Have you been holding on to a childhood gaming idea but are not sure how you can create it and make it a reality? There are gaming development tools and software nowadays that you can use, and you don’t necessarily need to be an expert developer to do it.
It doesn’t mean, however, that it is something easy but rather something you can learn about and execute flawlessly. Mark you; some of these applications are either entirely free or come with a free version. Here are our top 11 suggestions:
Best Game Design & Development Tools
1. Construct 2
Construct 2 is a user-friendly HTML5 platform for developing 2D games. Coding is not necessary, and this makes the tool the right choice for beginners. Construct 2 comes with so many smart features like path findings, visual effects, and fade functionality that you can use to create an appealing game.
It is a multiplatform export, which means your games can be launched on iOS, Windows, and Android. In addition to the three, the game builder supports web platforms like Google Chrome, Firefox, and New Grounds. Notable games that have been developed by Construct 2 include Cosmochoria and the Next Penelope.
Pros
- Programming is not necessary
- A cross-platform tool
Cons
- Expensive one-off fee for the license
2. Construct 3
Like its predecessor (Construct 2), Constructor 3 does not require any programming, and it’s a multiplatform tool. In addition to the platforms discussed on Construct 2, you can also export Construct 3 games to Microsoft Store, HTML5, Mac, Xbox One, and Linux.
The game builder comes in a free version, but you may need to pay $99 yearly to receive a personal license. The license allows you to sell your games legally. Most Construct 3 games are found on Steam, and surprisingly, there are no leading hitters yet.
Pros
- Multiplatform Publishing
- Programming is not necessary
- Feature-rich
Cons
- Occasional crashes
3. Unreal Engine 4
Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) is an excellent choice for beginners. So, if you are an inexpert developer and would love a game builder that you don’t have to pay for, going for Unreal Engine 4 is a worthy take. The engine supports Windows, Android, Linux, Mac, and iOS operating systems. Other platforms include Xbox One, PlayStation 4, HTML5, VR, and Steam OS. Some of the top games that have been developed by UE4 are ABC Augmented Reality and Heart at Attack.
Pros
- Open-source
- Easy to use
- Coding is not necessary
Cons
- You need to pay 5% royalty on profits amounting to $3000 or more
4. GameMaker Studio 2
GameMaker Studio 2 allows you to develop your game just by dragging and dropping different gaming variables. GameMaker Studio supports C++ like programming language and can be launched on Android, Windows, and Mac, and iOS. Other platforms that you can publish your games are Xbox One, PlayStation 4, HTML5, Linux, and Nintendo Switch.
Some top features that come with the game builder include multiplayer networking, third-party extensions, and built-in editors for photos and animations. Two of the most familiar games that have been created by GameMaker Studio 2 are Nuclear Throne and Hyperlight Drifter.
Pros
- Multiplatform support
- Easy to use
- Free version available
Cons
- Experiences issues when the screen crams
5. Twine
Twine allows you to create your games flexibly on your browser. It suits interactive games, those that have a story to share. Twine employs the drag-and-drop approach to develop games that you can publish for free on Philomena.la. You’ll need a Twitter account, however, to do it. To create your games, you have to add several relating passages and leave the rest to the software.
Pros
- Free
- Easy to export games
- User-friendly
Cons
- Limited features
6. GDevelop
Are you looking to create game hitters like Hyperspace Dogfights or Lil Bub’s Hello Earth? You should then unleash your inventiveness with GDevelop. You can create a variety of 3D game types ranging from puzzles to platformers using the game developer. Interestingly, no programming is required.
GDevelop is a fast, open-source game engine that works with Windows, Linux, and macOS. The cross-platform engine can also work on Firefox, Chrome, and other recognized browsers. Though GDevelop is free, you can use it for commercial purposes.
Pros
- Free
- No programming
- Cross-platform launching
Cons
- Limited language support
7. Unity
Unity allows you to create your unique games using 2D and 3D effects. The game creator enables you to purchase a wide selection of assets from their website that you can use to develop your games. It supports Android, Windows, File OS, and iOS.
Unity has a free package for personal use, but you may have to pay $25/month for the Plus Plan or $125/month for the Pro Edition if you are planning to go commercial. Examples of games that have been developed by Unity include Pokémon Go and Angry Birds
Pros
- Free option available
- Cross-platform tool
Cons
- Needs coding
8. MonoGame
Like most engines on this list, MonoGame is a cross-platform tool. You can publish your games on Windows, Android, and iOS for free. The application supports Net and C# programming languages. As a beginner, you can benefit from their video tutorials that are readily available on their website. Some popular mobile games that have been created by MonoGame are Skulls of the Shogun and Fez.
Pros
- Multiplatform application
- Free
- Video tutorials available
Cons
- Limited features
9. Godot Engine
Godot Engine is another free but very resourceful game developer that you can download freely. The engine allows you to create 2D and 3D games. Godot employs the drag-and-drop approach to create your games.
The app is fun to use and allows you to publish your games on Windows, Android, and iOS, as well as HTML5, Mac, and Linux. Each year, Godot releases a new feature. It supports C++ coding language like most applications.
Pros
- Free
- Fun to use
- Cross-platform application
Cons
- You may have to deal with a few bugs
10. CryEngine
CryEngine allows you to unlock your game development creativity most practically. Some of its big hitters are Crysis Franchise and Farcry Series. Unlike most of its competitors, you don’t have to be a programmer to use CryEngine as there are supportive video tutorials on the website that you can use.
CryEngine is downloadable for free, and you can also develop your games for free until you decide to monetize them. Then, you’ll need to pay 5% royalties after earning your first $5,000.
Pros
- Free for non-profit use
- Supportive tutorials
- Powerful engine
Cons
- Documentation issues
11. AppGameKit
Ask anyone about NA4, Bouncing Brendan, or SK Robot, and they’ll tell you that the games are a blast. Well, it is thanks to AppleGameKIt. The powerful game creator supports C++ coding language, and it comes with a user-friendly interface.
AppleGameKit is a cross-platform tool, which means your games can be published on Blackberry, Android, iOS, and Windows. Their plans start at $39, and you get a full debugger, color schemes, an editor, and a compiler, among many other features.
Pros
- Cross-platform tool
- Feature-packed
Cons
- No free version
Conclusion
With the above game development tools and software, it is now more comfortable and practical to build a game. Look at our list carefully to find an application that suits you the most. What you settle for should help you achieve your lifelong dream of being a successful game developer.