Making a game isn't an easy job, but it's pretty cool. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, designing a game requires at least a basic understanding of programming. They must have a working knowledge of different programming languages such as JAVA, C ++ or ActionScript. However, with the advancement of technology, you can now design games without any previous programming experience.
You can now design games, using the game by creating software programs that require no coding experience. This means you can actually do all the game development you've ever dreamed of, without any additional training. However, that doesn't mean it's easy either, but yes, you definitely have plenty of options to explore. There are also advanced game development tools that require mid-level programming experience.
But the best part is that these tools are intuitive with simple to use features like drag and drop on the interface, image editor, special effects, and other useful tools. These features make the whole game development process much smoother, thus saving a lot of time and energy. Therefore, we have created a master list of some of the best game creation software programs for your reference.
Indie Game Maker is the simplest of them all and is perfectly suited to both beginners and experienced ones. You can realize your game ideas using this software that offers 3D modeling. This software gives you the framework where you can design and even share your gaming experience.
The cool thing is that you can start designing with this software in three different stages where you have the freedom to be as creative as possible. You can also create complex games as you wish. You are allowed to set a basic foundation for the design, followed by which you can start with testing, emphasis, and finally build on the details to make it uniform.
The Cat-Fu play kit is the next step where you can learn more about the intricacies of game development. It allows you to customize characters, environments and even create a new game from scratch.
Price: Free trial available
This game creator is based on HTML5 and is specially developed for 2D games. It is a simple yet powerful game creator which is also suitable for beginners as it does not require any coding. It is equally useful for experts too and helps them work on the game much faster than using codes. All you have to do is simply drag and drop objects all over the place, place behaviors on them and make them active by adding events.
It features a ribbon interface which is quick and easy to learn and which offers easy access to a wide range of tools. The dynamic event system helps you make your game work in a human and readable way without using complex and strange languages. In addition, you can also take advantage of the flexible behaviors that can be assigned to objects, accelerate development and increase efficiency. It includes behaviors like physics and pathfinding, 8 directions, and other useful tools like drag & drop, flash, wrap, pin and more.
What's more? You can even preview games promptly at any convenient time. All you need to do is click on the button and the game starts running in a browser window. The game is now ready to be tested. This is particularly useful because it offers rapid and repeated development. Help game development be more responsive for amateurs. From over 70 WebGL-based pixel shader effects or features like the Particles plugin to the ability to publish your games on a wide range of platforms, Construct 2 is a delight for game developers.
Price: free version available; a lifetime payment of £ 139,99.
It claims to be the leading real-time game development platform in the world as it is used to create half of the games in the world. It is powered by a dynamic set of tools and services that provide incredible opportunities for game creators and developers across different industries and applications.
It's basically an all-in-one game editor that spreads out to be the same as your production process. It features a wide range of tools that help you with quick editing and replay throughout the game creation workflow which includes the game mode. This mode helps you to get a preview of your project in real time.
The program supports 2D and 3D game development features that help meet your specific needs in different genres. Its navigation system allows you to build NPCs that help you navigate the game world in an intelligent way. Predefined game objects such as Unity Prefabs help you with effective and adaptable processes that allow you to work without fear.
While the interface is fast and responsive, it also offers powerful features like Box2D and NVIDIA PhysX to help you with highly realistic and enhanced gameplay. Most importantly, you can also customize the editor with your own tools, while you can also view what others are working on, at the same time.
Price: Starts at $ 75 / month
Quest allows you to create text-based adventure games and interactive stories. So basically, you can make games based on fiction or interactive stories. The best part is that you don't need any programming experience or expertise. You simply need a story to make the game. Whether in the form of an app, in a web browser or downloaded to a computer, the game can be played anywhere.
Besides the fact that it is a completely free application, it also gives you a great platform to get started with game development. It is a powerful gaming platform that comes with a scripting language loaded with features in the backend. You can share scripts between objects using variables and functions. You can also create and share core feature libraries. Most importantly, you can also add music, images and sound effects to your game and also embed videos from YouTube and Vimeo.
