Making a video game is one of the most complex and demanding tasks you can begin, but that doesn’t mean game design can’t be a hobby or a self-taught skill.
Many game developers first started out by using software which allowed them to make simple games, progressing later to more advanced programming languages and game engines.
To get started learning how to create video games, your first step is downloading one of the helpful programs listed below.
GameMaker
GameMaker has been around for years and has been used to create a number of popular indie games on Steam.
The software does not require any extensive programming knowledge and uses its own proprietary language which is easy to learn and use.
Stencyl
Stencyl is a drag-and-drop game creator which requires no prior coding knowledge, and can create games for a variety of platforms.
RPG Maker MV
RPG Maker is a classic game design tool which has been through many iterations and is now available on Steam.
The game requires a basic knowledge of Javascript and is tailor-made for role-playing game design, with pre-built character generators, battle screens, and more.
Twine
Twine provides a unique way to visualise constructs such as dialogue trees and interactive plots.
It is a very useful tool for potential game developers interested in experimenting with plot arcs and story design.
Unity 3D
Unity 3D is a versatile, free game engine which has been used for a massive number of recent games.
The software does require some programming knowledge, although the Unity website provides users with in-depth tutorials in order to get started using the software.
Unreal Engine 4
Unreal Engine 4 is the most advanced free software on this list, offering the most features but also requiring a good knowledge of programming.
It includes everything you need to make a triple-A game, but is not nearly as easy to use as less powerful game makers.
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Play with Unity, Unreal4 and Cryengine if you want to learn skills you can also make money from in the future. Don’t even bother with any of the others IMO.
If you are a Unity3D pro and looking for contract work then contact me. We are drowning in Unity projects =)