If you told the programmers ten or so years ago that game development software would become so easy, you don’t need them; they probably would have laughed at you. However, thanks to no-code game engines, that’s precisely the case.
No-code game engines have come a long way. They now allow developers, both new and old, to create games without complex coding. Today, we’re here to highlight some of the best no-code game engines you can find. These game engines are unique in their own right and offer unique features and capabilities.
Construct 3
Construct 3 is a super versatile and easy-to-use no-code game engine that uses event scripting to define game behavior. Perhaps the best thing about it is its interface. Using it, developers can quickly create events by defining conditions and actions. This allows for a wide range of interactive experiences.
Additionally, it’s a browser-based software. This means you don’t have to download anything and can simply use your browser to make a game without any need for coding.
Specialization: Construct 3 specializes in 2D games, interactive multimedia projects, and the creation of prototypes.
Platforms Supported: PC, Mac, web, iOS, Android, HTML5.
Studios that use Construct 3: Most studios and companies that use Construct 3 consist of indie developers. However, some big-name developers like Square Enix and Zynga have also utilized it.
Pricing: Construct 3 uses a subscription-based model. The plans range from free (limited features) to premium pricing based on usage and features.
| Plan | Monthly | Annually |
| Personal | $25.99 | $129.99 |
| Business | Not available | $469 |
| Education | $9.99 | $32.99 |
Features:
- Event-based scripting.
- Drag-and-drop interface.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Support for various input methods.
- Export to multiple platforms.
- In-app purchases and ads integration.
If you are interested in Construct 3, check out our top reasons to use this engine.
Buildbox
Up next is Buildbox, a no-code game engine that specializes in both 2D games as well as simple 3D games. Using a visually intuitive interface, it also provides pre-built templates and assets to developers. This significantly reduces the time it takes to develop a game and makes the entire process more convenient.
The core audience for the software is entrepreneurs, designers, and other gaming enthusiasts who need to gain prior game development or coding knowledge. The creators of this software have commented on how they want to remove the barriers and difficulties potential game developers have to go through. Well, they’ve kept true to their promise so far.
Specialization: Buildbox excels in creating casual and hyper-casual mobile games that too easily and in a short amount of time.
Platforms Supported: iOS, Android, Windows.
Studios that use Buildbox: The most famous studio to use Buildbox has to be Color Switch Phoenix LLC, which made Color Switch.
Pricing: Buildbox has subscription-based pricing with various premium plans. There are also free versions for both Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3.
| Plan | Monthly | Yearly |
| Buildbox Classic (Plus) | $9.99 | $28.99 |
| Buildbox Classic (Pro) | Not available | $68.99 |
| Buildbox 3 (Plus) | $19.99 | $48.99 |
| Buildbox 3 (Pro) | Not available | $148.99 |
Features:
- Drag-and-drop mechanics.
- Asset library and templates.
- Physics and collision system.
- Monetization tools.
- Character and level design components.
- One-click export to app stores.
- Specific plans ensure you keep 100% of the App Store or PlayStore revenue
GameMaker
The third entry on this list goes to GameMaker. This powerful no-code game development engine with visual scripting is called GML Visual. GML Visual is a visual scripting tool that can create your games without typing any code.
I was wondering whether or not to give GameMaker a shot. Well, fortunately, this specific tool is made for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned developer, as GameMaker perfectly balances simplicity and complexity.
Specialization: GameMaker is super versatile. This versatility makes it suitable for both 2D and 3D games across different genres.
Platforms Supported: PC, Mac, web, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch.
Studios that use GameMaker: The most well-known developer that uses GameMaker HAS to be Toby Fox, the developer of games like Undertale and Deltarune. Similarly, “Hyper Light Drifter” also utilized this engine.
Pricing: GameMaker offers developers a free version and several different paid plans depending on the user’s needs.
| Plan | Monthly | Yearly |
| Creator | $4.99 | $49.99 |
| Indie | $9.99 | $99.99 |
| Enterprise | $79.99 | $799.99 |
Features:
- Visual scripting.
- Diverse asset creation.
- Extensive physics and collision support.
- Multi-Platform deployment.
- Marketplace for assets and extensions.
- In-app purchases and ads integration.
GDevelop
Next is GDevelop, an open-source no-code game engine emphasizing simplicity and ease of use. You’ll find that GDevelop mainly focuses on creating PC and mobile games. However, it also creates HTML5 games playable in the browser.
All in all, GDevelop provides an event-driven interface for creating 2D games without requiring coding skills. This makes it one of the best engines for beginners to start their game-developing journeys.
Specialization: GDevelop is excellent for learning game development, rapid prototyping, and small indie projects.
Platforms Supported: PC, Mac, web, iOS, Android.
Studios that use GDevelop: Studios like Ornilo Games and Sleeper Games have developed games using GDevelop before. The official promotional video game for The Boys was also made using GDevelop.
