Tools to help you
You can’t develop a game entirely within a game engine; you will have elements in a game which may require you to use external programmes to get your game completed.
Things like:
• Artwork
• 3D modelling.
• Programming
• Recording & Streaming
• Editing
• Music composing & Sounds.
Don’t worry, a lot of these programmes are either free to use or relatively cheap to buy.
Artwork
Gimp – It’s like photoshop, but free!
If you want photoshop style editing without paying anything then look no further.
https://www.gimp.org/downloads/
Learn how to use it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0quo4S8Oqw&list=PLIeWOQZLZvqTl1Jsl5bCqzRBJZpWMCqrh
Paint 3D – MS paint
I’ve seen some really cool things made in MS Paint, so don’t underestimate the programme.
Learn how to use it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3aZigT14vk
Here’s a cool fun fact: Risk of Rain (2003) was made using MS Paint and GameMaker check it out.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/248820/Risk_of_Rain_2013/
Aseprite – Animated sprite and pixel art editor
This is a very cool looking Pixel Spite and art animation programme; there is also a trial version to test it out the programme (note that you cannot save the files), but for $20 this is a great price!
Learn how to use it here:
3D Modelling
Blender is a powerful, open-source 3D creation suite that allows users to create and render 3D models, animations, visual effects, and more. It is widely used in various industries, including animation, game development, visual effects, architectural visualization, and product design.
Learn how to use it here:
Grant Abbitt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@grabbitt
Blender Guru YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@blenderguru
Code programmes IDE’s:
Visual Studio
Visual studio is great as you can download a wide variety of languages to work with the programme.
I’ve been using this to work with Unity in C# (C sharp is a type of computer language used within Unity) and found that it integrates great once you set it up inside of Unity to open up your scripts. I’ve found it great to spot issues in my code as the colour changes depending on if there is an issue or something is there but not referenced etc.
And the best part is it completely free!
Visual Studio Code - https://code.visualstudio.com/
Learn how to use it here:
Screen Recording & Streaming
OBS Studio
Screen recording and streaming software OBS Studio
I feel like OBS is now the standard for Youtubers and streamers, because it’s so simple to use and completely free!
Learn how to use it here:
Twitch
Twitch is an interactive livestreaming service for content; like gaming, entertainment, sports, music, and more.
Note: you can connect your Twitch account to your OBS Studio and they work really well together.
Video editing software
Hitfilm
Hitfilm is a great one to start out with, because it is easy to use and comes with some free templates, sound effects and music.
You can pay for the pro version for more features and access to more sounds and music, but I feel the free version does the job.
https://fxhome.com/product/hitfilm
Learn how to use it here:
Capcut
This one has a lot of cool features to automate and make things easy to edit, add sounds, effects, AI captioning and more.
Learn how to use it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uln6nJHfU60
Audio Programmes
Audacity
Audacity is a good and free Audio editing software tool for anyone who needs to quickly edit or export audio.
Learn how to use it here:
In Reaper, you can import any audio and MIDI, synthesize, sample, compose, arrange, edit, mix, and master songs or any other audio projects.
You can Evaluate the full version of REAPER with no obligation for up to 60 days; pricing information is available here: https://www.reaper.fm/purchase.php
https://www.reaper.fm/index.php
Learn how to use it here:
Fami Studio - 8 bit
This is a really cool chiptune and NES Style music maker tool, check it out!
Learn how to use it here:
Anvil Studio:
With Anvil you can:
- record music with MIDI and Audio equipment
- compose music for MIDI and Audio equipment
- sequence music with MIDI equipment
- play with music using a computer, and
- print sheet music from standard MIDI files with the optional Print-Sheet accessory.
Learn how to use it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVq2JqciqXM&list=PLilFTXorKVcZteB9ki3zdkU2_YMvWwDxr
Fl Studio
If your serious about making professional music and sound effects, then this is a great tool and easy to use tool for you.
£100 with a lifetime of updates included; it also available to try for free.
https://www.image-line.com/fl-studio
Learn how to use it here:
To make the most of these programmes, I highly recommend watching the tutorial videos I’ve hyperlinked in order get to grips with how the programmes work.