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This guide walks through the complete process of exporting Space Pong as an Android APK, from setting up prerequisites to testing on a physical device.

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Prerequisites

Before exporting, ensure you have the following installed:
  • Godot Engine 4.3 with Android export templates
  • Android SDK (API level 29 or higher recommended)
  • Java Development Kit (JDK) version 11 or higher

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Installing Export Templates

1

Open Godot Editor

Launch the Godot Engine editor and open the Space Pong project.
2

Access Export Templates Manager

Navigate to Editor > Manage Export Templates in the menu bar.
3

Download Templates

Click Download and Install to get the official Godot 4.3 export templates.

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Configuring Android SDK

1

Open Editor Settings

Go to Editor > Editor Settings in Godot.
2

Navigate to Export Settings

Expand Export > Android in the left sidebar.
3

Set SDK Path

Point Android SDK Path to your Android SDK installation directory (e.g., ~/Android/Sdk on Linux).
4

Configure Debug Keystore

Set Debug Keystore path for signing debug builds. Godot can generate one automatically if needed.

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Export Configuration

Space Pong uses a pre-configured Android export preset with the following settings: 
[preset.0]
name="Android"
platform="Android"
runnable=true
export_path="./SpacePong.apk"

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Architecture Settings

The export preset is configured for 64-bit ARM devices only: 
architectures/armeabi-v7a=false
architectures/arm64-v8a=true
architectures/x86=false
architectures/x86_64=false
Most modern Android devices (2017+) use ARM64 architecture. This configuration reduces APK size by excluding older 32-bit architectures.

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Package Configuration

The default package settings use Godot’s template: 
package/unique_name="com.example.$genname"
package/signed=true
version/code=1
Before publishing to Google Play, you must change the package name from com.example.$genname to a unique identifier. See the Configuration page for details.

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Exporting the APK

1

Open Export Menu

In Godot, go to Project > Export to open the Export window.
2

Select Android Preset

Click on the Android preset in the left panel. It should already be configured from export_presets.cfg.
3

Verify Settings

Review the export options:
  • Ensure Runnable is checked to install and run directly on devices
  • Verify Export Path points to your desired output location
  • Check that Screen > Immersive Mode is enabled for fullscreen gameplay
4

Export Debug Build

Click Export Project and choose a location to save SpacePong.apk.For initial testing, use Export With Debug to enable easier debugging.
5

Build the APK

Godot will compile the project and create the APK file. This may take a few minutes on first export.

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Testing on Device

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Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

1

Enable Developer Options

On your Android device:
  1. Go to Settings > About Phone
  2. Tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options
  3. Return to Settings and open Developer Options
  4. Enable USB Debugging
2

Connect Device

Connect your Android device via USB cable and verify connection:
adb devices
You should see your device listed. Accept the debugging authorization prompt on your device if it appears.
3

Install APK

Install the exported APK:
adb install SpacePong.apk
To reinstall over an existing version:
adb install -r SpacePong.apk
4

Launch the Game

Find Space Pong in your device’s app drawer and launch it. The game will run in fullscreen immersive mode.

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One-Click Deploy from Godot

Godot supports direct deployment to connected devices:
1

Connect Device

Ensure your device is connected via ADB (as described above).
2

Select Remote Debug

In the top-right corner of the Godot editor, click the Remote Debug dropdown and select One-Click Deploy with Remote Debug.
3

Run on Device

Click the Play button (or press F5). Godot will export, install, and launch the game on your connected device automatically.
Remote debugging allows you to see print statements and errors in the Godot editor’s Output panel while the game runs on your device.

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Testing Checklist

After deploying to your device, verify the following:
  • Game launches in fullscreen (no status bar or navigation bar visible)
  • Touch controls respond correctly for paddle movement
  • Game maintains portrait orientation (460x720 aspect ratio)
  • No visual glitches or performance issues
  • Game state persists correctly between scenes

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Troubleshooting

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APK Won’t Install

If you see “App not installed” errors:
  • Uninstall any previous version of Space Pong
  • Ensure you’re using a debug keystore for debug builds
  • Check that your device supports ARM64 architecture

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Game Crashes on Launch

If the game crashes immediately:
  • Check ADB logs: adb logcat | grep godot
  • Verify export templates match your Godot version (4.3)
  • Ensure all required resources are included in the export

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Performance Issues

If the game runs slowly:
  • The mobile renderer is already configured (rendering_method="mobile")
  • Ensure VRAM compression is enabled (ASTC/ETC2)
  • Test on a device with at least Android 7.0 (API level 24)

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Next Steps

Configuration

Learn about export settings, package names, and version management

Game Controls

Understand touch input implementation for mobile gameplay

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