Is game programming a good way to develop your Python programming skills? This week we have Jon Fincher on the show. Jon is an author on the Real Python team, and we talk about his recent articles on PyGame and Arcade.

Jon talks about his background working at Microsoft. We discuss if a game would make a good portfolio piece. We compare and contrasts the two popular Python game libraries of Arcade and PyGame. Jon also reveals ways to find assets for your own creations.

Want your question featured on the show? Here’s a new thing we’re trying out. Send us your question at realpython.com/podcast-question and we might feature it on a future episode of the show.

Topics:

00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:56 – Jon Fincher
00:05:17 – Start with Real Python
00:07:08 – Is game programming a good way to learn?
00:13:16 – Setting specific goals and limits
00:19:28 – Is a game a good portfolio piece?
00:21:07 – PyWeek 29
00:22:58 – Al Sweigart books
00:25:00 – Comparing PyGame and Arcade
00:37:34 – Finding game art and other assets
00:41:04 – Licensing game assets
00:44:29 – Packaging your game and sharing
00:47:34 – What are you excited about in the world of Python
00:50:20 – Final Thoughts
00:54:13 – Conclusion

Show links:

What are you excited about in the world of Python?

Jon’s pick:

Chris’s pick:

Real Python Podcast: Submit a Question

Level up your Python skills with our expert-led courses:

Support the podcast & join our community of Pythonistas

Do We Live In A Secular Culture?