5 best applications to create video games for free
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The best way to get into the world of videogame creation, especially if you start from scratch and want to dedicate yourself professionally to it, is by experimenting with free software. These free apps for creating video games offer a practical learning platform where you can test your skills to bring your first projects to life without having to pay for them. Find out which ones are the best so you can save time and get started right away.
What do I need to create a video game for free?
To start creating a video game on a free platform, it is essential to look for software that offers an intuitive interface, educational resources and an active community with which to exchange ideas and support.
These types of applications for creating free video games, although they may have limitations, offer an excellent opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge to real projects at no cost. That's why we recommend them to our future students of the Degree in Design and Development of Video Games and Virtual Environments, it's a great way to start exploring the development of video games and learn the basics of game design and programming.
5 free tools to create video games
The Internet is full of free programs that allow you to create video games, but not all of them are equally recommendable, nor do they necessarily end up delivering what they promise. Because we know that, and we want you to be able to start working with them from minute one, we have made a selection of free applications for creating video games that offer everything you need for those who are just starting out.
Quest
This platform specialises in the creation of text adventure and narrative games. In fact, Quest allows you to develop interactive stories without the need for programming skills, allowing fans of this genre to take their first steps in the sector.
This makes it possible for any type of user to create detailed worlds in which the player's choices will alter the course of the narrative. It is ideal for students, but also for writing professionals who are interested in exploring this type of genre as a possible specialisation.
Twine
Twine is a great tool for writing branching stories, with a focus on interactive and non-linear narratives. It also requires no prior programming experience, yet it greatly facilitates the creation of games that emphasise choice and consequence, allowing authors to weave complex interactive plots.
It is perfect for those interested in storytelling and visual novels, and a great resource for our students of CFGS - 3D Animation - Games and Interactive Environments.
Unity 3D
Unity 3D is a development tool that allows you to create video games in real time, and is highly valued for its great versatility and its ability to work in both 2D and 3D.
It supports a wide range of platforms, making it possible for developers to bring their games to almost any device, from PCs and game consoles to mobile phones and VR/AR goggles.
Unity has its own shop that makes it possible to purchase project-specific assets, allowing you to control costs if an investment is essential, and monetise the games you create on its platform!
Construct 3
Construct 3 is one of the platforms preferred by those starting out in the world of video game design and development because it greatly simplifies the entire creation process. It facilitates visual programming, is especially optimised for web games and allows extension through plugins and JavaScript.
However, it has some limitations that should be taken into account, such as the fact that exporting games to consoles can be complex, or that, as it is focused on 2D, it limits the use of 3D plugins.
Godot
Godot offers an intuitive and customisable interface with integrated 2D and 3D development, making the transition between the two very smooth. For us, some of its most outstanding features are its advanced animation system and an integrated physics engine that allows realistic interactions to be simulated.
It also has support for virtual and augmented reality, which greatly expands the creative possibilities. Godot is an open source and highly configurable tool.
Now all you have to do is try them out, see which of these free videogame creation applications best suits your way of working and start applying everything you know. There is no better way to learn and assimilate concepts than by practising!
