Game Creation Programs

[Died By Bear]

Eh, well I'm pretty bored so I'll just supply some important links for fellow game makers to get help off of.

----------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Game Maker 7
2. The 3D Game Maker
3. Adobe Flash
4. Stencyl
5. Eclipse
6. Realm Crafter
7. Unity
8. Others
9. Closing

----------------------------------------

1. GAME MAKER 7

COST: Free-$20

Do you want to develop computer games without spending countless hours learning how to become a programmer? Then you've come to the right place. Game Maker allows you to make exciting computer games, without the need to write a single line of code. Making games with Game Maker is a lot of fun.

Game Maker Home (http://www.yoyogames.com)

Download GM 7 (http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/try)

"Wiki" (http://www.yoyogames.com/wiki/show/Home)

Resources (http://www.yoyogames.com/make/resources/)

Games (http://www.yoyogames.com/make/browse?incomplete=1)

Forums (http://gmc.yoyogames.com/)

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_Maker)

Documents (http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/docs)

About GM 7 (http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/about)

Tutorials (http://www.yoyogames.com/make/tutorials)

----------------------------------------

2. THE 3D GAME MAKER

COST: $34.99

Now anyone can build their ideal game in seconds. With just one click of a mouse, you can create a uniquely playable game without needing any programming knowledge or artistic skills at all. Offering over 12 billion gaming options, The 3D Gamemaker opens up a whole new concept in gaming, providing fun for all the family.

The 3D Game Maker Home (http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/)

Promotion video (http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/?f=promo)

License (http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/?f=license)

Model Packs (http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/?f=model_packs)

System Requirements (http://t3dgm.thegamecreators.com/?f=system_requirements)

Review (http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/october01/gamemaker/)

----------------------------------------

3. ADOBE FLASH

COST: $699

Enjoy a fast, fluid workflow with Adobe® Flash® CS3 Professional software, featuring a streamlined user interface, advanced video tools, and impressive integration with related software.

Flash Home (http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/)

Download trial (https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=flash)

Support (http://www.adobe.com/support/)

Tutorial (http://www.flashkit.com/tutorials/)

Tutorial 2 (http://www.entheosweb.com/Flash/default.asp)

----------------------------------------

4. Stencyl

COST: Free

Stencyl brings a new perspective to Game Creation. Bundled with StencylWorks, our simple yet powerful Game Builder, Stencyl brings game creation to the masses and allows everyone to share their games with the world through StencylSpot, our revolutionary digital distribution system.

Stencyl Home (http://www.stencyl.com/about/)

Download (http://www.stencyl.com/download/)

Games (http://www.stencyl.com/games/)

Media (http://www.stencyl.com/media/)

Guide (http://www.stencyl.com/guide/)

Stencyl's Forum (http://forums.stencyl.com/)

Stencyl Blog (http://blogs.stencyl.com/)
----------------------------------------

5. Eclipse

COST: Free (as far as I know)

Eclipse is an open source community whose projects are focused on building an open development platform comprised of extensible frameworks, tools and runtimes for building, deploying and managing software across the lifecycle. A large and vibrant ecosystem of major technology vendors, innovative start-ups, universities, research institutions and individuals extend, complement and support the Eclipse platform.

Eclipse Home (http://www.eclipse.org/)

Downloads (http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/)

Membership (http://www.eclipse.org/membership/)

Commiters (http://wiki.eclipse.org/index.php/Development_Resources)

Projects (http://www.eclipse.org/projects/)

Resources (http://www.eclipse.org/resources/)

About Eclipse (http://www.eclipse.org/org/)

----------------------------------------

6. Realm Crafter

COST: Free download, item packs cost money ($12-$50)

Welcome to Realm Crafter. The Realm Crafter engine allows you to design, create and publish your very own MMORPG game.

