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Con At some point you will have to program in Construct 2
It's very light, but it's there and when you want to do something more complex you start learning how to code and import things like xml files.
Pro Easy to use
You can make a game in 30 minutes from start (it may not be perfect). There are so many video tutorials and many helpful users.
Pro Free for simple projects
Construct 2 Free provides a functional preview of nearly all engine features, and allows non-commercial publication.
Pro Open source and completely free
GDevelop is free and open source, and anyone can enhance the software via the GitHub repository.
Pro Powerful events system
No need for coding using this system which is clear and powerful: events are composed of conditions and actions. Actions are launched when conditions are fulfilled. This is a very friendly way of making games and is still efficient for advanced usage, contrary to most other "block"/"...
Con No cross-compiler
The Windows and Linux versions of GDevelop can each compile a native application; but the Windows version cannot compile for Linux, nor vice versa.
Pro Growing number of asset creation software titles offering direct export to RPG Maker
SONAR Steam Edition exports RPG Maker clips, and Spriter Pro has confirmed they'll work directly with RPG Maker developers to get Spriter Playback integrated into RPG Maker.
Pro Easy to jump into using an intuitive WYSIWYG editor
It's possible to create a game with absolutely no art or coding skills, so even complete beginners can make something.
Pro Large and active community
The engine has seen multiple iterations since 1995, so a large online community exists that is always willing to help each other out.
Con Drag'n'drop coding is limited
GameMaker's drag'n'drop language is limited and some things can be done only using code.
Con Complicated user interface
User interface is quite complicated and takes time to get used to.
Con Difficult to learn
GameMaker: Studio isn't the most friendly for beginners. It can be difficult figuring out how to get started, and the limited drag'n'drop feature means you'll likely have to use/learn some programming to create the game you want.
Pro Free for Flash publication
Starter Stencyl is identical to paid-plan versions except that it only allows publication to Flash, with a mandatory Stencyl splash screen. Commercial development is allowed with Starter Stencyl.
Pro Block-based visual scripting resembles real code
Visual scripting in Stencyl is based on the MIT Scratch project, which was designed to teach programming. Script elements fit together like puzzle pieces, ensuring that data and function types cannot be mismatched.
Pro Easy transition between visual scripting and Haxe code
The visual scripting system is internally translated to Haxe. The resulting scripts can be viewed and edited, and there is also a "code block" object for including raw Haxe in visual scripts. This is great for learning to code, and also for advanced users who can further optimize the scri...
Pro Built-in support for ads
You can add banner and interstitial ads from multiple ad networks, including AdMob, RevMob, Facebook. They can work with Amazon's, Microsoft's, Google's and Apple's app stores.
Pro Has many game templates
Buildbox has 20+ different game templates including templates for platformers, racing games and Flappy Bird clones.
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