Price: free
Adventure Game Studio is another fantastic game creation software that provides you with all the tools to create your own game. Best of all, it's absolutely free to use! All you have to do is take the plot and the blueprint and insert them, and the software will take care of the rest. It is an easy to use application that offers everything you need to create a game. You can simply start developing, then testing and finally debugging your game before making it live.
This Windows-based IDE helps you create your games quickly and comfortably. From importing images to writing game scripts or game testing, it offers everything you need for game development on a single platform.
Price: free
GameMaker Studio 2 by YoYo Games was recently launched and is one of the most innovative game makers of current times. The program has gone to great lengths to streamline the entire game by making the process to the max and offers all the necessary resources to start development. Its responsive drag and drop feature helps you take your game to the next level in the blink of an eye. And that too with no coding involved.
Among its features is the ability to import your gamemaker studio projects directly into studio version 2. These are then ready to go in a couple of minutes. Additionally, the program uses your YoYo account to give you a single login that helps you with all your gaming needs. However, if you need help with the built-in tutorials, you can check out their help documents available right where you are working.
Best of all, if you'd rather develop a game on a laptop, they also offer a methodical process. You can also choose from predefined skins or create your own while game development is underway. You can dock your tools and organize your workspace, manage objects within the game, access tabs and the option to split the editor, access to the extended library or the option to use brushes for tiles for efficient filling are some of its other main features.
Price: Free trial available; the upgrade starts at $ 39
Stencyl provides support to all game developers with its quick and easy process to create games and without any coding. Unlike the other game development tools, this software comes with an attractive and responsive toolset that speeds up the game development process and then moves silently. It also gives you the ability to publish your work anywhere because it supports a wide range of platforms. This ensures that all players have access to your game.
The interface offers drag and drop functionality dedicated to MIT's successful project. It also expands the simple block blocking interface with new added features and a wide range of other ready-to-use blocks. Additionally, if you are an advanced user, you are also allowed to create and share your own blocks, expand the engine using code, import libraries, and more.
Price: free version available; starts at $ 99
This open source game development tool is perfect for those who want to tell a story through their games. It helps you to create interactive and non-linear games. The best part about this software is that it is extremely easy to use since it doesn't require any previous coding experience, making it perfect even for beginners.
In fact, it lets you zoom in on your stories using variables, CSS, graphics, JavaScript, and conditional logic when you're ready. The program publishes its updates in HTML, therefore, making it easier to publish your work almost anywhere. It comes with a range of tools which are all free and can be used however you like. Yes, you can also use the tools for commercial purposes.
Price: free and open source
RPG Maker VX Ace is undoubtedly among the best game maker software programs due to its ease of use. It is so simple to use that even a child can comfortably use it for game development. However, at the same time, it's incredibly powerful even for an experienced game developer.
It comes with an advanced map editor to create your own games. Additionally, it also features a database loaded with characters, abilities, gear or enemies along with a new dynamic and adaptable feature system. It also gives you access to new event options which include Ogg Theora playback video. What's more? It also has a wide range of built-in resources that comes with a built-in character generator that helps you customize to suit your needs.
It also features a wide range of graphics including 4 sets of tiles and lowered character sprites in addition to several other new sprites. Not only that, it can also sync with all other current fan-designed assets. Finally, you can even export your game to a compact EXE file that can be played on any Windows computer.
Price: Free trial available; upgrade available for $ 69,99
Sploder is another rather well-known and free game development tool. makes the whole game creation process incredibly easy. You can create different game, such as space adventure games, platform games, arcade games or spaceship shooters. But, if you are a pro, you can use the physical game creator for authentic minigames. Most importantly, you can also customize the game with your own game projects with the help of the free image editor that comes with the software. Besides, you can also share the games on social media platforms like Facebook or myspace profile, embed them in your website or share the link via email.
Price: free
Conclusion
Developing a game is an art, and to create a fine art, you need the right tools. Although there are many different game development tools available nowadays, these are some of the best game creation software to make your life easier. They're free to try, come loaded with a variety of tools, and are extremely easy to use (no code). So, make your choice and start realizing your game ideas.
