Looking for the best game development software for free? Check out Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot Engine for powerful tools to bring your game ideas to life without breaking the bank.
If until a few years ago developing a video game was not very simple, due to the need to learn different computer programming languages and use multiple graphics software at the same time, nowadays this activity is much simpler and more accessible.
10 Best Game Development Software Free.
Thanks to a vast array of programs and tools, even those without specific skills can bring their ideas to life and create original games. However, choosing the right software can make the difference in starting this journey, and today we will try to understand which are the most interesting programs for creating video games .
Most popular Game Engines
Many companies have created their own software to create video games , on one hand it is an advantage because it allows you to choose between multiple solutions, on the other hand a disadvantage because it can confuse those who have never approached the subject. The game engine is, therefore, essential for the development of a video game, since it allows you to access an editor with advanced tools to manage the game logic and virtual worlds. Let’s see together which are the most popular programs to create video games .
1.Unity
A program for creating video games that is particularly loved by those who are just starting to interface with software of this type is Unity , an application for creating games that can be downloaded in both the free version ( Personal ) and the Pro and Plus subscription plans .
You can install it on Windows , Linux or macOS and it will allow you to make the most of the C# programming language . Thanks to Unity you can create 2D , 3D , mobile and VR/AR video games integrating interesting features from other software, such as Firebase and Unity Analytics for data tracking.
Among the strong points we point out an excellent ease of use and an extremely large community that periodically makes free assets available . Thanks to the Asset Store you can download additional 3D models, textures, scripts and much more without particularly high costs.
Pros:
- You can develop games for different platforms with just one code base.
- User-friendly interface, even for beginners.
- Large community and resources.
Against:
- For graphics-intensive games you may experience performance issues.
- C# script
- For advanced features you need the paid Pro version.
2.UnrealEngine
Another program for creating video games that is especially loved by those looking for slightly more refined graphics is Unreal Engine . Again, you can access the software for free , but you will have to pay a 5% royalty on revenues over a million dollars . Compatibility with Linux , macOS and Windows is excellent, and you can use the C++ programming language to create 3D and VR PC games .
Among the features we want to point out the Blueprints tool , ideal for visual programming and VR support . Unreal Engine is known for its very high quality, the visual effects are excellent and the performance of the projects is of the highest value, even for a triple A. Thanks to the C++ programming language you can have maximum control, but we anticipate that this engine is often the ideal solution for large titles and not for smaller productions.
Pros:
- Perfect for AAA games thanks to its exceptional graphics capabilities.
- Free for indie developers.
- You can create game logic without writing code with the Blueprints system.
Against:
- Requires powerful hardware.
- It requires a lot of storage space making loading times slow.
- It is complex to master and the advanced features require a long study time.
3.GodotEngine
A very interesting game making program especially for those who do not like programs to create Android games or for mobile devices, is Godot . The completely open-source license and compatibility with Windows , Linux and macOS make it an ideal application if you want to create 2D and 3D titles . The software uses three programming languages: GDScript , VisualScript and C# , guaranteeing you maximum versatility.
The interface is among the most intuitive currently on the market and thanks to its flexibility and the possibility of not paying any royalties, it has become over the years the point of reference for those who want to approach this sector without investing a large budget.
While Godot is an interesting solution for creating 3D games, it is best suited for 2D products . For example, if you were to make a side-scrolling platformer, it would be the ideal choice. A small all-rounder that new developers can use for original indie games. The Godot community is constantly growing, so there are several tutorials online on how to best use the editing tools.
Among these programs for creating games, which one to choose? By relying on Unity you can create a vast range of projects, while with Unreal Engine the goal is in many cases to generate AAA games and projects that require quality graphics . Godot, on the other hand, is very suitable for independent developers and for those who want a lightweight and open-source graphics engine . Choosing a software for creating video games is not simple, but not as complex as you imagine, you have to pay attention to the features.
Pros:
- It’s open source and free
- It supports multiple programming languages, including GDScript, C#, and Visual Script.
- Supports 2D and 3D.
Against:
- Limited community and resources compared to competitors.
- Limited performance for graphics-intensive games
- Limited 3D capabilities.
Programs for creating 2D video games
We have taken a general look at the programs for programming games, but Unity, Unreal Engine and Godot are not the only opportunities, indeed. You can also use specific solutions for 2D or 3D video games . Let’s first see which are the best for developing in two dimensions.
