Do you have an idea for a new game? If the answer is yes, then I guess you are aware of different game developer issues. Among all things, the most important is the Game Development Software for creating a game. Therefore, you must choose the best video game development software. Good development software is essential to design and create a game everyone can enjoy.
To help you find the best software, Fossguru has brought you a list of 15 Best Game Development Software in 2023.
What is a Game Development Software?
A game development software or tool is specialized computer software that helps or facilitates the creating or making of a video game. The game development software handles all the work of creating, designing, converting assets, level editing, and compiling scripts.
Usually, every game has its custom-built development software made by the developers. But for new game developers and low-budget game developing companies, it is not always easy to create development software from scratch. For them, there is game development software online.
What is the best game development software?
There are many game development tools in the market, all with advantages and disadvantages. Unfortunately, identifying the single best software is hard. So we have introduced you to 15 of the best game development software in 2023.
1. Unreal Engine
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Nintendo, PS5, PS4, Xbox, Steam, Oculus, and more.
Unreal Engine is the complete suite of development tools for working with real-time technology. It can produce realistic visuals and top-of-the-class animation. Unreal Engine gives you the best result, from fluid animation to fire animation. Undoubtedly, it is the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D creation tool.
Game developers make modern action games using Unreal Engine to give the players the most engaging experience. Unreal Engine can efficiently generate environments and structures. The graphics are realistic and catch the eye. You should go to Unreal Engine from Epic Games if you have the resources.
Features
- You can develop games for all platforms with Unreal Engine.
- The animation of Unreal Engine is beyond compare. It produces the most realistic graphics.
- The simulation and effects are unique. You can simulate every strand of hair on your character’s body.
- It comes with professional-level integrated media support.
Pricing
Unreal Engine is free for personal use. Your product’s first 1 Million USD of lifetime gross revenue is royalty-free. After you cross USD 1 million, they will take a 5% royalty.
2. Unity
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, PS4, Xbox, and Xbox One.
Without a doubt, Unity is the best beginner game development software in the world. A large number of mobile games are made using Unity. It is the world’s leading real-time game development platform. Unity provides a vast range of opportunities for game devs. It is flexible and versatile. Gaming companies create most high graphics Android games with an adventure with Unity.
Features
- You can create both 2D and 3D games.
- You can use it for smooth characters and animation design.
- Unity can produce perfect physics simulation and bring life to your game.
- It is capable of player management.
Pricing
Unity is available for free. However, Unity Plus and Unity Pro will cost $399/year per seat consecutively and $1,800 /year per seat.
3. Construct 3
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, PS4, Xbox, and Xbox One.
Construct 3 is the ultimate game-making software. Over 180,000 users around the world use Construct 3 to produce beautiful games. Famous game development companies like EA, SEGA, and King use Construct 3 in their games. It is a world-class game development tool.
Construct 3 has a powerful game engine that can leave other engines in the dust. It produces smooth games for you. And they are still growing to keep up with the demand of the new world. With Construct 3, you can create 2D, 3D, and VR games efficiently. It is a highly recommended product.
Features
- Construct 3 can create 2D and 3D games.
- The game engine is fast and runs smoothly.
- Construct 3 can help you publish your game on any platform you choose.
- It has 6 language support.
- You can make stunning games with Construct 3.
Pricing
Construct 3 starts from USD 5.29/ month for individual users.
4. GDevelop
You can make games for:
Android, iOS, and Steam.
GDevelop is the best 2D game development software. It is an open-source software accessible to everyone. Use GDevelop to create the game of your dream. With this, you can create many 2D games for free. You can use GDevelop online as well as download the software. It can create beautiful mobile games. Games like Lil BUB’s HELLO EARTH, Hyperspace Dogfights, and Vai Juliette are created using GDevelop.
GDevelop is not only limited to game creation but also publication. With a single click, you can publish your game anywhere. With this open-source game development software, you can unlock unlimited possibilities. As a result, you can materialize your dream of creating a game.
Features
- GDevelop is open-source software.
- You can make 2D games using it.
- It has both an online and software version of it.
- There are tons of tutorials on how to use GDevelop.
- You can create visual effects with GDevelop.
- You can extend the game engine with JavaScript.
Pricing
GDevelop is a free-to-use software.