RC Home (http://www.realmcrafter.com/)

News (http://www.realmcrafter.com/News.php)

FAQ (http://www.realmcrafter.com/FAQ.php)

Gallery (http://www.realmcrafter.com/Gallery.php)

Download (http://www.realmcrafter.com/Download.php)

Catalog (http://www.realmcrafter.com/catalog/index.php)

----------------------------------------

7. UNITY

COST: Free 30 day demo, $249-$1499

Unlike any other game system, Unity was designed from the start to ease editing. This is not a game engine with an editor bolted on. It is a fully integrated production environment that just happens to have the most powerful engine this side of a million dollars.

Unity Home (http://unity3d.com/)

Web Player (http://unity3d.com/unitywebplayer.html)

Buy (https://secure.otee.dk/shop/)

Try the Demo (http://unity3d.com/try.html)

Gallery (http://unity3d.com/gallery/main/index.html)

Community (http://unity3d.com/community.html)

Documentation (http://unity3d.com/documentation.html)

Support (http://unity3d.com/support.html)

Company (http://unity3d.com/company/vision.html)

News (http://unity3d.com/company/news.html)

Unity Manual (http://unity3d.com/Documentation/Manual/index.html)

----------------------------------------

8. OTHERS

My Reference (http://penguinforum.miniclip.com/showthread.php?t=22906)

List of Game Making Devices (http://members.chello.at/theodor.lauppert/games/maker.htm)

----------------------------------------

9. CLOSING

If you have any more suggestions for game creators, please post it here so I can add it to the list. If you provide links, that would be really helpful.

[Madfly]

Eh.. Good I guess..

But, it doesn't look good. Black text? Color it up, center it, and it will look better. :)

But, it's good.

[Died By Bear]

Eh.. Good I guess..

But, it doesn't look good. Black text? Color it up, center it, and it will look better. :)

But, it's good.

Yeah, you know, I have never had a "color" on this. So I guess I'll do that, make it pertiful.

[Madfly]

Yeah, you know, I have never had a "color" on this. So I guess I'll do that, make it pertiful.

It looks prettiful now. :)

I don't have any suggestions for game making programs, I only use GM7.

[Died By Bear]

It looks prettiful now. :)

I don't have any suggestions for game making programs, I only use GM7.

Lol, okay, thanks for letting me know what it could use. ;)

[Madfly]

Lol, okay, thanks for letting me know what it could use. ;)


No problem.

Just google 'Game Makers' and post links + anything else like forums, sites, tutorials..

[Died By Bear]

Okay, I added a list of devices to create games with under the "Others: section.

[acef596]

Very nice I think you should add more though.

[kogeck]

I believe that a thread similar to this one was already made.
But, it's a great guide.

[agentblack]

here is a nifty tool, its not finished but it looks really good.

google this word stencyl

[Died By Bear]

Very nice I think you should add more though.

I know, not completly done yet.

I believe that a thread similar to this one was already made.
But, it's a great guide.

Well Acef's guide is simlar to this but not the same. I kind of based it off his idea as well. I thank him for that.

here is a nifty tool, its not finished but it looks really good.

google this word stencyl

Okay, I'll do that.

[acef596]

Well Acef's guide is simlar to this but not the same. I kind of based it off his idea as well. I thank him for that.

:D I think your guide will turn out better though.Your got more information and more organized I wasn't trying to get a sticky so I didn't put much work into it.

[Makarov]

Coughs out a sticky. Coughs. :P

:pitty:

[Died By Bear]

:D I think your guide will turn out better though.Your got more information and more organized I wasn't trying to get a sticky so I didn't put much work into it.

I liked yours a lot, when I'm done I'll be sure to ref it.

Coughs out a sticky. Coughs. :P

:pitty:

:)

[Boyinhood]

Game maker is hard to use and confusing¿

[acef596]

Game maker is hard to use and confusing¿

Not really I worked with it for 7-9 months now in the beginning it was hard now I am getting quite good with it I am thinking about make another game.

[Madfly]

Game maker is hard to use and confusing¿

LOL. No it's not. If you actually take the time too learn, it's really easy.

[acef596]

LOL. No it's not. If you actually take the time too learn, it's really easy.

Well he is probably new too it.
Boyinhood-Died by bear put very usefull information on game maker so you can learn.

