The Howdy Glossary

GOOL, an extension of Common Lisp tailored for game development, offers a simplified scripting language that enhances the creation of gameplay systems. Its user-friendly syntax enables quicker game development and fosters collaboration among developers, designers, and artists. GOOL's design emphasizes flexibility and efficiency, streamlining prototyping and iterative processes to facilitate seamless game development.

Originally emerging from GOAL (Game Oriented Object Lisp) created by Naughty Dog for developing titles like Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter, GOOL evolved into a specialized tool in the video game industry. It was created to provide designers and artists with an intuitive yet powerful means of crafting complex gameplay systems while maintaining readability. This evolution reflects its continued utility in streamlining the building, prototyping, and refining of gaming concepts.

GOOL competes with other popular scripting languages such as Lua, UnrealScript (now supplanted by Blueprints and C++), and Python. Unlike these competitors which often emphasize lightweight designs or specific engine integrations, GOOL excels through its clear syntax that balances simplicity with power. This combination allows for rapid prototyping without sacrificing complexity in gameplay mechanics. By enhancing communication within development teams and expediting the translation of creative ideas into functional games, GOOL stands out as an efficient tool fostering creativity across diverse roles in game development teams.