5. Game Maker Studio 2
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.Have you got an idea for a game character? You can conceptualize your idea onto a digital canvas using Game Maker Studio 2. This simple tool has everything that you need to create a 2D game. Game Maker Studio 2 is the best game development software for PC, with powerful functionality and easy-to-use features.
The software has made games making for everyone so much easier. With Game Maker Studio 2, you can design, render and publish games for Desktops, Web, Smartphones, and consoles. You don’t need a big budget to create a game now. Game Maker Studio 2 can help you create games at a low cost. So start your free trial and check it out.
Features
- You can create 2D animation games.
- Game Maker Studio 2 is easy to use and costs less.
- You can be sure of excellent quality on this app.
- You can create games for every platform.
Pricing
Game Maker Studio 2 has a 30-day free trial. After that, they offer three paid plans: Creator, Develop, and Console. Their prices are $39, $99, and $799 consecutively.
6. GameSalad
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS.
GameSalad is empowering game creators around the globe. Educators and non-programmers alike enjoy it. It allows anyone to create a game quickly. They used it for teaching programmers and coding too. They provide the best-in-class service to their customers.
It is one of the best game development software for beginners for free. With GameSalad, you can design beautiful 2D games. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS. You can use the software for free. But to unlock features, you have to purchase one of the basic plans of GameSalad.
Features
- GameSalad can create 2D and 3D models.
- You can use GameSalad to create a prototype of the final game.
- You can drag-and-drop behaviors to bring life to your game’s characters and surroundings.
- It has an easy-to-use interface.
- You can play your game while creating it.
- You can add sound effects and music easily to your game.
Pricing
GameSalad is a free-to-use software. However, they have 2 paid plans. The GameSalad Basic starts at USD 19/per month, and the GameSalad Pro starts at USD 29 per monthly.
7. Blender
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Blender is open-source game development software for Mac. It is a 3D modeling software as well. You can easily convert 2d images to 3d models with Blender. T has various features to help you create the best 3D game. With Blender, you can complete most of the action and editing of your game. Though it is a complete app, we suggest you use another game engine with it. This software will ensure the best quality of the product for you.
Blender is a highly customizable game development software capable of handling a huge workload. It runs smoothly on PC and Mac OS. Moreover, it is free to use. So you can experiment with Blender before starting your game.
Features
- Blender is an open-source app.
- They update it continuously to ensure quality.
- You can use it as a 3D model converter too.
- Blender offers the best user experience.
Pricing
Blender is free-to-use software. It is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and other major operating systems.
8. Buildbox
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Buildbox is the best game development software without coding. It is the most potent game creator for non-coders. They targeted it towards entrepreneurs, small designers, and gaming enthusiasts. With Buildbox, you can design the ultimate video game on your desktop. There is no programming or coding needed. You can choose from various templates and create your own game.
Buildbox gives you a real-time preview of your game. That is very helpful, as you can check for any issues. You can design any game. Your imagination is the only limit. You can download Buildbox for free and use it.
Features
- You can create games without coding yourself.
- It can create perfect 2d and 3d games at your command.
- Buildbox gives a real-time preview of your game.
- It can be cloud-hosted or on-premise deployed.
- Windows, Mac, and Linux OS support it.
Pricing
Buildbox is free software.
9. Autodesk
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, and Web.
Autodesk is the best software for simulation prediction. It is an effective development tool to create and manage games. Several best 3d games for Android were designed in Autodesk. Autodesk is the first choice of many game Devs for game designing and character simulation.
We can use Autodesk for in-game creation and other fields like engineering, mechanics, and architecture. It also works as a project management tool. It is essential to manage all of your game’s progress under a single platform. Autodesk gives you that opportunity.
Features
- Autodesk is a functioning project manager.
- It gives you an analysis report of your game.
- You can design and simulate a 3D environment with Autodesk.
- Autodesk is available online and for Windows OS.
Pricing
Contact the provider for detailed product pricing. They offer a 30-day free trial on every product.
10. Microsoft’s Visual Studio
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS.
