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Creating a game from scratch can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the gaming industry. It requires a lot of patience, technical know-how, time, and tools to bring an idea to life. But with the rise of game maker software, game development has become easier than ever before. Gaming enthusiasts, both beginners and experienced, can create their own video games with these handy tools.
Game maker software is used to design and develop video games for computers, consoles, mobile devices, and various other platforms. These tools provide users with an easy-to-use interface, so they can create different game elements, such as graphics, sound, and gameplay mechanics.
In this article, we are going to explore the top eight game maker software that can help you unleash your game designing creativity.
Video Tutorial:
What is Game Maker Software?
Game maker software refers to a set of computer programs designed to help users create video games. These tools allow users to create games from scratch, even if they have no coding knowledge. Game maker software simplifies the game designing and programming processes, providing drag-and-drop interfaces that allow users to add different game elements easily.
These tools come in different forms, including browser-based game makers, downloadable software, game engines, and programming frameworks. Game-maker software usually comes with a library of pre-built assets, such as sprite sheets, sound effects, and other resources required for game development.
Top 8 Game Maker Software Recommendations for 2021
1. Unity
Unity is one of the most popular cross-platform game engines used by independent developers, game studios and educators to create games for PC, mobile devices, consoles, and virtual reality devices. It has a user-friendly interface that enables beginners to create their own 2D or 3D games easily. Unity also has a vast community and a wealth of resources, such as tutorials, documentation, and asset stores, which makes it easier for developers to create their games.
Pros:
– Used to create popular games, such as Pokemon Go, Super Mario Run, and Angry Birds.
– Support for a variety of platforms including mobile, desktop, console, web, VR, and AR.
– Free to use for individuals and small businesses.
Cons:
– Steep learning curve for beginners.
– High system requirements
– Limited free features.
2. GameMaker Studio 2
GameMaker Studio 2 is a powerful 2D game engine trusted by many developers to create games for mobile devices, desktop, and web. It has a drag-and-drop user interface, making it easy for beginners to create games without any programming skills. But the engine also allows developers to create complex games using its own GameMaker Language (GML). GameMaker Studio 2 also comes with a wide range of features and tools, such as a level editor and sprite editor, sound mixing and editing, and much more.
Pros:
– Easy-to-use and friendly user interface
– Rapid game development
– Allows code-free game development
Cons:
– Limited support for 3D games
– Expensive compared to other game engines
– Limited features on the trial version.
3. Construct 3
Construct 3 is a web-based game maker tool that focuses on 2D games development. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, which makes it easy for anyone, including beginners, to create games. Construct 3 also has a vast community and a wealth of tutorials, assets, and plugins to help developers create their games.
Pros:
– Easy to use and fast development time
– Supports multiplayer games.
– Includes a wide variety of plugins and tutorials
Cons:
– Limited compared to other game engines.
– Less control over your game.
– Monthly subscription.
4. Stencyl
Stencyl is a 2D game engine that provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for beginners to create games without any programming experience. It has a plethora of features and tools, such as a physics engine, sprite editor, and scene editor, to help developers create games with ease. Stencyl also allows developers to export games to various platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
Pros:
– Easy-to-use and beginner-friendly interface
– Export games for different platforms
– Large community and support network
Cons:
– Limited options for advanced development
– Less control over game development process.
– Not suitable for 3D game development.
5. Godot
Godot is an open-source 2D and 3D game engine, offering an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a powerful scripting language that helps create complex games without spending countless hours coding. It has an active community and a vast documentation that makes it easier for developers to create games. The engine is available on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, and mobile devices, and can export games to different platforms.
Pros:
– Free and open-source
– Supports 2D and 3D games
– Active community and documentation.
Cons:
– Steep learning curve
– Requires programming knowledge
– Less polished compared to commercial game engines.
6. Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is a popular and powerful game engine used by game studios to create AAA titles. The engine provides a wide range of features and tools, such as a physics engine, advanced lighting system, and animation tools. Unreal Engine can create games for various platforms, including desktop, mobile, and virtual reality devices. Beginners can use a drag-and-drop interface to create game elements, while professionals can create complex systems using C++, Python, and visual scripting.
Pros:
– High-quality graphics and advanced features
– Supports VR development
– Large community and vast documentation.
Cons:
– Steep learning curve for beginners
– High system requirements
– Not suitable for simple game development.
7. RPG Maker
RPG Maker is a game making software designed specifically for creating role-playing games (RPGs). It provides easy-to-use templates, art assets, and pre-built scripts that make it simple to create your own RPG. Users can create unique characters, dialogues, and game storylines with RPG Maker. The program also has pre-built combat systems, maps, and game mechanics that users can use to make their own customizations.
Pros:
– Simple and beginner-friendly interface
– Pre-built RPG templates, art assets, and scripts
– Supports exporting games to various platforms
Cons:
– Limited to RPG game development
– Pre-built assets limit customization
– Requires scripting for complex game development.
8. Clickteam Fusion 2.5
Clickteam Fusion 2.5 is a tool that allows users to create games for Windows, Mac, mobile devices, and HTML5. It provides an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface and various pre-built objects and behaviors to create games without any programming skills. It also allows users to customize the software by adding functionality using its programming language, FusionScript.
Pros:
– Simple and easy-to-use interface
– Pre-built objects and behaviors
– Export games to various platforms
Cons:
– Limited compared to other game engines
– Steep learning curve for programming
– Exported games may have performance issues.
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unity | Yes | Starting from $35/month or $399/year | Intermediate | High |
| GameMaker Studio 2 | Yes | Starting from $39.99 one-time license fee | Easy | High |
| Construct 3 | Yes, 14 days | Starting from $16.59/month or $99.99/year | Easy | High |
| Stencyl | Yes | Starting from $99/year | Easy | Medium |
| Godot | Yes, for all features | Free | Intermediate | High |
| Unreal Engine | Yes, limited features | 5% royalty on gross revenue | Advanced | High |
| RPG Maker | Yes | Starting from $79.99 | Easy | Low |
| Clickteam Fusion 2.5 | Yes | Starting from $99.99 one-time license fee | Easy | High |
Our Thoughts on Game Maker Software
In conclusion, game maker software provides a popular and readily accessible way to develop video games, even for those with little to no coding experience. The software discussed in this article each have their strengths and limitations, and choosing one depends on factors such as the complexity of the game to be developed, target platforms, and costs.
Among the eight software we have recommended, Unity stands out as the most popular game engine used in the industry and comes with many advanced features. GameMaker Studio 2 is another excellent option for game designers without coding experience and offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Godot provides powerful tools and a functional programming language for game development, and it’s free and open-source.
Ultimately, selecting the right game maker software depends on your experience level, budget, and the type of game you want to develop. Evaluate the features offered by each software carefully before making a decision that suits you best.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need to have programming knowledge to use game maker software?
A: Not necessarily. Most game maker software comes with a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users without programming knowledge to create games. However, some game engines require programming knowledge to create complex game mechanics and features.
Q2: Can I create games for consoles using game maker software?
A: Yes. Some game maker software supports console game development. However, exporting games to consoles requires you to meet the platform’s specific requirements.
Q3: How much does game maker software cost?
A: Game maker software is available at different prices, ranging from free to several hundred dollars. Some software charge subscription fees, while others require a one-time license fee.
Q4: Can game maker software be used to create 3D games?
A: Yes. Some game maker software, like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot, support 3D game development.
Q5: Which game maker software is the easiest to use?
A: Game maker software, like Construct 3, Stencyl, and RPG Maker, offer an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, making them suitable for beginners or people without programming experience.