Inconsistent asset loading

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 5 views

Introduction

Godot is a popular open-source game engine that allows developers to create 2D and 3D games for various platforms. One of the key features of Godot is its ability to import assets and resources into a project, making it easier to manage and organize game development. However, when running the --import flag on a clean project with a custom theme or font, errors can occur. In this article, we will explore the issue, provide steps to reproduce it, and offer a minimal reproduction project (MRP) to help developers understand and resolve the problem.

Tested Versions

The issue was tested on the following versions:

Godot v4.4.rc1
Windows 11 (build 22631)
Multi-window, 3 monitors
OpenGL 3 (Compatibility)
AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.; 32.0.11037.4004)
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 32-Cores (64 threads)

Issue Description

When starting with an empty .godot folder, running --headless --import --quit throws errors when attempting to load a custom font or theme with a custom resource. This issue is unexpected, as the goal of the --import flag is to ensure all assets are imported before they are used. The error occurs even when the project is closed and the .godot folder is deleted, indicating that the issue is related to the import process.

Steps to Reproduce

To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

Create a new project in Godot.
Add a custom font to the project.
Set the custom font in the project settings.
Close the project.
Delete the .godot folder.
Run godot.exe --import --headless --quit.

Minimal Reproduction Project (MRP)

A minimal reproduction project (MRP) is available for download at custom_font_issue.zip. To reproduce the issue, run godot.exe --import --headless --quit on the MRP.

Error Messages

The error messages thrown when running --import on a clean project with a custom theme or font are:

Error: Unable to load font: <font_name> (where <font_name> is the name of the custom font).
Error: Unable to load theme: <theme_name> (where <theme_name> is the name of the custom theme).

Possible Causes

The possible causes of this issue are:

Inconsistent asset loading: The --import flag may not be loading assets consistently, leading to errors when trying to load custom fonts or themes.
Resource management: The issue may be related to resource management, where the --import flag is not properly managing resources, leading to errors when trying to load custom fonts or themes.
Project settings: The issue may be related to project settings, where the custom font or theme is not properly configured, leading to errors when trying to load them.

Resolving the Issue

To resolve the issue, try the following:

Check project settings: Ensure that the custom font and theme are properly configured in the project settings.
Verify asset loading: Verify that the --import flag is loading assets consistently.
Update Godot: Update Godot to the latest version to ensure that any known issues are resolved.
Use a different font or theme: Try using a different font or theme to see if the issue is specific to the custom font or theme.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of the --import flag in Godot?

A: The --import flag in Godot is used to import assets and resources into a project, making it easier to manage and organize game development.

Q: Why do errors occur when running --import on a clean project with a custom theme or font?

A: Errors can occur when running --import on a clean project with a custom theme or font due to inconsistent asset loading, resource management, or project settings.

Q: What are the possible causes of this issue?

A: The possible causes of this issue are:

Inconsistent asset loading: The --import flag may not be loading assets consistently, leading to errors when trying to load custom fonts or themes.
Resource management: The issue may be related to resource management, where the --import flag is not properly managing resources, leading to errors when trying to load custom fonts or themes.
Project settings: The issue may be related to project settings, where the custom font or theme is not properly configured, leading to errors when trying to load them.

Q: How can I resolve the issue?

A: To resolve the issue, try the following:

Check project settings: Ensure that the custom font and theme are properly configured in the project settings.
Verify asset loading: Verify that the --import flag is loading assets consistently.
Update Godot: Update Godot to the latest version to ensure that any known issues are resolved.
Use a different font or theme: Try using a different font or theme to see if the issue is specific to the custom font or theme.

Q: What is a minimal reproduction project (MRP)?

A: A minimal reproduction project (MRP) is a small project that can be used to reproduce a specific issue or bug. In this case, the MRP is available for download at custom_font_issue.zip.

Q: How can I use the MRP to reproduce the issue?

A: To use the MRP to reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

Download the MRP from custom_font_issue.zip.
Run godot.exe --import --headless --quit on the MRP.
Observe the error messages and report them to the Godot community.

Q: Where can I report the issue?

A: You can report the issue to the Godot community by creating a new issue on the Godot GitHub repository. Provide as much detail as possible, including the error messages and any steps you took to reproduce the issue.

Q: How can I get help with resolving the issue?

A: You can get help with resolving the issue by:

Checking the Godot documentation: The Godot documentation provides detailed information on how to use the --import flag and troubleshoot common issues.
Searching the Godot community forums: The Godot community forums are a great place to ask questions and get help from other developers who may have experienced similar issues.
Reaching out to the Godot community: You can reach out to the Godot community by creating a new issue on the Godot GitHub repository or by joining the Godot community forums.