TOP PICKS | 29 TOOLS
Best Tools to Make Games
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TinyTap: Kids' Learning Games
Book-and-game builder empowers creativity, boasts vast content library
Bottom line: With some patience and planning, this game maker can be a classroom game changer.
Bloxels EDU
Game-making app focuses on pixel art and level design
Bottom line: If it works, the app is a powerful non-coding way to get students into game design, though the physical cubes are more of a gimmick than anything else.
Unruly Splats
Game-making platform fuses coding and physical play
Bottom line: This platform could appear gimmicky at first, but in practice it blends SEL, movement, collaboration, and STEM learning in clever, compelling ways.
The Infinite Arcade by Tinybop
Simple game-design app has endless creative potential
Bottom line: Letting students design, play, improve, and share their own games opens up opportunities for learning potential in many subject areas.
Scratch
Creative sandbox opens the door to coding in any subject area
Bottom line: Scratch draws students of all types into coding and lays a foundation for future learning.
Gamestar Mechanic
Engaging manga-themed quest to become a game designer
Bottom line: Game design quests have everything students want but perhaps not everything teachers need.
Minecraft
Spiraling sandbox of adventure and creation gets kids to dig deep
Bottom line: An irresistible and seemingly limitless incubator for 21st-century skills that, with a little guidance, can chart new courses for learning.
Roblox
Popular game development platform has classroom potential, pitfalls
Bottom line: Creating games for an authentic audience encourages coding and design skills, but real risks require extra caution.
Codesters
Differentiated text-based coding makes for truly authentic experiences
Bottom line: The well-designed Python lessons and user interface make this a great choice for serious coding instruction.
Gamefroot
Fun and challenging platform for aspiring game designers
Bottom line: A great launchpad for students who love games and code.
LittleBigPlanet 2
Accessible yet deep game creator will dazzle and challenge
Bottom line: A deeply charming experience for teachers and students interested in pushing boundaries, making things, and participating in a healthy community focused on boundless creativity.
Ready Maker
Fun and easy game design yields surprisingly complex creations
Bottom line: With teacher support, a creative introduction to coding and game design.
Sound Shapes
Jazzy music game lets kids design levels and create music
Bottom line: A visually stunning music game that inspires creativity by providing simple but powerful tools to build your own music games to share with others.
Swift Playgrounds
Brilliantly designed iOS coding app great for newbies or pros
Bottom line: If you have iPads or Macs, this is an inspired choice for learning how to create and tweak code.
Wick Editor
Design interactive games and animations with creative online platform
Bottom line: A great starting place for aspiring creators to design and share engaging content.
LearnToMod
Modify Minecraft with this fun, applied use of coding
Bottom line: For students who already know and love Minecraft, this is a valuable way to hook students into coding.
Stencyl
Code-free game development tool helps kids program and publish
Bottom line: It ups the sophistication of building block coding by connecting student work to major publishing platforms.
Zulama
Teach a vast number of CS concepts with quality, depth, and choice
Bottom line: Zulama will help any middle or high school implement a comprehensive computer science program.
CodeHS
Computer science curriculum offers great feedback, fun challenges
Bottom line: Effective tools and clear lessons teach real programming, but you'll have to spend some cash to help kids master it.
Construct 3
Ideal 2D game builder supports students to create, innovate
Bottom line: Limitless game options, reasonable cost, and extensive support make this programming environment perfect for an educational setting.
micro:bit
Code games or fun displays with mini piece of hardware
Bottom line: This versatile tool for learning how to program with blocks or text is a nice fit for STEM classes and clubs.
Textadventures.co.uk
Play or design text adventures, but creation can get technical
Bottom line: Text adventures can be a blast to play and make, but the Quest game-making tool, while offering some decent support, can be tough to use effectively without coding experience.
Unity Learn
Complete game creation curriculum gives students real-world experience
Bottom line: It's a slick, fun, and effective way to get students building games right away, with plenty of room for depth.
Codecademy
Excellent text-based coding site a great way to learn real-world skills
Bottom line: For both introductory and higher skill levels, it teaches the breadth and depth of skills for programming careers.
GameMaker Studio 2
One of the best creation tools available for aspiring game developers
Bottom line: Provides teachers with the best choice for a full unit or class on game design, and gives students a tool to help them realize their game-making dreams.
GameSalad
Great interface, flexible publishing options make game-making a snap
Bottom line: This engaging platform will empower budding game designers, but the price tag could be a deal-breaker for tight school budgets.
Portal 2 Puzzle Maker
Mind-bending level editor for beloved physics game
Bottom line: For STEAM educators with the right tech and know-how, it'd be puzzling not to use this tool.
Codea
Well-thought-out coding platform for real game programming
Bottom line: Codea is a professional tool that has enough help features that kids can learn programming hands-on.
