Project Templates

Genre-specific scaffolding, AutoLoad patterns, and modular architecture define rapid prototyping.

Available Scripts

base_game_manager.gd

Expert AutoLoad template for game state management (pause, scene transitions, scoring).

NEVER Do in Project Templates

• NEVER hardcode scene paths — get_tree().change_scene_to_file("res://levels/level_1.tscn") in 20 places? Nightmare refactoring. Use AutoLoad + constants OR scene registry.
• NEVER forget AutoLoad registration — Template includes game_manager.gd but not in Project Settings? Script won't load. MUST add to Project → AutoLoad.
• NEVER use get_tree().paused without groups — Pausing entire tree = pause menu also freezes. Use process mode groups (PROCESS_MODE_PAUSABLE vs PROCESS_MODE_ALWAYS).
• NEVER skip Input.MOUSE_MODE_CAPTURED in FPS — FPS template without mouse capture = cursor visible during gameplay. Set in player _ready().
• NEVER copy-paste templates as-is — Using platformer template for RPG? Leads to architectural debt. UNDERSTAND the structure, then adapt.