A game engine is a software development environment that provides the tools and libraries needed to create video games. Game engines typically include a graphics engine, a physics engine, a sound engine, and a scripting language.
There are many different game engines available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some game engines are designed for 2D games, while others are
What to look for in a game engine for beginners?
If you are a beginner, there are a few things you should look for in a game engine:
- Ease of use: The game engine should be easy to learn and use. You don’t want to spend hours trying to figure out how to use the engine.
- Affordability: Game engines can be expensive, so you want to find one that is affordable for you.
- Community: There should be a large community of users and developers for the game engine. This will make it easier for you to get help if you get stuck.
Are you interested in creating your own video games? If so, in this article, we’ll take a look at the best game engines for beginners. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each engine, and we’ll provide some recommendations for which engine is best for you.
Unity
Unity is a cross-platform game engine that can be used to create 2D and 3D games. It is one of the most popular game engines in the world, and it is used to create a wide variety of games, from small indie games to AAA blockbusters. Unity is known for its ease of use, its large community of users, and its support for a wide range of platforms.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Large community of users
- Supports a wide range of platforms
- Powerful and versatile
Cons:
- Can be expensive for commercial use
- Can be complex for some users
Popular games made with Unity:
- Among Us
- Baba Is You
- Cities: Skylines
- Fallout Shelter
- Ori and the Blind Forest
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is another popular cross-platform game engine that is known for its high-quality graphics. It is used to create a wide variety of games, from AAA blockbusters to mobile games. Unreal Engine is more complex than Unity, but it offers a wider range of features and tools.
Pros:
- High-quality graphics
- Wide range of features and tools
- Large community of users
- Support for a wide range of platforms
Cons:
- Can be complex for some users
- Can be expensive for commercial use
Popular games made with Unreal Engine:
- Fortnite
- God of War
- Horizon Zero Dawn
- Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Godot
Godot is a free and open-source game engine that is becoming increasingly popular. It is easy to use and has a large community of users. Godot is a good choice for beginners who want to create 2D or 3D games.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Easy to use
- Large community of users
- Supports a wide range of platforms
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other engines
- Documentation can be lacking
Popular games made with Godot:
- A Short Hike
- Gris
- HyperParasite
- Spelunky
- The Witness
GameMaker Studio 2
GameMaker Studio 2 is a popular 2D game engine that is known for its ease of use. It is a good choice for beginners who want to create 2D games without having to learn to code.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Large community of users
- Supports a wide range of platforms
- Drag-and-drop interface
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other engines
- Can be limiting for complex games
Popular games made with GameMaker Studio 2:
- Hotline Miami
- Undertale
- The Binding of Isaac
- Shovel Knight
- Nuclear Throne
Construct 3
Construct 3 is a drag-and-drop game engine that is easy to use. It is a good choice for beginners who want to create 2D games without having to learn to code.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Large community of users
- Supports a wide range of platforms
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some other engines
- Can be limiting for complex games
Popular games made with Construct 3:
- Slime Rancher
- The Escapists 2
- The Dungeoneer
- The Banner Saga
- Kingdom Rush
Ultimately, the best game engine for beginners is the one that best suits your needs and experience level. If you are new to game development, I recommend starting with a simple engine like GameMaker Studio 2 or Construct 3. Once you have some experience, you can move on to more complex engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.