by In order to create a game, you need game development software, or a game engine. These are great for eliminating a lot of the technical aspects of creating a game. Big game development companies, from Bethesda (The Elder Scrolls series) to online game companies such as RealTime Gaming sometimes even create their own development software, but most engines can be used by independent developers of all skill levels. If you are just starting out and can’t decide on the right software, here’s a list, in no particular order, of the top 3 game engines to use.
1. Unity3D
Unity is one of the best game engines available and it’s free! It comes with a huge library of assets and a much more user-friendly interface than other engines. As well as allowing you to use a variety of programming and scripting languages such as C# and JavaScript, you can also preview and play the game as you create it.
Publishing is also a simple and fast process; just click build and the game package is created for you and ready for publishing to the web and consoles. Upgraded, purchasable versions have been announced allowing you to create mobile games as well.
Unity has been used to create a variety of games, such as the Slender games and popular apps like Angry Birds and Temple Run 2.
This is a programming and animation software in one and is a great tool for beginners and professionals.
2. GameMaker
Developed by YoYo Games, GameMaker is another free game engine (that also comes with a purchasable full version) with a user-friendly environment and simple ways to code and create a game. GameMaker is typically used to create 2D games and platformers, but can create games for any console and apps.
GameMaker has been used to make thousands of popular apps and online games such as Galactic Missile Defense and Uncanny Valley.
Although the user can choose to create the game through code, primarily there is a drag and drop system for controlling objects. This makes it great for beginners.
3. Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is one of the most state of the art game engines with high end graphics and hundreds of assets available. It also uses C++ source code. Unreal works across all platforms and on different mobile operating systems. It is versatile, allowing you to create anything from a 2D platformer to a visually stunning console game.
Although it is not free, and is more difficult to use than the previous two engines, this engine is great for more advanced users and is used by independent, professional and teams of developers all over the world. Huge games have been created with Unreal, such as the Mass Effect trilogy, the Borderlands franchise and Thief.
