To create each game you will need your own platform. Her choice depends on the genre of future fun. Platforms for creating games are the same engine, thanks to which a person can create his own "masterpiece". Today, games are found almost everywhere - in tablets, computers, phones and just in slot machines. The platform is the basis of the game, as it depends on its appearance, what will be its genre, format, design and so on.
Games are classified by genre: shooter, action, arcade, puzzle, strategy, simulator and racing. These were the main genres, based on which, you can create your own game.
Game Creation Platforms
Below we offer an overview of 10 platforms for those who are not familiar with the programming language and scripts. Each of the programs was evaluated by users on the basis of three main criteria - functionality, usability and interface.
Game maker
Average rating: 8.
This program is aimed at beginners in this field, so the ability to program is not necessary. This software implements a platform for games on low-end PCs, where the menu contains pre-built level layouts, sample objects, sample sounds and scripts. You can also find embedded editors of moving graphics (sprites). Using this platform for creating 2D games, the user will be able to realize their ideas in various genres. Game Maker provides a tutorial on designing layouts for future samples of new games.
For users who are familiar with this area, this program has a built-in programming language GML (Game Maker Language), which will help in creating better games. By default, there is no Russian language, but if necessary, you can install crack.
Construct 2
Average rating: 9.
This is another great platform that does not require in-depth knowledge of the programmer, but helps beginners to create a more powerful game. Moreover, this platform for creating games on Android can help to do this both on the MAC (iPhones and iPads) and on Windows. Games developed on this platform can be downloaded to the browser and the social network Facebook.
It’s easy to work in this program if you know English, as there is no Russian support here. On this platform, the user will deal with events, objects and interactions. In the user menu there are ready-made models of the behavior of the entire surrounding world. Unlike other flash game development platforms, Construct 2 fully implements the particle effect on HTML5.
This program has Box 2D Physics engine, thanks to which the user can qualitatively depict effects according to all laws of physics. For seasoned programmers, it is possible to connect extensions (such as Java), which are able to change the source code of the game during export.
Unity 3D
Average rating: 8.7 points.
Using this software, the game on different platforms will start without problems, as there is support not only for the PC, but also for the Xbox 360, PayStation 3, Wii. Unity's multi-platform engine involves creating games and applications for Win8 and the younger series, as well as for Mac OC, Android, Linux, and Blackberry.
The program interface provides for the use of scripts, sound effects and textures. You can also connect options online and configure drag and drop objects.
3D Rad
Average rating: 8.3 points.
This platform for creating games is designed for those who want to make them from the very beginning. Here from scratch you can create arcades, shooters, quests, strategies and puzzles, while spending a minimum of time.
First you need to decide on the choice of objects, then set them in such a way that they interact with each other. Despite the wide selection of models and options for actions, this program has a function that allows you to move layouts from other platforms to the current project. To create good music in the game, just move the music files in WAV and OGG format.
The difference between this platform for creating games is that it has a high-quality graphic component, plausible physics, integration into web pages and support for full-fledged multiplayer.
Game editor
Average rating: 7.3 points.
Platform for games on weak PCs in 2D format. However, she is able to create games for Android. To work in this program, you need to assign an item and set certain settings for it that will demonstrate the reaction to various events in the gaming atmosphere.
If the user already has sketches or ready-made materials that he wants to use in the current project, then they can be freely moved from other programs. The user has the right to use not only ready-made responses, but also come up with his own, using a special scripting programming language, which is much simpler than the same C ++ or Java.
Stencyl
Average rating: 9.
Another simple version of the platform for creating games, the management of which does not require special knowledge. The user will have to work with ready-made level schemes and events, which are depicted as a system of blocks. You need to drag them from one place to another. If the options for creating certain items are not enough, the developers of this application have envisaged writing the code with their own hands, but for this you need to know the programming language.
This utility will be useful to those who have already worked in Photoshop. The interface of Stencyl Desinger is similar to the popular photo editor.
Craft studio
Average rating: 8.7.
It provides complete freedom of action in the 3D sphere: the user can independently write a script and set an action, depict animations and effects. The creators of this program thought out every little thing so that the platform for games on the PC had an interesting and intuitive interface. It is worth noting that the entire toolkit for working with models and animations in the program already exists, as well as other visual components. The advantages of this platform for creating games on weak PCs is that there will be no conflict of formats or converting them.
Adventure game studio
Average rating: 7.
Many are interested in what are the best platforms for creating games . One of the most striking examples is this tool, which allows you to create games in two-dimensional space in the adventure genre. To fully convince yourself that the program will create the right product, there is a demo game with it that can be found with it. The scheme of work is simple - you need to change the game rooms in which certain objects are located. The player will act according to scripts that are added through a separate editor. One of the advantages of this application is its support for the modern format, that is, the user will be able to import multimedia files into the game.
Arcade game studio
Average rating: 8.3.
And here is the best platform for creating games of the 90s of the last century. This is another simple program that does not require programming skills. It already has several ready-made arcades that the user can change to his liking. On this platform, you can create arcades, shooters with top and side views.
Clickteam fusion
Average rating: 9.