Pricing: GDevelop is an open-source software that is free to use. However, it also has some premium plans people can opt for to acquire additional features.
| Plan | Price (Monthly) |
| Individual (Silver) | €4.99 |
| Individual (Gold) | €9.99 |
| Startup | €30 |
| Business | €289 |
| Education (Monthly) | €2.99 |
Alternatively, opting for the yearly education plan for €29.99 per year per user is possible.
Features:
- Visual event-based system.
- Built-in sprite editor.
- Physics engine.
- Cross-platform export.
- Community-driven extensions.
- Collaborative features.
Stencyl
Stencyl is the next no-code video game development tool we want to highlight today. Using it, people can create games for computers, mobile devices, and the web. What’s more, all of this can be done without any coding whatsoever.
The one thing Stencyl excels at the most is the creation of 2D games. Using visual scripting, Stencyl aims to simplify the game development process and is ideal for beginners.
Specialization: Stencyl is particularly suitable for learning the gist of game development and for creating quick 2D games.
Platforms Supported: PC, Mac, web, iOS, Android, Flash.
Studios that use Stencyl: Stencyl has been used by a handful of top-rated mobile game developers like 99 Up Games and KAPPSULE.
Pricing: Stencyl, like many other entries on this list, offers both a paid and free version. The paid version has two different plans users can opt for.
| Plan | Yearly Price |
| Indie | $99 |
| Studio | $199 |
Features:
- Visual coding blocks.
- Asset library and marketplace.
- Scene and actor editor.
- Physics simulation.
- Export to multiple platforms.
- Ad and in-app purchase integration.
Godot
The next entry on this list, Godot, is a free, all-in-one cross-platform game engine. Not only does this game engine allow developers to create 2D games, but it also excels at 3D game creation. It’s a powerful open-source, no-code game engine offering a visual and traditional scripting system.
Specialization: Godot is highly versatile and can comfortably create a wide range of game genres and styles.
Platforms Supported: PC, Mac, web, iOS, Android, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch.
Studios that use Godot: If you’ve played Hollow Knight by Team Cherry before, you’ve experienced a game made using Godot. Aside from that, there are also games like Heartbound by Pirate Software.
Pricing: Godot is open-source and, as such, completely free to use.
Features:
- Visual scripting.
- Scene and animation editor.
- Physics and collision system.
- Shader support.
- Extensive documentation and tutorials.
- Dedicated community and asset sharing.
Unity
The final no-code game engine we want to highlight is Unity. Being one of, if not THE most popular game engine, it’s also terrific to see it adopt visual scripting. Visual scripting in Unity helps developers create scripting logic with visual, drag-and-drop graphs instead of writing code from scratch.
Simply put, by using visual scripting, even a beginner can easily create a game using Unity without coding knowledge.
Specialization: Unity is a highly versatile engine suitable for 2D, 3D, and augmented reality game development.
Supported Platforms: Windows (PC), Mac, Universal Windows Platform (UWP). Linux Standalone, iOS, Android, ARKit, ARCore, Microsoft HoloLens, Windows Mixed Reality, Magic Leap (Lumin), Oculus, PlayStation VR, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox X|S, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, Embedded Linux, QNX.
Studios that use Unity: If we tried naming every big-name gaming studio that used Unity, we’d be here forever. Rockstar Games, Ubisoft, and Gameloft are three of the many examples.
Pricing: Unity offers players free and paid subscription plans depending on users’ wants.
| Plan | Price (Yearly) |
| Plus | $399 |
| Pro | $2,040 |
| Industry | $4,950 |
Features:
- Visual scripting with Bolt.
- Asset Store for resources and extensions.
- Real-time collaboration.
- Multi-Platform deployment.
- High-quality rendering and graphics capabilities.
- Robust physics and animation systems.
If you are considering either Construct 3 or Unity game engines, compare these two incredible solutions. And if you are looking for a no-code solution to add payments, in-game purchases, subscriptions, or catalog management to your game, look at Zalance. We’re here to help!
FAQs
What is the best game engine without coding?
The best game engine without coding depends upon your experience and your game’s objectives. If you want to create a 2D game with no coding experience, the Construct 3, GameMaker, and Stencyl game engines are great choices. Alternatively, 3D games should consider Godot or Unity with their visual scripting systems.
What 3D game engine has no-code?
3D game engines that support no-code include GameMaker, Godot, and Unity. Instead of traditional game development software using languages like C++ or Javascript, these engines offer development through visual scripting interfaces.
Are these engines suitable for beginners with no prior game development experience?
Absolutely. Engines like Construct 3, Stencyl, and GDevelop are designed with user-friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop mechanics, making them ideal for beginners.
Is there a free 2D game engine without coding?
There are several choices of free, 2D game engines without coding that you should consider. The Godot game engine is 100% free and open source under the MIT license. Construct 3, Buildbox, GameMaker, Stencyl, and Unity all have free plans. However, these plans are usually limited in features, offer fewer platforms, require watermarks, or have other limitations designed to get the developer to upgrade.
How much does it cost to use these no-code game engines?
The pricing varies among engines. Some, like Godot, are open-source and free. Others, such as Construct 3, GameMaker, and Unity, offer subscription-based models with free and premium tiers, each offering different features and capabilities.