All the gamers and non gamers out there who love the idea of creating a game feel quite at loss because of lack of information. There are so many ideas that keep floating around which could have been transformed into a very popular game but are not sure as these potential developers do not know where to start from. Here are the top five tools that can be used to get started to give your idea a shape.
1. Twine
Twine is used by those novice game developers who want to make a non-linear story line in their game. It is an open source tool and is used mainly for games that are text based. However, if you are well versed with CSS and Javascript then you can also add some images to the game. You can use this format for a unique adventure game that you would like to build from the scratch.
2. Scratch
Scratch is especially helpful for those who would like to create simple educational games that are informative as well as fun. This tool is a multimedia tool that you would use if you want to make games for the kids. You can also add sound for a greater impact and let the users participate in a community that includes schools and other centers.
3. GameSalad
GameSalad is one of the largest programs that allow new developers to create and publish their games across various platforms and that too for free. There are paid and free versions available for this game. While basic tools are all free. However, to access to all the features, you need to get a pro account. They have a large community of 700,000 game makers who have together created some 200,000 games. The users can communicate and brain storm between them to come up with better ideas. The interface is quite easy to use. However, if you want to use more than just the basic functions then it gets a little trickier.
4. Game Maker: Studio
GameMaker: Studio can be used by the beginners as well as the professionals. The games can be created using the basic drag and drop functionality or the scripting language for a more advanced level game. One can use 2D graphics liberally. However, the use of 3D graphics is limited and for any other features you have to pay a fee. Many game developers have been using this software to create legible games that have helped them earn a living!
5. Unity
Unity is considered the best for the beginners, especially if they know the language C# and JavaScript. For all those who are unaware of basic language of code and do not mind a little learning can use this tool to build games.
To make games is no child’s play but certainly there are many tools freely available to make that a possibility. Most of these tools have forums and other tutorials to help learners get started. For the promotion of creation, offer freebies like free antivirus downloads so that you can get more and more users and also gain popularity in the process.
[Image credit: Johnna Phillips, Flickr]
I am not sure about all, but for sure at least 3 of these tools are not free, especially if you are planning to publish the game anywhere. I would like to add another one that I have used Construct2, which is free only for personal use.
Well they are partially free not totally free I supposed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kaloyan! Appreciate it!
I used to be into games a lot more a few years back. I guess maybe I’m getting too old or something.
It would have been nice to have had something like these when I was a teenager or younger adult. I don’t know much about making games these days, but I know I they would have been something to check out when I was younger.
If I ever get back into gaming, or if my nephew or niece take an interest in game programming I know where to send them now.
It’s not too late to get back in the game, Ray. With your life experience, you’d be a great guide for your nephew/niece’s game storyline 🙂
I have never wanted to professionally create a game but would love to create a daft little one, just to say I have done it, so may go and have a play when I get time.
I’ll take a look at these tools to do it as I don’t know anything about it.
Peter you are a genius! I have always wanted to make my own video game and thought that it must take years of training and over time, it would become so tedious that I would give up. I am going to try out Scratch to make a game for my children. What better way to learn?
Hey Peter
Great share about gaming tools which I can share with my friend who been interested in learning programming he might get some ideas through this website.I’m an game addict who loves to play the game on TV not interest with creation presently involve with PS 3