Microsoft’s Visual Studio is a great Application Lifecycle Management tool and an excellent app for game developers. It is a fully functional game development software. Visual Studio is suitable for Startups, SMEs, and professional game designers. This online 3d game development software enables you to design 3D and 3D games. Microsoft’s Visual Studio brings you all the features you will need to design a game. This app lets you publish, monitor, and analyze your game’s progress. They have a paid version and a free version too. Many game Devs use and praise it in the game developers community.
Features
- Microsoft’s Visual Studio works as an Application Lifecycle Management software.
- It has multiple language support.
- They offer a free version for you to try.
- The performance of Visual Studio is top of the class.
- It comes pre-equipped with other Microsoft products.
Pricing
Visual Studio is free for individual use. For Business use, the price starts from USD 45 per month. Visual Studio Enterprise subscription starts from $250/ month.
11. Cocos2d-x
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS.
Cocos2d-x is a complete package of game development software for Android and other platforms. It comprises all the development tools you need for making a video game. It is a top-class content creation-focused software. You can use it on Windows and Mac operating systems.
Cocos2d-x is a powerful suite of development tools capable of handling many games. It can make 2D and 3D games. As it is an open-source program, it is available for free. Its core is written in C++ and supports C++, Lua, Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac OS. It will be a significant addition to your path of creating a great game.
Features
- Cocos2d-x is open-source software.
- You can save money by using a third party, as on Cocos2d-x.
- Cocos2d-x is written in the C++ programming language.
- It is continuously updated.
Pricing
Cocos2d-x is a free-to-use game development program.
12. Starling
You can make games for:
Windows, Android, and iOS.
Starling is a cross-platform game engine perfect for creating 2D and 3D games. It is a smooth game engine that is free from lag and bugs. If you run your game on Starling, you will have a smooth experience playing the completed game. It is a pure Action Script 3 library.
Starling can recreate Flash display list architecture on your system GPU. It is free and open-source software. One of the most popular mobile games, “Angry Birds,” is built on Starling.
Features
- Starling ensures a smooth gaming engine.
- It is open-source, free software.
- It is a platform-independent tool.
- Starling is a pure ActionScript 3 library, which is a familiar API.
Pricing
Starling is a free-to-use open-source program.
13. Panda 3D
You can make games for:
Windows, Mac OS, and Web.
Panda 3D is an open-source 3D rendering software. With this handy tool, you can innovate, create, and explore the boundaries of 3D games. It is one of the world’s most flexible gaming engines. Panda 3D core is written in C++, making it a portable platform. It is a flexible software that includes command-line tools for optimizing source assets. In addition, it comes with out-of-the-box support for almost all third-party libraries. As a result, Panda 3D is capable of producing great games for you.
Features
- Panda 3D is flexible software.
- It is written in portable C++ language.
- It offers Flexible Asset Handling.
- Panda 3D has out-of-the-box support for popular third-party apps.
- It has excellent extensibility.
Pricing
Panda 3D is free software.
14. Gamebryo
You can make games for:
Windows, Android, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Gamebryo is the best indie game development software. It is capable of designing high graphics video games. It is the preferred gaming software of many game developers. Gamebryo offers many features that make game creation an easy task. It is perfect for startups and SMEs. Many game companies and gaming engines widely adopt its technology. Companies like 2K Games, Tencent, Sony, and Firaxis use Gamebryo.
Features
Gamebryo is powerful game development software.
It is capable of making both 2D and 3D games.
It is a cross-platform software.
Pricing
Gamebryo offers a free trial of their product.
15. Torque 3D
Torque 3D is a high-capacity 3D game development program. Game developers use Torque 3D to make 3D games for desktop and web. It has integrated physics simulation and an IT asset management module. They made it for professional users. You can use this cross-platform software to create high graphics 3D action games.
Features
- Torque 3D is capable of producing high-end 3D games.
- It is a complete package of tools you need in game development.
- Torque 3D is open-source development software.
Pricing
Torque 3D is a free computer program.
Final Thoughts
Making a game is not an easy task. It requires hard work, planning, resources, and patience. Game development software makes the task much easier for the developers. There are many game development tools, but we have provided a list of the best in the market.
Let us know which one of the 15 Best Game Development Software in 2023 you found most helpful. Share the article and spread the power of knowledge. And best of luck with your new game-making.
I have been using the UNITY software for over 2 years now. It is my first choice for game development. I highly recommend Unity.
I also prefer unity.
Thank you for recommending this.