[Makarov]

Died By Bear, ask people for other programs with a description.

[acef596]

Died By Bear, ask people for other programs with a description.


Died by bear-I got quite a few that can help if you want you can use some from my guide I also got alot others.
Sorry if I am posting in like a chat room way.

[Died By Bear]

Died By Bear, ask people for other programs with a description.

What do you mean? You mean put a section to tell people to give me some ideas to add?

Died by bear-I got quite a few that can help if you want you can use some from my guide I also got alot others.
Sorry if I am posting in like a chat room way.

Yeah, I noticed. I added a few more I got the links from your guide. I also added your guide onto the "Others" section.

[Makarov]

Add on to the end.

If you know more progams please tell me.

:pitty:

[Died By Bear]

Add on to the end.

If you know more progams please tell me.

:pitty:

Well it was already there in the "Closing" section, just worded differently. Oh yeah, can't you edit posts as well?

[Makarov]

Well it was already there in the "Closing" section, just worded differently. Oh yeah, can't you edit posts as well?

Yes I can. But, I only use it to replace mild language, spelling errors (sometimes), and that is about it.

[Died By Bear]

Yes I can. But, I only use it to replace mild language, spelling errors (sometimes), and that is about it.

Aha, well, I take it that it shoud stay the way it is?

[Makarov]

Aha, well, I take it that it shoud stay the way it is?

Yes. It is fine. Sorry if I confused you.

[T3mp3st]

Game Maker is $16 last time i check :O and it is still.

[Madfly]

Game Maker is $16 last time i check :O and it is still.

In America it's $20. ;)
Good job on the guide.;)

[Died By Bear]

Game Maker is $16 last time i check :O and it is still.

http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/try

Right before the download button it states $20. So it would be 16 Euro possibly though.

[zeldarpwner]

Nice list of programs. I really like Stencyl. But Stencyl isn't out yet.:|Maybe you should take that off the list.

[Died By Bear]

Nice list of programs. I really like Stencyl. But Stencyl isn't out yet.:|Maybe you should take that off the list.

Stencyl was a user submitted suggestion, I cannot take that off, sorry.

[Zeldafan114]

Here's a 3D one: Unity Game Engine.

It's mac-only, but makes games for both Mac and PC.

Link: http://unity3d.com

[Merry Joe]

Here's a 3D one: Unity Game Engine.

It's mac-only, but makes games for both Mac and PC.

Link: http://unity3d.com
That one is really good but VERY complex. My friend entered a game making competition and with his entry he won the full version of unity. I was over at his house and he showed me it. VERY hard to work with unless you're a really good game maker.

[Died By Bear]

Okay, Unity was finally added in. I searched Google and found a manual for anyone having trouble with it.

[Dalton]

These are cool...I use game maker mostly.

---Off Topic---

DBB, can you log onto AIM when you get a chance, me and Peguiono need to talk to You for a second.

[America Air]

May I say that you should put Blender/Game Blender on that list. Their(It is) a very good game making softwear that is free. It's VERY high tech though.

The One, The Only,
AA

[America Air]

I try to download Stencyl but it says it's a privet program so it doesn't let me download it. Is there anyway to let me download the program?

[Bluekingice]

Hey. I found a program I use to make games. Its called Scratch. Can you add it to the list?

scratch.mit.edu

Its free and you don't pay anything;)

[Dodger]

I can't use the avatar.
Ps: Soon there are new rooms ;)

[coolyoung98]

i hav a problem with unity i cant find it on my comp

[zeldarpwner]

Can you please add FPS Creator to the list? You can make really good FPS games with it if you try hard.
XP Version: FPS Creator (http://fpscreator.com/)
Vista Version: FPS Creator X10 (http://fpscreatorx10.com/)

[yazahra]

I want to make multi player game .and play through ip address or website.
can gamemaker support this?
please help me and introduce me many example ( of this kind of game).:blush:
thanks.;)

[Mistirglosik]

This Will Help A Lot Of People When They Want To Have Some Fun With Making Games! Glad You Made It Because It helped A LOT of My Buddies! :D


~Mistirglosik~

[crazymania]

huh are you new oh yeh 1 post youll have to make a game when you get 15 posts

[Baboons33]

I want to make multi player game .and play through ip address or website.
can gamemaker support this?
please help me and introduce me many example ( of this kind of game).:blush:
thanks.;)

No, Game Marker does not allow you to make multi-player games. Flash allows you to do it.