Another platform with support for many OSs, such as Windows, IOS and Android. It is also possible to release their browser applications that support HTML5. Using a high-quality physical engine, the user can change the direction of small particles and control physics. For those who are new to drawing and designing, developers have provided a library with ready-made layouts of animations and objects. After installing this application, the user automatically becomes a member of the community, where in the future he will be able to communicate with other users on a common forum and seek help in support.
Game salad
Average rating: 8.3.
For beginners, entertaining masterpieces are an excellent platform for creating Android OS games. It is elementary in use, has an ordinary appearance and has support for the implementation of objects by conventional drag and drop. On the Android platform, games will look pretty good, since their basis is the interaction of the protagonist with objects and his non-standard behavior. You can add your own music and images to this program. Games created in this program can be played on the phone and on the PC.
Visionaire studio
Average rating: 7.3.
If simple shooters and arcades are not to the taste of the future creator of games, then he will definitely like the genre of puzzles. The application in question creates exactly such games. You just need to choose a hero, location, arrange items as you wish, come up with riddles and register commands with tips. However, you can use for free only the demo version of this application, but this will be quite enough for familiarization.
Leading Free Platforms
Unity
A multi-platform engine that allows you to create high-quality games and port them to all existing mobile platforms. This program freely reads information from 3Ds Max, 3D Maya, Softimage, Blender and CINEMA 4D. Thanks to a recent update (in the form of Unity 4.3), the engine can work with 2D graphics, having support for physics and sprites in this format.
Despite compatibility with almost any 3D editor, the graphics editor in this software is limited in its operations - the lack of independent modeling forces users to create content in third-party 3D editors. However, do not be upset, because the library has a rich assortment of blanks that you can use for free or buy from authors for a fixed price.
In addition to the free version of Unity, there is a Pro that costs $ 1,500. In this case, you can issue a monthly subscription. It will cost $ 75. The paid version of the engine has significant differences from the usual one. It has improved lighting, advanced physics and much more.
User reviews are mostly positive, because the editor can support not only a ready-made, but also recreated script. Negative opinions relate to the engine’s closed code.
Unreal development kit
Epic Games gave the world a free version of the platform for creating games - Unreal Engine 3. It has been repeatedly used in the creation of AAA projects, including famous masterpieces like Borderlands, Bioshock 2 and Singularity. This platform has considerable graphic potential, which is applicable even for creating mobile games and applications. UDK has its own unique tool for developing levels in the program itself, without using third-party applications. In this, it differs from simple Unity.
Unreal has the ability to create games in various genres, including RPG, which is very difficult to design and recreate. The unique engine has an individual object-oriented programming language resembling C ++ or Java. UDK is also a cross-platform program, as it allows you to port games to various platforms.
As for the payment, it will be needed only when the release of the finished game. However, independent developers use a different approach, which does not require large expenses at the beginning of development. The license fee at the time of publication of the game will be $ 99, but if the revenue for the game is more than $ 50,000, the user must pay 25% of the amount, which is considered a reward for the authors.
This platform has only positive user reviews, although many have to learn C ++.
NeoAxis 3D Engine
This program for the implementation of 3D-projects in the execution is much simpler than the previous two, which makes it possible to develop and train in this field. Here you can create independent simulation games, virtual realities and others. Also, the application is used as an auxiliary, if creation and modeling are not provided in another engine. This platform can operate on Windows XP and newer, with installed NET 4.0.
Some schools use this engine as a visual aid for designing and modeling in the 3D sphere. In the menu you can find a set of ready-made maps and projects, and as a pleasant bonus, an option in Russian is presented. Despite the simple graphics, this is a great platform for getting acquainted with 3D-technologies.
Feedback on this program is mostly positive. However, there are some users who do not like the quality of the graphics.
Cryengine
This is the winner among all the presented platforms for creating games on PC and console. Here, the engine has the incredible power that Crytec demonstrated in Far Cry. Cross-platform engine supports a new generation of consoles. The most advanced engine has arthouse lighting, has the most advanced physics and a realistic animation system. The incredible capabilities of this software allow you to depict detailed and high-quality traced levels in games.
But nothing comes just like that. It takes some time to master this tool to perfection, and for beginners it is better to postpone acquaintance with CryEngine for now.
To just work and develop in this program, a free version is also suitable, which is not designed for commerce. There is no information on the site of developers regarding the price of implementation fees. To release a game created on CryEngine, the user needs to contact Crytec, provide all the details related to the game, and agree on a price.
Mostly reviews about this engine are positive. Users warmly respond to this program. However, there are some negative reviews. Some users are unhappy that the program lacks basic elementary education. Also, serious equipment is needed to work with it.
Recommendations of specialists
Creating games is hard and painstaking work requiring knowledge, skills and patience. Few bring the job to the end, releasing an indie game or a full-fledged shooter. It’s not enough just to draw a level, add objects and register codes. You need to clearly know what the user wants to see in the game. If this is an arcade, then you need to decide in what format it will be, with what kind. If the game is a puzzle, then you need to write scripts for the interaction of the protagonist with the outside world or with a specific subject.
The first steps are the most important, as they will determine the future of the game. It’s worth starting with the simplest platforms that do not require special programming knowledge and have a stock library in stock. As you become familiar with one platform, you can use another, look at the item code, and based on it create your own little masterpiece. The main thing is not to leave your business halfway.