The 10 best tools to create games
Are you planning to create your own game? If the answer is “yes,” you have come to the right place. Developing a computer or mobile game has become easier than ever before with the availability of numerous excellent tools available online. So, if you think you have the talent to make a video game to earn money or just for fun, all you need is to find a suitable game editor or engine.
This article lists ten such programs perfect for both beginner and experienced game creators.
CryEngine
This is a game development tool made for Windows that can help you create stunning 3D games. The tool uses a programming language called Lua, and there are plenty of tutorials available that can help teach it. The engine is initially free to use. However, if you make more than $5,000 a year from any game developed using CryEngine, you must pay a 5% royalty.
GameMaker
This is a 2D game developing engine that you can use on macOS and Windows. The software uses its own development languages: GameMaker Language (GML) and Drag and Drop (DnD), which can be learned online for free. It also has many learning tools to teach everything: from the basics to developing genre-based games. You can use the software free of charge for 30 days and then pay $39 a year to continue its use.
GDevelop
If you are looking for a free game developer, this is your tool. You can create fun 2D games using GDevelop on the web, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The best thing about this program is that it does not require any scripting. With this tool, you can use simple drag and drop functions to make a 2D game. Head to the GDevelop wiki to find resources and learn how to use the software easily.
Godot
This is another free tool that lets you make 3D and 2D games on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It uses visual scripting, C#, and GDScript as programing language, allowing you to develop intricate games. In addition, the tool offers tutorials and guides that teach how to use the platform and its various features. Godot also lets you implement VR and generate procedural geometry for the games.
Lumberyard
This Windows-based game development software has been built on CryEngine’s older version. It allows you to make 3D games that you can play on multiple platforms. The tool also enables you to integrate Twitch and make multiplayer games. Lumberyard uses Lua as the scripting language, which you can learn for free online. There are also plenty of video tutorials available for getting started with Lumberyard.
Ren’Py
You will love this game development engine if you are into visual novel games. The tool allows you to create your own game for free using Python and Ren’Py script that has been specifically designed for this software. In addition, you can run the engine on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Text-based walk-throughs and guides are also available that you can use for free to learn how to use the tool.
RPG Maker
Are you a fan of roleplaying games and want to make one of your own? Then, RPG Maker is the answer. This macOS and Windows-based tool uses JavaScript to create 2D games, and you can learn to use it easily from the free tutorials available online. There are also community-created resources that are helpful for first-time users. RPG Maker currently costs $79.99.
Twine
It is a unique platform that enables you to make text-based and interactive games. This free-to-use editor works on browsers, macOS, and Windows. While it has a programing language of its own, Twine also allows you to use CSS, Javascript, and HTML. They provide a guide to help you learn basic and advanced scripting.
Unity
This is a powerful game engine that allows users to create 3D and 2D games on Linux, macOS, and Windows. However, you have to know C# to develop games using this software. The program is free for companies with an annual income of less than $100,000, hobbyists, and students. Otherwise, it will cost you $40 a month or $399 a year to use it.
Unreal
This is a multi-platform game engine that you can use only on Windows to create detailed 3D games. It uses Blueprints Visual Scripting and C++ as programming languages. New users can find free tutorials online to learn how to use the tool to its full capacity.
You can use any of the above tools to create your own game for personal use and monetization. There are plenty of options to choose from.