[worldking01]

Thats cool, is there any free Flash software?

[Sad Prince]

Thanks, I personaly pefer Adobe Flash CS3

[penguman]

I have a question about RealmCrafter; Ido not see where to download it on the site!

I have always wanted to make my own MMO :rolleyes:

P.S. Excellent work on this guide it is definatly sticky material!

[Man101]

I have a question about RealmCrafter; Ido not see where to download it on the site!

I have always wanted to make my own MMO :rolleyes:

P.S. Excellent work on this guide it is definatly sticky material!

Realmcrafter now COSTS unfortunatly -_- ;)

[yazahra]

No, Game Marker does not allow you to make multi-player games. Flash allows you to do it.

.no you are mistaken.game maker have one part about multi plater.

[Superspy4]

You need to add Scratch, and if you want the add Greenfoot:cool:

[L4nd0]

You need to add Scratch, and if you want the add Greenfoot:cool:

maybe scratch;):P
but greenfoot?:confused:'dunno what it is

[sisamkg]

Thanks for the programs . This can help me in making a 3D game!:cool:

[snowdobby]

Great Job with your guide! ;)

[Ledismittcp]

What about macromedia flash 8?

[zeldarpwner]

Sorry about the bump, but you need to add Games Factory 2. It's a really powerful program that's great for people who are entering the world of video game making.

[mmfgamer5]

Sorry to bump, but please could you add:
The Games Factory 2 (Clickteam)
- Create 2D games and screen savers with ease. Clickteams introductory level product.

Multimedia Fusion 2 Standard (Clickteam)
- Create 2D games, screensavers, multimedia, edutainment and Windows based applications.

Multimedia Fusion 2 Developer (Clickteam)
- The advanced edition of MMF2, no logo requirements, and additional power and functionality.

You can compare products on their website (clickteam.com).


Please delete this post if it is not appropriote (if it is considered advertising).

[Drac3997]

you need to add Scratch, its free and wayyyyyy easy, plus you can upload your games to their website

there is a link to my profile in my sig

its really easy and even though the site is getting flooded by CHEAP GAMES with a little common sense and brains you could make something really good

TIP: If you use it check out my link on my sig, feel free to use my scripts

[Stoopo]

Yes. Scratch works well on my computer and it wouldn't hurt to add something else.

~Stoopo~

[Яesist]

This is wierd, does this do anything on anyone elses computer? Every now and then this post will show up as the newest post on the homepage, but its not... its and old post

Sorry for being off topic, but any answers here?

[Gamerboy]

This is wierd, does this do anything on anyone elses computer? Every now and then this post will show up as the newest post on the homepage, but its not... its and old post

Sorry for being off topic, but any answers here?

It's the bug that means when a post/thread that is the most recent is deleted, the most recent posts reverts back to the most recent post in a sticky. This is the sticky with the latest post most of the time, so that's why it's this thread that shows up.

[mage2882]

There are some tools I've heard and had a look. One of them is FPS Creator and the other (not sure if it should go in there) is Dark GDK (Then, you should add C++ to that list). There is also Blitz 3D (Makes Both 2D and 3D games).

[clark123]

The languages needed in my opinion would be PHP and MySQL at least, also some javascript would inhance the interface making it more playable and easier to navigate.

[clark123]

The languages needed in my opinion would be PHP and MySQL at least, also some javascript would inhance the interface making it more playable and easier to navigate.
Can You Guyes Please SUggest Me Which id the Best Programming Language According to You Guyes For Making Games.

[Gamerboy]

You can do a game in any language you want.

Javascript is pretty useless language for games though, so I wouldn't recommend doing one in that, even though you may be able to.

PHP and MySQL aren't really necessary either, you can make good games using Flash with just Actionscript 2.0.

