Chapter 1: Exploring the Fundamentals of Unity

Unity is a game engine that works with your existing asset pipeline (such as 3D modeling software) and can be used to compile video games that work seamlessly across multiple platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Using Unity, developers import ready-made assets (such as music, textures, and 3D models), and assemble them into a coherent whole, forming a game world that works according to a unified logic. This book focuses on developing games in Unity 2020 — taking you step by step through how to create increasingly complex projects.

This chapter starts the first project on our list, which will be a fun collection game. By the end of the next chapter, you'll have pieced together a simple but complete game. As part of the process, you'll become familiar with the fundamentals of developing in Unity, including the following:

• New features in Unity 2020
• Creating new projects using Unity Hub
• How to navigate the Unity editor
• Unity project structure
• Importing assets using the Package Manager
• Using the Unity editor to create a level
• Creating optimized lighting effects
• How to playtest the game

Using the information in this chapter, you will gain an understanding of how to create new projects from scratch, navigate the Unity editor, and import assets, information that will be invaluable for years to come as you develop your own projects in Unity.

Remember, it doesn't matter if you've never used Unity before. We'll go through everything that is required step by step, starting with the new features found in Unity 2020.