Glossary

  • Values - things that we have figured to be useful on both individual and social levels. Values answer the question of what is right and wrong. They help us to make good decisions that are beneficial both to us and others, therefore consistently following our values allows to build social and moral norms. Values may differ from one group to another.

  • Assumptions - things that we believe to be undoubtedly true, usually without a proof. When we say something to support our claim, we may imply that something is true even if it’s not, often without thinking about it. The focus may also determine whether something is seen as an assumption or a belief if we look at this in the context of our hierarchical belief system.

  • Beliefs - things that are accepted and adhered to, based on our faith or something that stems from our direct experience. Beliefs can be reinforced and questioned. We may form our beliefs upon assumptions. If we start to question our beliefs, they may become assumptions that may be considered under other conditions, unless beliefs get destroyed completely.

  • Expectations - projections of our beliefs and assumptions onto the future. Expectations can be realistic or unrealistic. They help us to predict and forecast future events using existing facts that form a pattern of behavior or activity.

  • Toxic leadership - a group of people that represent a project and jeopardize project’s success. It ignores, neglects, refuses, or blocks attempts at defining or clarifying project’s values, goals, vision, governance etc. to those participating or show willingness to participate in a project.

  • Toxic cult - a cult which causes harm to its members (physical, emotional, mental), discourages critical thinking, frowns upon fundamental human rights such as free speech, and where toxic leadership thrives. In toxic cults, members are are treated as “means” rather than “ends”, regardless of leadership’s expressed intent.

  • IT cult - a new type of a cult in the modern era of Internet and Information Technology. Not all such cults are considered or recognized as toxic cults.

  • Godot follower - people who use, develop, or follow Godot Engine’s development and related activities, even if such people just consider using Godot in the future. It’s not a requirement to be a user or developer of Godot at all to be considered a Godot follower.

  • Godot cultist - a Godot follower who shows signs of bigotry or signs that comprise a toxic cult. Not all Godot followers are cultists, but all cultists are Godot followers.

Types of Waiters for Godot

People waiting for Godot come in various flavors. Not without exceptions, of course!

  • Followers: don’t use Godot but follow the news.
  • Users: actively use Godot.
  • Contributors: develop Godot as an engine.
  • Donators: support Godot financially.
  • Advocates: promote Godot.

The traits below specify the characteristics of each class based on their level of belief in Godot.

Believers

Mostly hobbyists who might not even have prior game development experience.

  • Eagerly anticipating new features and bug fixes.
  • Cannot differentiate a limitation from a bug, often blaming themselves more than the engine.
  • Have faith in leadership and believe in a bright future.
  • Sacrifice working on their own games for the greater community, losing sight of why they contribute to Godot.
  • Caught up in the fear of missing out cycle.
  • Show intolerance towards doubters and non-believers.

Doubters

Mostly experienced game developers.

  • Question Godot’s claimed features, capabilities, and promises.
  • Hold reservations about Godot, primarily connecting with specific engine ideas through tinkering with it.
  • Dislike leadership but continue to use Godot despite facing limitations and obstacles.
  • Disapprove of both the leadership and Godot, waiting for someone else to fork the project.

Non-believers

Mostly professional game developers.

  • Heard about Godot but never tried the engine and have no intention to use it.
  • Former Godot participants who have become thoroughly disillusioned.
  • Critical of leadership and Godot, believing that forking the engine would only perpetuate the vicious cycle of incompleteness.
  • Dismiss the idea of forking Godot because it doesn’t even cross their minds, realizing there exist more robust and stable tools out there.

Life cycle of Waiters for Godot

  1. Hobbyists: Non-believer → Believer → Doubter → Non-believer
  2. Experienced: Doubter → Non-believer
  3. Professionals: Non-believer

💡 Rumor has it that some will remain in perpetual wait for Godot…