[Mrthatdudeguyy]

Most commercial games are made with c++.

[ShadowStorm]

Probably I'd recommend java for the site along with CSS.

[Gamerboy]

Probably I'd recommend java for the site along with CSS.

You sure you don't mean JavaScript.

Java is an OOP language that creates applets and applications. JavaScript is a client side script used in web coding.

[mage2882]

Yes. I think that Gamerboy is right. Java is a language mostly used in more powerful applications, whilst javascript is used more in server-side and websites.

[Buck]

Yes, these are game creation programs, but they are not industry standard.
If you are looking to become a professional game programmer, I suggest you learn C, Java, C++, C#, or somthing of the sort. The reason being that programs like Game Maker or RPG maker were all programmed in those languages, and all the games you buy are mostly made in C or C++. If anybody is willing to learn one of those, get a book; even an idiot can learn from them. Now, most of you are saying "Oh, but I am only a kid, I cannot learn a professional programming language!" well, you can. I am only 14 and I learned it easily from a book. Just don't expect to make a game right away, it may take months to make a simple one. If you want to make a game, not only do you have to learn C, C#, or C++, but you also have to learn an extra library for graphics and input, there are also books on these.
Also, to some of the people up above me, C++ is not a program, it makes programs :)
Goodluck.

[link4562]

Yes, these are game creation programs, but they are not industry standard.
If you are looking to become a professional game programmer, I suggest you learn C, Java, C++, C#, or somthing of the sort. The reason being that programs like Game Maker or RPG maker were all programmed in those languages, and all the games you buy are mostly made in C or C++. If anybody is willing to learn one of those, get a book; even an idiot can learn from them. Now, most of you are saying "Oh, but I am only a kid, I cannot learn a professional programming language!" well, you can. I am only 14 and I learned it easily from a book. Just don't expect to make a game right away, it may take months to make a simple one. If you want to make a game, not only do you have to learn C, C#, or C++, but you also have to learn an extra library for graphics and input, there are also books on these.
Goodluck.
What games have you made using these "professional programs" that you speak of?
I've made a lot of simple games using adobe flash and they all work just fine.

[Gamerboy]

Yes, these are game creation programs, but they are not industry standard.
If you are looking to become a professional game programmer, I suggest you learn C, Java, C++, C#, or somthing of the sort. The reason being that programs like Game Maker or RPG maker were all programmed in those languages, and all the games you buy are mostly made in C or C++. If anybody is willing to learn one of those, get a book; even an idiot can learn from them. Now, most of you are saying "Oh, but I am only a kid, I cannot learn a professional programming language!" well, you can. I am only 14 and I learned it easily from a book. Just don't expect to make a game right away, it may take months to make a simple one. If you want to make a game, not only do you have to learn C, C#, or C++, but you also have to learn an extra library for graphics and input, there are also books on these.
Goodluck.

Most people here aren't looking to become professional game programmers, they just like being able to make games or stuff like that. Java and C/C++ are good languages to know, they are very useful and fairly powerful, but other tools that make the programming process easier are also good as well. Some people don't want to spend months and really why should they have to, especially considering that the unique elements of their game is not going to be in the programming but in the graphical design and game style. I would recommend anyone who wants to go into programming have a try.

You seem also to be missing out the rather large section of the market that is into casual games, which can be designed in almost anything (including things like flash), these are quick and easy to do, but can make great games.

I actually don't think books are always that helpful, the internet has a lot of good tutorials that should be able to teach fairly easily.

[Buck]

Yes, you really can create games in any program you wish, but gamemaker etc. will not get you hired into the game industry. The reason I favor C/++ is because it is fast, portable, and you have insane power when it comes to games.
It's not that hard to learn as long as you have a few good books. I actually found that C++ has many more tutorials and books than actionscript does.
If anybody is ever interested in learning C++ (Not only for games) then i suggest you buy the book

"C++ Primer Plus" by Stephen Prata.

