A look at the various Video Game Making Software Programs

There are lots of vidoe game making software packages out there and it can be quite confusing to figure out which one is right for you. In this article I take a look at a bunch of the major game making programs that are out there and tell you a little bit about each one. This will help you decide which one is right for you. I have roughly arranged these from easiest to most complex. Of course the easy ones are great for beginners and the more complex ones are for serious users and game makers. This hierarchy also has the inherent necessity of being more expensive as you get into the more serious game making suites.

Video Game Tycoon: Gold Edition

Video Game Tycoon : GOLD EDITION : Create Your Own Video Games!

This is a basic and easy fun way for kids to make their own video games.

• Create your own video games! Burn them to CD! Racing, Tank, Alien, Paintball, Platform Games, Horses and Much More!
• 8 fun games are included! Play them or change them!
• 4 tutorials make learning to create games easy!
• Build games in 8 simple steps!
• Minimum System Requirements: Windows Vista, XP, 2000, P4 1.3 GHz or faster CPU, 256MB RAM, 32MB DirectX9.0c video cards

GamesFactory 2 ------------

The Games Factory 2 - Have you ever thought about creating video games but were bored by the learning curve required by the traditional programming languages? Now with Multimedia Fusion 2 from Clickteam you can make your ideas come alive. Multimedia Fusion 2 is a very powerful all visual programming environment. All visual is perfect for the developer who likes to concentrate on the important parts of the creations: the design and game play. You won't get bogged down by the things that should be simple -- Like coding for hours to move a sprite on the screen. This is a great introductory way to learn about video game making. It makes 2d games and is very easy to use. It is suitable for pre-teens and older. (Want a more in depth look at this software? I have an intro with screenshots that shows you all about it.

GameMaker 7 ----------

GameMaker 7 is a beginners software program by YoyoGames.com - It is also available as a free download. Game Maker's primary development interface uses a drag-and-drop system, allowing users unfamiliar with traditional programming to intuitively create games by visually organizing icons on the screen. Game Maker comes with a set of standard action libraries, covering such things as movement, basic drawing, and simple control structures. To extend the drag-and-drop functionality of Game Maker, users can use custom-built action libraries to add new actions (drag-and-drop command icons) to their games.

Platinum Arts SandBox -------------

This is a totally free and open source 3d Game development software package. It is easy to use and is being used in many schools. Platinum Arts Sandbox Free 3D Game Maker is an open source game design program for kids and adults.  The focus is to make the process of creating games and worlds easy enough for kids but powerful enough to create full game projects.  Sandbox is already being used in many schools and colleges throughout the world and included in game design contests.  To see Sandbox in action be sure to check out tutorial video showing off the in game editing!   You can download it and get the tutorials on the official Platinum Arts Sandbox website

FPS CREATOR -------------

FPS CREATOR - You can buy it from amazon.com here FPS Creator by Enteractive ENTERACTIVE FPS Creator ( Windows ) This is a great way to get started in making Dungeon Style First Person Shooter Games. It is very easy to use and there is a lot of drag and drop stuff. You design out your level by building rooms, corridors and other spaces then you populate it with your various furniture, objects, weapons, enemies etc. (All fully made and ready to drop into the game).

FPS Creator is better than Reality Factory and it has more tools that will make you game making experience faster. But it is not free. It has a 30 day free trial that you can download though. And if you want a solid software program that comes from a company with support and extras then consider FPS Creator.
I have more information including tutorials for it here: FPS Creator

The 3D GameMaker -----------

Website: 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 Gamemaker is unique and there is nothing else like it currently on the market. For the first time non-technical people have been given the power to create their own games within minutes and have lots of fun doing it. Here are some key benefits of The 3D Gamemaker:

• No programming skills are required.
• Easy to use, Create, Fun and Imaginative.
• The 3D Gamemaker handles all the complex maths for you including collisions.
• A variety of player controls are available including keyboard, mouse and joystick.
• Enemies and end of level Bosses have a wide range of AI options.
• Adding different players, game items or enemies is as simple as clicking on a picture.
• Single or Two player options are available.
• The 3D Gamemaker can connect to the Internet for free updates including object models, sounds and music

Reality Factory --------

The Reality Factory is totally free software that you can download and use to make your own video games. Now, being free does have its disadvantages. There are game design programs out there that are better but when yo consider that it is free you really can't beat it. And you can absolutely make your own games with it. It is very similar to some of the programs you purchase, just not as feature rich. I have the download and a very extensive tutorial that shows you how to use this software. Reality Factory Tutorial and download

DARKBASIC ---------------

DarkBASIC 3D Games Creator - This is a powerful game programming package
This program is for game programmers and developers who are more serious about their game making. You will use the DarkBASIC programming language and learn a lot along the way. This is not your typical drag and drop cookie cutter software suite. You have ultimate control over the look and feel of your games with this software.

Torque Game Engines -----------

Torque Website This is a series of game development engines by GarageGames.com - This is some seriously good stuff. If you are really wanting to make great games and dig into the world of professional game making this is a great place to go. They have products like the 3D Game Engine and the 2D Game Engine. And there are versions that you can purchase such as Basic, Studio and Professional. This is professional stuff and you pay for a license and per developer that you have on your team.

Conitec 3d Game Studio - Coming Soon

3D GameMaker - This is a great game making software package brought to us by the Game Creators. You don't need any modeling or programming experience to use this software. Lots of model packs available so you can get great custom looks out of your games.

Microsoft XNA - Coming Soon