I'm getting back to a project I started in 2024 but got to pause it (couldn't find anyone to help me). It's called SuperTux Smasher (formerly SuperTuxBattleMelee), a platform fighter featuring Tux and other mascots in the open source community
So far, we are three people working on it (the other two just joined very recently) and they even get to do a logo for the game. There's also a sample design of the main screen, and we're working on the menu and a stage
We're also looking for other potential people interested. Just note that it's likely going to be a pixel art game, so if you know how to use Aseprite or Libresprite, that would be awesome. Otherwise, you can go as composer or programmer. You'll just need to know how to use C++ and Squirrel (it's like Lua, but with a true object-oriented paradigm), the latter will be used for modding support
If you're interested, the source code is here on Codeberg: https://codeberg.org/SuperTuxSmasher/sts-game
Having a FOSS option for a lot of types of games would be great, since it's at least an option to fight lock-in. But I do agree that using Godot instead of making an engine from scratch could be a good idea
To echo what your saying and add a bit, it seems to me Godot would be a great idea.
Given OP has already stepped away from development once, I think a more universal game engine rather than a custom engine would be beneficial.
Also, I suspect, there are a lot more Godot developers compared to people who are willing to take time to understand and develop a custom game engine.
I'm not familiar with deploying custom code/packages/programs on a multitude of systems, but from the Godot updates, my understanding is that, its clicking a box. I feel that multiple systems are a nontrivial hurdle that could be avoided via Godot.
Last thing off the top of my head is that I recall one of the Godot tutorials is developing a pixel art fighting game. That seems like it would be an easy way to boot strap the game's development.
Regardless, I think a FOSS brawler game is a great idea. Good luck with development and I look forward to checking it out when its available.