3. GameMaker Studio 2
If you are looking for programs to create 3D games, it is better to avoid GameMaker Studio 2 , which is the ideal choice for those who want to program 2D games. There is both a free and paid version , the latter unlocking additional features. Unfortunately, however, it is not available on Linux, but only on Windows and macOS , fortunately it uses the GML (GameMaker Language) programming language very well.
The software is intuitive especially for beginners, very famous games such as Hotline Miami and Undertale were made with this graphics engine. GameMaker Studio 2 has a good community and thanks to the GameMaker Developer Kit you can also export your titles to different platforms, including Android , iOS , Web and of course Linux , Windows and macOS .
Pros:
- It is optimized for 2D games and is easy to use.
- The proprietary programming language GML is easier than C# or C++ languages.
- Enables you to quickly create game prototypes with efficient asset management.
Against:
- Limited performance on more complex and detail-rich projects.
- It is not optimized for advanced 3D gaming.
- Exporting to different platforms requires separate and expensive licenses.
4.Construct 3
A game creation software that is not well suited to 3D games is Construct 3. We point out right away that the tool requires a monthly or annual subscription ; unfortunately there is no free version. Construct 3 supports platforms that use the web browser, therefore, Linux , Windows and macOS . The programming language on which the editing tool is based is Event-driven (visual scripting) and is very simple to use, in fact, it is not a real conventional programming language.
Construct 3 uses drag and drop to create the game, that is, you simply drag the model and assets into the main interface and add them to the game environment. Among the most popular games created with this graphics engine are Iconoclasts and The Next Penelope . This tool is ideal for creating games for the web, but you can also export your projects for desktop and mobile devices.
Pros:
- Web Browser Based.
- Optimized for 2D.
- It’s perfect for those who don’t have to develop but can take advantage of a visual event system.
Against:
- Limited performance for games that require more resources.
- Paid annual subscription.
- Limited three-dimensional capabilities.
5.RPG Maker
Among the programs for making video games, especially 2D, there is RPG Maker . As you can imagine, it was created to meet the needs of developers who particularly love the RPG genre . At the moment there is no free version, but you have to buy the software once. However, we recommend that you do not buy the tool if you are used to programming on Linux, in fact, it is only compatible with Windows and macOS .
RPG Maker relies on Ruby and JavaScript as programming languages and is a good choice if you want to start. In fact, the tool uses a system with a drag and drop interface , fast and effective for those who do not want to write the code. Games like To the moon and Lisa : The Painful were created with this graphics engine by young programmers.
For the creation of role-playing games and for the very strong community it is more than an alternative to the programs listed above.
Pros:
- It is suitable for those who want to create role-playing games (RPGs).
- Large library of assets included.
- Extensive community and resources.
Against:
- It supports scripting languages but the advanced features are not so intuitive.
- The repetitiveness of assets facilitates the risk of making games similar to each other.
- Limitation to 2D graphics and its pixel art style.
GameMaker Studio 2, Construct 3, and RPG Maker are currently the best choices for 2D games , but which is the best game making program? GameMaker is the perfect choice if you are looking for a balanced and easy-to-use tool for any type of game, while Construct 3 is better suited for those who want to make games for the web. We recommend RPG Maker especially for 2D turn-based role-playing games .
Programs for creating 3D video games
If you want a program to create games on PC, you will most likely need a tool capable of modeling 3D assets at its best. Often creating a three-dimensional model with a program allows you to then reuse it in Unity, Unreal Engine and other graphics engines without necessarily having to create it with the internal editor. But what is the program for games and 3D models to try?
6.Blender
We are sure that you have already heard of Blender , an open-source program that supports Windows , Linux and macOS with which you can create a three-dimensional model from scratch. Thanks to the Python programming language, you can create your own assets and use them for video games. The learning curve is moderate, but there are countless tutorials and pre-packaged digital models available online . A very valid choice for 3D modeling, rendering and animation, especially if you want free and powerful software .
Pros:
- Free and Open source.
- Extensive tools for modeling, texturing, sculpting, animation, simulation, rendering, video editing and game creation.
- Great community and educational resources.
Against:
- Possible performance issues for complex or detailed scenes.
- Complex interface and advanced tools that are difficult to learn.
- For high budget and intensive projects it might not be the first choice. compared to Maya.
