puzzle-solving environment that combines classic maze-solving with modern 3D graphics.

Technologies Used

1. SDL2: We chose SDL2 for its robust handling of graphics, input, and audio. SDL2's cross-platform capabilities and comprehensive set of functions allowed us to focus on game development without getting bogged down by low-level details. Its flexibility and ease of use made it an ideal choice for creating a 3D maze game with smooth performance and responsive controls.
2. C++: We used C++ for its performance efficiency and powerful features that are crucial for handling real-time game logic and rendering. C++ allowed us to write optimized code and manage memory effectively, which was essential for the complex calculations involved in maze generation and real-time interactions.
3. OpenGL: For rendering 3D graphics, we used OpenGL in conjunction with SDL2. OpenGL’s capabilities for handling 3D transformations and shaders helped us create visually appealing environments and smooth animations.
4. FMOD: For audio, we integrated FMOD to provide immersive sound effects and background music. FMOD’s advanced features allowed us to easily manage and trigger sound effects in response to in-game events, enhancing the overall player experience.

Key Features

1. Procedurally Generated Mazes: One of the standout features of our game is its procedurally generated mazes. Using a maze generation algorithm, we created unique and challenging mazes every time the game is played. This ensures that players have a new experience with each session, enhancing replayability.
2. Dynamic Lighting and Shadows: To create an immersive 3D environment, we implemented dynamic lighting and shadows. This feature adds depth to the maze and improves visual realism, making navigation more engaging and visually appealing.
3. Interactive Gameplay Elements: Our game includes interactive elements such as collectibles and obstacles. These features add complexity to the maze-solving process, requiring players to think strategically and explore thoroughly.

Most Difficult Technical Challenge in Depth

Solving the Camera Collision Issue in 3D Space

One of the most difficult technical challenges we encountered during the development of our 3D maze game was handling camera collision detection and response. In a 3D maze environment, it’s crucial that the camera provides a smooth and immersive experience for players while avoiding intersections with maze walls and obstacles.

Situation: Initially, our camera system was designed to follow the player character with basic collision detection. However, as we integrated more complex maze structures with intricate walls and narrow passages, the camera began to exhibit erratic behavior. It would sometimes clip through walls or get stuck in corners, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience. The issue was particularly evident in tight spaces where the camera's clipping planes failed to adjust dynamically to the environment.

Task: The primary objective was to implement a robust collision detection and response system for the camera to ensure it remained within the boundaries of the maze and provided a smooth viewing experience. We needed a solution that would handle various maze configurations and dynamic elements without compromising the camera's fluidity and responsiveness.

Action: To address this, we first introduced a more advanced collision detection algorithm. We replaced the basic sphere-based collision detection with a more accurate bounding box approach. This allowed us to better manage the camera's interaction with the maze’s geometry.

We also implemented a camera collision response system that included a combination of raycasting and positional adjustments. When the camera detected an impending collision using raycasts, it would automatically adjust its position to avoid clipping through walls. This adjustment was done in real-time, ensuring that the camera smoothly navigated around obstacles while maintaining the player's view.

Additionally, we incorporated a system for dynamically adjusting the camera's clipping planes based on its proximity to maze walls. This ensured that the camera’s near and far clipping planes were always appropriately set to prevent visual artifacts and maintain a clear view of the maze environment.

Result: The enhanced collision detection and response system significantly improved the camera's behavior in the 3D maze. The camera now smoothly navigates around obstacles, and clipping issues have been virtually eliminated. Players can enjoy a more immersive and frustration-free experience, even in the maze’s most complex and confined areas. This improvement greatly contributed to the overall quality of the game and user satisfaction.

Technical Takeaways and Reflections

What I Might Do Differently:

Reflecting on the project, one area for improvement would be the initial planning and testing phases for our camera system. Although our final solution for camera collision was effective, we could have spent more time prototyping and testing different collision detection algorithms earlier in the development cycle. This would have allowed us to identify potential issues sooner and avoid reworking significant portions of the code. Additionally, incorporating user feedback during early stages of development might have helped refine our approach to maze design and gameplay mechanics more effectively.

What I Learned About Myself as an Engineer:

This project taught me the importance of persistence and adaptability in problem-solving. I found that some of the most challenging technical problems required creative thinking and iterative testing. I learned to approach complex issues with patience and a willingness to explore multiple solutions before arriving at the most effective one. Additionally, I discovered the value of clear communication within a team, as collaborative brainstorming often led to more innovative solutions than working in isolation.

How This Project Informs My Engineering Path in the Future:

This experience has reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and experimentation. I now recognize the significance of thorough initial planning and the benefits of early-stage prototyping. Moving forward, I plan to integrate more rigorous testing phases and seek early feedback in future projects. The project has also solidified my interest in developing interactive systems and optimizing performance, areas I intend to focus on as I advance in my career.

Confirming or Questioning Prior Beliefs:

Before this project, I believed that solving complex technical challenges required predominantly theoretical knowledge and advanced algorithms. However, this experience has shown me that practical problem-solving, iterative development, and hands-on experimentation are equally crucial. I’ve learned that sometimes, the most effective solutions come from simple, well-thought-out approaches rather than overly complex ones. This realization has shifted my perspective on the balance between theory and practice in engineering and emphasized the importance of adaptability and creativity in solving real-world problems.

About Me

About Me:

I’m a software engineer with experience in Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and MySQL, I bring a versatile skill set to the table. My expertise in Python enables me to tackle backend development with efficiency and precision, while my proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript allows me to create engaging, responsive web interfaces. I have a solid understanding of MySQL for database management, ensuring robust data storage and retrieval solutions.

I thrive in both frontend and backend development, seamlessly integrating user-centric designs with functional, scalable backend systems. My approach is grounded in writing clean, maintainable code and focusing on delivering high-quality, reliable software. I am passionate about leveraging my diverse skill set to build dynamic, full-stack solutions and continuously learning new technologies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of software engineering.

• GitHub Repository: https://github.com/mo-alsafi/Alx-Maze-Project
• Project’s Landing Page: https://mo-alsafi.github.io/Alx-Maze-Project/Landing-page.htm
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-alsafi-93a68727b