Tools and resources for developers

Starting from scratch?

If you have never made a game, you do not need to know how to code: with an AI that creates the files for you and a free engine you can have something playable in an afternoon. The step-by-step is in Your first game with AI.

Game engines

• Godotfree, open-source engine for 2D and 3D.
• Unitya widely used engine, with a free plan for small projects (check its terms).
• Unreal Enginean engine aimed at high-quality 3D.
• GDevelopmake games without coding, using visual events.

Art and animation

• Blender3D modelling, animation and rendering, free and open source.
• Kritadigital painting and 2D animation, free and open source.
• GGIMPimage editing, free and open source.
• AAsepritepixel art and animation editor (paid, can also be compiled from source).
• LDtk2D level and map editors.
• TTiled2D level and map editors.

3D characters and animation

If your game is 3D, these tools help you create characters and animate them. If you generate models with artificial intelligence, remember to declare it on your game page (it is a house rule), and always check what you are allowed to do with the result under its terms.

• Tripogenerates 3D models from text or an image, and can prepare them with a skeleton so they can be animated. It uses artificial intelligence and has a free plan with limits (check its terms).
• MMixamoupload a 3D character and a skeleton is added automatically; it also has a library of ready-to-use animations. It is free, but you need an Adobe account.

Sound and music

• Audacityaudio recording and editing, free and open source.
• LLMMSmake music, free and open source.

Resources to use in your game

Always check each resource's licence: some allow commercial use and others ask you to credit the author.

• KKenneyart, interface and sound packs, many in the public domain.
• OOpenGameArtart, sound and music from the community, with open licences.
• Freesoundcommunity sounds and effects, each with its own licence.

Publish and get noticed

• itch.ioto host your game and sell or share it. NodusPlay can link it as your official page.
• Game jams on itch.ioa good way to finish small projects and meet other developers.
• GGlobal Game Jama good way to finish small projects and meet other developers.

• On NodusPlay: Events and jams, News and the Press and brand kit.

Accessibility

• Game Accessibility Guidelinesa list of simple ideas so more people can play your game.

Missing something?

If you know a free tool or resource that helps creators, tell us from Contact and we will look into it.