7.Autodesk Maya
A game program widely used by professionals is Autodesk Maya , a tool with which you can create excellent 3D models and use them for your video games. Like most Autodesk software, Maya also requires a monthly or annual subscription and is only compatible on Windows and macOS .
Unlike Blender, Maya uses both the Python and MEL programming languages , adding an even steeper learning curve. If you want to start modeling, we do not recommend this program, even if it allows you to do advanced 3D modeling, create animations and visual effects, you would not be able to interface with ease .
Pros:
- Advanced tools for animation and rigging.
- Extensive support for high-level projects.
- Vast community, numerous tutorials, professional courses and technical support from Autodesk.
Against:
- High cost.
- Requires powerful hardware.
- Complex interface and time to master.
8.3ds Max
Once you have mastered 3D modeling, perhaps with less complicated game programs, then 3ds Max could become the definitive solution to guarantee you professional projects. To use the tool you will need a monthly or annual subscription , unfortunately also quite expensive , and you can only benefit from it on Windows operating systems .
3ds Max relies on Python and MAXScript as its programming languages, which results in a moderate learning curve. Many professionals rely on this program because it allows for 3D modeling , animation creation , and physics simulation , the latter being particularly useful for those who want to program an interactive and immersive video game .
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with other Autodesk software
- Widely used in architecture and interior design content creation.
- Powerful polygon modeling and rendering tools.
Against:
- High cost.
- Limited macOS support.
- Not ideal for advanced and complex animation in films and video games.
Essential development tools
When you use free game creation programs, you will have different features than one or more paid programs . While this is true, in many cases it is more important to choose third-party tools that are useful to your cause rather than a very high-performance graphics engine. But what are the development tools to consider in addition to the graphics engine?
- Graphics Creation Software: Creating 2D or 3D models is extremely important to the success of a game. Adobe Photoshop and GIMP are programs for creating very high-quality 2D assets.
- Software for composing music and sound effects: a good game doesn’t just have mechanics and jaw-dropping graphics, it also needs audio of the same level. Among the software that cannot be missing from a developer’s operating system are FL Studio and Audacity , the latter being interesting above all for the various plugins that can be downloaded for free .
- Version Control Platforms: When you make a game you also need third-party tools that can control the distributed version and the ideal interface for the reference platform. Most of the Apps for creating games need a well-defined layout , and Git in this case is the most popular choice for developers .
Read also: How to download video games and videogames for PC
Useful resources for learning
Maybe you have a passion for video games and are afraid to approach the world of programming because it seems too complicated? Learning to develop video games is certainly not easy and requires time and dedication , but you can still start by considering some easy-to-find resources.
- Online courses: in an always connected world, it is not difficult to follow a course on Apps for programming games. On the web you can take advantage of interesting platforms such as Udemy or Coursera , on which you can choose the ideal course to learn quickly. For further information you can consult our guide on the best e-learning platforms .
- Tutorials on YouTube and specialized websites: in order to learn how to best manage programs to create 3D video games, you could also rely on tutorials and guides on specialized sites. In addition to YouTube, there are also Brackeys and tv that offer several hours of videos to learn how to interface with a graphic programming editor .
- Developer forums and communities: if you think you are alone in wanting to learn to program, learn and use game programs, know that this is not the case. There are many forums and communities on the web that can advise you on how to approach the sector. The most popular are certainly Reddit (r/gamedev) and Unity forum . Obviously, commitment and will are two characteristics that cannot be missing to learn at your best.
Tips for getting started making video games
Whether you are using a free or paid game maker app, there are some timeless tips you should consider.
First of all try to start from simple and realistic projects , avoid imagining a super ambitious project that is difficult to complete. Creating video games requires balance and you have to learn gradually.
However, this should not limit you in experimenting , in fact, you learn from your mistakes and from every mistake you can learn how to improve. Creating video games, even small titles, requires many years of knowledge, by experimenting you can better understand what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are, avoiding always falling into the same mistakes.
As much as developers love to code on their own and want to complete their project without any collaboration, being part of a development community could help you not only understand the game creation program better , but also help you design your initial idea to the fullest.
Final thoughts on the landscape of programs for creating video games
As you may have noticed by reading this guide, the landscape of programs for creating video games is very vast and constantly evolving. Both beginners and professionals can try their hand and take advantage of the variety and wide range of tools made available by platforms such as GameMaker and Construct 3 to get started.