Game Development

Explore game engines and game authoring tools by visual workflows, scripting, target platforms and publishing conditions.

SoftwareRadarUpdated: 23 October 2026
Filter and sort 7 products
7 productsCompare features and plan options

GameMaker

Updated 2026-10-23

GameMaker creates games using visual tools and a scripting language. Learn more about GameMaker

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need 2d game authoring and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • 2D game authoring
  • Visual logic
  • Game export workflows
Check current plansReview the current free, trial and paid access options with the vendor. A trial or demonstration does not establish an ongoing free production entitlement.

GDevelop

Updated 2026-10-23

GDevelop creates games with visual event-based development. Learn more about GDevelop

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need visual game logic and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • Visual game logic
  • 2D and 3D authoring
  • Game export
Open-source softwareAn open-source software edition is available. Hosting, infrastructure, administration, support and separately licensed extensions can still cost money.

Defold

Updated 2026-10-23

Defold creates games with an integrated editor and runtime. Learn more about Defold

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need game editing and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • Game editing
  • Scripting
  • Cross-platform game builds
Free access availableThe official page identifies free access for this product. Review the current product limits, eligibility and any separately priced connected features.

Cocos Creator

Updated 2026-10-23

Cocos Creator builds interactive 2D and 3D applications. Learn more about Cocos Creator

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need scene editing and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • Scene editing
  • Game scripting
  • Cross-platform publishing
Check current plansReview the current free, trial and paid access options with the vendor. A trial or demonstration does not establish an ongoing free production entitlement.

CryEngine

Updated 2026-10-23

CryEngine builds games and interactive 3D environments. Learn more about CryEngine

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need real-time rendering and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • Real-time rendering
  • Level editing
  • Game development tools
Check current plansReview the current free, trial and paid access options with the vendor. A trial or demonstration does not establish an ongoing free production entitlement.

RPG Maker

Updated 2026-10-23

RPG Maker creates role-playing games using integrated authoring tools. Learn more about RPG Maker

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need map editing and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • Map editing
  • Event-based game logic
  • Role-playing game creation
Check current plansReview the current free, trial and paid access options with the vendor. A trial or demonstration does not establish an ongoing free production entitlement.

Ren'Py

Updated 2026-10-23

Ren'Py creates interactive visual novels and narrative games. Learn more about Ren'Py

Who should take a closer look?

Teams responsible for game development that need visual novel scripting and want to evaluate the complete delivery, access and cost requirements.

Capabilities to explore

  • Visual novel scripting
  • Dialogue presentation
  • Cross-platform builds
Open-source softwareAn open-source software edition is available. Hosting, infrastructure, administration, support and separately licensed extensions can still cost money.

How to choose game development

Start with the intended workflow and the people responsible for it. Does the engine support the game mechanics, devices and export targets you need? Evaluate the exact edition and deployment arrangement, with a written scope for integrations, permissions, maintenance and connected services.

Questions to ask before you buy

Put your shortlist to the test

Create a small playable scene with representative assets and controls. Build it for an intended target and test performance, asset rights and deployment requirements before committing a full production.

A useful next step

Use the software buying checklist →

Choose the same workflow, team size and required features when comparing your shortlist.

Frequently asked questions

Is there one best game development tool?

Fit depends on your workflow, required capabilities, team size and budget. Compare the appropriate plan and test it with your own requirements.

How current is this research?

This category was last updated on 23 October 2026. Confirm current plan details before buying.