Resources
Get started with these game making tools
Here’s a list of a few free and inexpensive game development tools that may be helpful as you begin thinking about creating games. You can start with just your browser— look for the star to find these web-based tools ⭑
Engines
2d
These 2d engines give you a foundation to build your tile-based and pixel art games. A simple place to start making games.
- Bitsy ⭑
- GBStudio
- OHRRPGCE
- Stencyl
- GameMaker
- Dragonruby
- môsi ⭑
- ct.js
- Sok Stories ⭑
- KoolTool ⭑
- Flick ⭑
3d
The most powerful engines give you both the ability to create the most realistic and modern game worlds, and the flexibility to just keep things simple.
Fantasy Console
Inspired by consoles of the past, these full featured engines let you create your world within a tight set of constraints.
Text & Visual
These popular text and image based engines are great for creating interactive experiences and stories without a lot of game mechanics required.
Artwork
2d
Lots of options for drawing in 2d, pixel-based, frame animation, ascii art, vector and painting.
- Aseprite
- Hexels
- Monodraw
- Pyxel Edit
- Inkscape
- Krita
- Lospec ⭑
- Gimp
- Make 8-bit ⭑
- Piskel ⭑
- Pixilart ⭑
- Pixelorama
3d
These tools approach 3d in a number of ways from modeling, to sculpting, to painting.
2d / 3d
These tools are 3d, but look 2d. Or is it they are 2d but look 3d?
Color
Find a strong color palette by limiting your color use and finding meaningful colors.
Other
Some other tools that may be helpful as your game art and style develops.
Assets
Music
Audio
Midi
Plug-in
Other
Inspiration
Some things to play around with to get inspired for your next game jam or just prototype creatively.
Framework
These frameworks provide a path to get started without the full structure or opinions of an engine.
Add-ons
Add ons for Bitsy games that also you to do more with the engine.