[link4562]

Yes, you really can create games in any program you wish, but gamemaker etc. will not get you hired into the game industry. The reason I favor C/++ is because it is fast, portable, and you have insane power when it comes to games.
It's not that hard to learn as long as you have a few good books. I actually found that C++ has many more tutorials and books than actionscript does.
If anybody is ever interested in learning C++ (Not only for games) then i suggest you buy the book

"C++ Primer Plus" by Stephen Prata.
As Gamerboy just said, nobody here is really trying to become a professional game maker. Making fangames is just a hobby here.

[Naruto28]

Yeah seriously, game maker is terrible. I took a class for it a few years ago, and I thought it would be something big like Flash.

[link4562]

Yeah seriously, game maker is terrible. I took a class for it a few years ago, and I thought it would be something big like Flash.
I know. I tried it once but couldn't figure it out. It looks like it was set up for an 8 year old, and the games you can make with it are glitchy and limited. That's why I got flash.
OT: 6,000th post :O

[Gamerboy]

I know. I tried it once but couldn't figure it out. It looks like it was set up for an 8 year old, and the games you can make with it are glitchy and limited. That's why I got flash.
OT: 6,000th post :O

Game Maker can produce some really good quality games. You just need to abandon the drag and drop interface, use the full version and put a whole load of work into it. I still wouldn't recommend using it though, as you might as well use something faster.

[Xete]

Yes, you really can create games in any program you wish, but gamemaker etc. will not get you hired into the game industry. The reason I favor C/++ is because it is fast, portable, and you have insane power when it comes to games.
It's not that hard to learn as long as you have a few good books. I actually found that C++ has many more tutorials and books than actionscript does.
If anybody is ever interested in learning C++ (Not only for games) then i suggest you buy the book

"C++ Primer Plus" by Stephen Prata.

C++ And C are popular programming languages, but if you are not creating a
huge-commercial project then you will be just fine with Actionscript.
I do agree that books are the best place to learn. Anybody here can learn C and C++ if they buy a great book. As Gamerboy said, there are tutorials, but some people prefer books.

[mage2882]

I think that if you aren't planning to be a professional game programmer, you stick with flash. Or else, move to C#, Java, C, C++ or something like that.

However, I still recommend Flash because of it's simplicity and the fact that you can actually see what you are doing, plus, having the power of controlling the scenes, frames, movieclips, buttons, etc.

This second fact might be very awkward for those who have never used flash before, but, it's actually one of the features that I really appreciate it. However, the cons of flash is that for the development of 3D games is very poor. As it is designed for 2D applications in a 2D world, inserting 3D objects is very complex, as well as making them dynamic, and not even saying the fact that you need an extra API, which makes it even more code to learn. But, if you don't want to make a 3D game, and just a 2D one in Flash, there is still a problem: If the game you are trying to make is an RPG, or somehow needs to grab data from an external source (that isn't either a .txt file or an .as file), such as a database, you will need to learn a little PHP (and SQL in this case), as Flash doesn't support database connection, as far as I know.

So, to sum up, if you are planning to become a professional game developer, and are willing to spend a lot of time in the basics, and move into the 3D awesomeness (=D), I suggest you try out C++, C# or Java. In any of these, I recommend book from for Dummies series, as they always start from the basics and teach you up to some complex programming. If you want start making a 2D game straight away, in the shortest period of time possible, not bothering much of moving yourself to the programming branch in the future, I suggest that you move to Flash.

If you are halfway between these, and want to make a "simple" game like TribalWars or The West, then start learning PHP and HTML. HTML should be pretty easy and once you dominate HTML, PHP shouldn't be too hard if you have some basic knowledge of programming.

[Gamerboy]

Erm PHP and HTML are completely different, doing one will not help you with the other in any way at all. You can make an entire MMOG in PHP and not have a clue how HTML works and vice versa. Maybe you meant learning them as two different things and learning HTML first.

You don't need to know PHP to get information from an external source, Actionscript is fine. The serverside coding could be done in anything, ASP, PHP, Java etc.

You should probably make a game server for an RPG (or use something like smartfox), as using individual .php files to interface is rather clumsy and also much easier to hack.