Python PyGame to Android App: How to make .apk and .aab files with Buildozer Full Tutorial

If you’ve developed a game or an application using Python PyGame and want to take it to the next level by turning it into an Android app, then you’re in the right place. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of using Buildozer to package your Python PyGame project into .apk and .aab files that can be installed on Android devices.

Step 1: Install Buildozer

Before we can get started, we need to install Buildozer. Buildozer is a tool that automates the process of building and packaging Python applications for Android. You can install Buildozer using pip:


$ pip install buildozer


Step 2: Prepare your Python PyGame project

Make sure your Python PyGame project is ready for deployment. This includes ensuring that all the necessary dependencies are listed in a requirements.txt file and that your project is structured properly.

Step 3: Configure the Buildozer.spec file

Buildozer uses a configuration file called buildozer.spec to specify the details of your project, such as its name, version, and required permissions. It’s important to properly configure this file before attempting to build your Android app. Here’s an example of what a buildozer.spec file might look like for a Python PyGame project:


[app]
title = MyPyGameApp
package.name = com.example.mypygameapp
package.domain = org.example
source.dir = .
source.include_exts = py
source.include_patterns = **/*.py
version = 1.0
requirements = python3,kivy


Step 4: Build the .apk and .aab files

With Buildozer properly configured, you can now build the .apk and .aab files for your Android app. Navigate to the directory containing your Python PyGame project and run the following command:


$ buildozer android debug deploy run


Step 5: Install and test your Android app

Once the build process is complete, you should have .apk and .aab files generated in the bin directory of your project. Transfer these files to your Android device and install them to test your Python PyGame app.

Conclusion

With Buildozer, it’s relatively easy to package a Python PyGame project into an Android app. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can create .apk and .aab files for your app and take your game or application to a whole new audience of Android users.