What is and why the game engine, anyway?

Starting your game-development journey can feel overwhelming, but it almost always begins with choosing a game engine.

A game engine is a collection of tools, libraries, and editors that handle rendering, input, physics, audio, and more, so you can focus on design and code instead of reinventing low-level systems.

As an indie developer just getting started, the choice of engine can make or break your first-project experience. Let's break down the three main game engines beginners need to know about.

Unity

Unity is arguably the most famous game engine in the world, powering the vast majority of small to medium computer games you've probably played.

However, I wouldn't recommend Unity for your first game. Here's why:

• Steep learning curve: There's simply too much to learn before you can create even a basic game. You will need to learn at least some C#, install and configure both Unity and Visual Studio and jump over some other hoops.

• Hardware requirements: You'll need more than a cheap budget PC to run Unity smoothly

• Payment complications: Unity has licensing fees and revenue sharing that, while not important when you start, can be a major pain when your games become successful

• Studio-focused: Unity is designed more fore professional studios making large, AA and AAA games than for individual beginners. While you can use Unity as your first engine, your may not really enjoy that.

  

Godot

Godot has gained significant popularity as an open-source and less confusing alternative to Unity.

It's simpler, more lightweight, and completely open-source, which means it's forever free with no payment gotchas or licensing headaches.

Godot offers a clean interface and uses its own scripting language GDScript, which is heavily inspired by Python and is designed to be beginner-friendly and work well with Godot. It also offers C# support for people switching from Unity or for those who don’t want to learn GDScript for whatever reason

Many developers love Godot for its node-based scene system and excellent 2D capabilities. Godot also provides decent 3D support, so if you ever want to do larger 3D games, Godot may be a good option.

Nevertheless, while Godot is definitely more accessible than Unity, it can still feel a bit overwhelming when you're creating your very first game.

GameMake

For your first game, I recommend using GameMaker Studio.

GameMaker is a 2D-focused game engine that provides arguably the best balance between simplicity and power. But it is not only for beginners, some incredibly successful games were built using GameMaker, including:

• Hotline Miami - The ultra-stylish top-down action game

• Hyper Light Drifter - The critically acclaimed action RPG

• Katana ZERO - The neo-noir action platformer

• Nuclear Throne - The post-apocalyptic roguelike shooter

Why GameMaker is perfect for beginners:

• 2D focus without unnecessary complexity: You don't need to worry about 3D math, lighting systems, or complex node hierarchies

• Simple scripting language: GameMaker usues it’s own language called GML, which is very similar to JavaScript and designed specifically to be used for making games in GameMaker

• Visual scripting option: GameMaker's GML Visual can help you to create your game logic without writing code, though I would not really recommend that.

• Free for non-commercial use: You can learn and create without any upfront costs. And when you start making commercial games - you need to pay just a simple one-time flat fee, unlike Unity complicated fee structures.

• Excellent tutorials: GameMaker has some of the best beginner-friendly documentation and tutorials

• Quick results: You can have a playable prototype running in your first session.

Your Choice

At the end of the day, the best game engine is the one that helps you to make more games. Remember: the goal of your first game isn't to create a masterpiece – it's to learn the fundamentals and actually finish something.

While Unity and Godot are powerful tools that you switch to later, GameMaker provides the most pain less entry point into game development.

Want more?

Want help picking a game idea for your first game? Or curious how to turn your prototype into something playable?

I’ve got more tips coming soon, so stay tuned!

You can also check my Youtube channel dedicated to game development: Watch Me Build a Game Step by Step! | Angry Monkeys Gamemaker devlog #1