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Lumina — Visual Game Creation

Lumina is a visual game creation environment that uses Lumen as its core scripting language. It allows developers to build 3D games and interactive projects using either visual block-based programming or by writing LumenLang code directly, providing flexibility in how game logic is expressed.

Dual creation approaches

Lumina supports two complementary ways to build game logic:

  • Visual blocks: A drag-and-drop block editor for movement, logic, physics, variables, and interactions — no coding required.
  • Lumen code: Write game logic directly in LumenLang, accessing the same engine functions as the block editor.

Developers can switch between the two approaches within the same project, using blocks for high-level flow and Lumen code for complex algorithms or fine-grained control.

The Lumina editor

Lumina’s interface includes:

  • Viewport: A 3D grid-based level editor with voxel-like placement and full positioning/rotation control
  • Toolbar: Quick access to brushes for placing static tiles (walls, platforms, decorations)
  • Object menu: Add interactive objects with physics support
  • Block editor or code editor: Switch between visual programming and LumenLang source (toggle with F12)
  • Properties panel: Adjust object properties and behaviors
  • File menu: Save, load, and test projects in real-time (press F5 to play)

Visual block programming

The block editor provides a full range of blocks for:

  • Movement: Position and rotation control
  • Physics: Gravity, collisions, and grounding checks
  • Control flow: If/else conditionals, loops (repeat, while, forever)
  • Variables: Local and global variable creation and manipulation
  • Logic: Comparisons, boolean operations
  • Interaction: Key press detection, collision detection, dialogue
  • Camera: Camera positioning relative to the player
  • Procedures: Define and call reusable routines

Blocks are type-aware, so slot connections validate that compatible data types fit together.

Scripting with Lumen

For complex game logic, developers write LumenLang directly. The language compiles to bytecode executed by Lumina’s built-in virtual machine, providing access to engine functions for movement, physics, input, and more. All standard Lumen features apply: variables, functions, loops, conditionals, and the standard library.

Examples & templates

Lumina ships with ready-to-play example projects demonstrating common patterns:

  • parkour.lumina — A platformer showcasing movement and jumping mechanics
  • collector.lumina — A collection-based gameplay example
  • template_movement.lumina — Starter template for basic movement controls
  • template_camera_movement.lumina — Starter template for camera-relative controls

Load any example from the editor to explore how it works, then modify it as a starting point for your own projects.

Technology & platforms

Lumina is built with:

  • Graphics: Vulkan (via VulkanEngine) for high-performance 3D rendering
  • Window management: GLFW3
  • UI: ImGui for editor controls
  • Language: C++20
  • Build system: CMake

Lumina runs on Linux and macOS and requires the Vulkan SDK for building.

  • LumenLang — The Lumen programming language that powers Lumina’s scripting
  • VulkanEngine — The rendering engine underlying Lumina’s graphics