Godot integration

[Zireael07]

How does the Godot integration work? Does it need Godot-rust?

[setzer22]

The Godot integration is built using godot-rust, but distributed as a plugin, so Rust is not required to use it.

To install the plugin:

• Run build_godot_plugin.sh on the root of the repo (Should work on linux. Other OS users can take a look at the commands, PRs welcome for a Rust implementation that makes this multi-platform 👍).
• Move the target/blackjack_engine_godot.zip file that was generated, and uncompress it at the root of your Godot project.
• In Godot, enable the plugin by going to the Project > Project settings > Plugins tab and clicking on the Enable checkbox

Then, to use the plugin:

• Create and save a .bjk file using the editor. (Make sure you're on the latest version! The file format has changed).
• Copy the jack file to any folder inside your Godot project. The editor should pick it up and import it as a special resource type.
• Add a BlackjackJack node.
• Drag and drop the .bjk file into the "Jack Resource" property of the node.

At that point, you should be able to see your procedural model, and a minimal interface allowing to tweak any exported parameters. You can also set materials using the "Material Slot" properties.

Note that this integration is still very minimal, and several features are missing for users wanting to procedurally generate full game worlds inside Godot. At this time, the integration is best suited for generating standalone prop assets at this time. I'm still thinking about the best way to make engine integrations more useful, so please share any requests you have when working with it!

Alternatively, if you have a godot-rust game, another thing you could do is skip the official plugin and use Blackjack as a library inside a godot-rust project and calling it from your code. This is a more advanced way of working, but should be far more flexible. Unfortunately, the two ways are not compatible.

[Zireael07]

Thanks. I'll wait until Godot 4 is a bit more stable or try this on a spare project in 3.5 (which version is the plugin for?)

So far I only want to try Blackjack for procedural buildings and procedural cars, I've done roads themselves in Godot itself :)

[setzer22]

Thanks. I'll wait until Godot 4 is a bit more stable

In case you haven't heard, rust bindings for Godot 4 were just released! 😄 But yeah, current bindings are still for Godot, currently verified to be working on 3.5.1.

procedural buildings and procedural cars

Exciting! 🤩 This sounds like the kind of thing the current version of the integration would handle well. Don't be afraid to share screenshots here when you have something, I'd love to see what people is working on!