Hey there! Have you ever wanted to create your own video game? Imagine building an exciting adventure where you control everything—battles, secret missions, and huge open worlds! That’s exactly what game making software helps you do, allowing you to bring your ideas to life with ease.
With these tools, you can design anything from simple 2D games to big 3D worlds like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Whether you’re just starting out, making games for fun, or dreaming of creating the next big hit, this guide is for you.
We’ll explore the best game-making tools, their features, prices, pros and cons, and what users think. Plus, we’ll take a little inspiration from Assassin’s Creed Shadows to see what’s possible.
What Are Video Game Creation Tools, Anyway?
Imagine you’re crafting a game where a ninja sneaks through a Japanese village (sound familiar?). Video game creation software helps you design the characters, build the world, script the action, and even add cool music—all without needing a PhD in coding. These tools are perfect for gamers who want to bring their ideas to life, students learning game design, or even indie developers chasing their big break. From drag-and-drop simplicity to advanced scripting, there’s something for everyone. Ready to explore the top picks? Let’s go!
5 Best and Worst Video Game Creation Software Tools of 2025
Software Descriptions: Meet the Contenders
Here’s a quick rundown of five awesome tools we’re reviewing today, based on what’s hot in 2025 and a nod to the creativity behind games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows. I’ve dug into online info to give you the scoop on each one.
1. Unity: Free to start, but paid plans unlock pro features like better analytics.
Unity is a powerhouse for creating 2D and 3D games, used by pros and beginners alike. It’s behind hits like Hollow Knight and Cuphead, and it’s flexible enough to craft something as detailed as Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ open-world Japan. It’s loved for its massive community and endless tutorials. A powerful game making software for creating both 2D and 3D games with endless possibilities.
Key Features:
- 3D and 2D Power: Create anything from massive villages to simple side-scrolling games.
- Visual Scripting: Use Bolt to design gameplay without coding—like planning a ninja’s stealthy moves.
- Asset Store: Access pre-made trees, swords, and samurai armor to speed up development.
- Example: Want to design a rooftop chase like Naoe’s parkour in Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Unity makes it smooth and visually stunning!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Big community with lots of YouTube tutorials.
- Can be used to make any type of game, from small to big open-world adventures.
- Free to start, so you can try it without paying.
❌ Cons
- Hard to learn, especially the coding part.
- Needs a powerful computer for large games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux; exports to consoles, mobile, and web.
Pricing:
- Free version available
- $40/month for Plus plan
- $150/month for Pro plan
- Free until you earn $200K in revenue
2. Unreal Engine: Free unless you hit it big — perfect for dreamers.
Unreal Engine, made by Epic Games, is great for making games with amazing graphics and a high-quality feel. Big games like Fortnite use it, and you can even create cool stealth games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
It’s free to use, but if your game makes a lot of money, Epic Games takes a small share. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to build big, impressive games!
This high-end game making software delivers stunning graphics and top-tier game development tools.
Key Features:
- Next-Level Graphics: Realistic lighting and shadows—great for creating a dark, moody Japanese castle.
- Easy Coding with Blueprints: Drag-and-drop system to design combat moves without coding.
- Multiplayer Support: Easily add co-op stealth missions.
- Awesome Weather Effects: Want to recreate Shadows’ rainy nights? Unreal makes it look stunning!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Amazing Graphics – Your game can look as stunning as Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Free Until You Earn $1M – Great for big dreams!
- Beginner-Friendly Blueprints – No coding needed, just drag and drop.
❌ Cons
- Needs a Powerful PC – It can slow down weaker computers.
- Too Much for Small Games – Feels like using a tank for a scooter ride!
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux; exports everywhere, but needs a strong PC
Pricing:
- Free for small projects
- 5% royalty after earning $1M in revenue
- Free for small projects
3. Godot: Free forever—your wallet stays happy.
GameMaker Studio is designed for simplicity, making it a great choice for beginners who want to create 2D games quickly. It has been used to make popular games like Undertale, but it’s not built for large 3D worlds like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The software offers an easy drag-and-drop system, but if you want more control, you can also add coding to customize your game. It’s a perfect tool for those starting their game development journey!
A free and open-source game making software ideal for beginners and indie developers.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop: Create a 2D ninja mission in minutes—no coding required.
- GML Coding: Add advanced features, like a combo attack, if you want more control.
- Quick Prototyping: Test ideas fast, such as a stealth kill mechanic.
- Example: Imagine making a 2D version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows—you could have it playable by lunchtime!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Completely free—no hidden costs, ever.
- Lightweight—works well even on older laptops.
- Active community with helpful forums and resources.
❌ Cons
- Not as polished as Unity or Unreal—fewer high-end visual effects.
- Smaller asset library—requires more hands-on work to create game elements.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux—super lightweight and versatile.
Pricing:
Free Plan: Yes (100% free)
Paid Plans: None—open-source
Donate: If you love it
4. GameMaker: Free tier’s limited; Indie plan’s a sweet one-time buy.
GameMaker Studio is designed for simplicity, making it a great choice for beginners who want to create 2D games quickly. It has been used to make popular games like Undertale, but it’s not built for large 3D worlds like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The software offers an easy drag-and-drop system, but if you want more control, you can also add coding to customize your game. It’s a perfect tool for those starting their game development journey!
A beginner-friendly game making software that allows quick 2D game development with drag-and-drop features.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-Drop: Create a 2D ninja mission in minutes—no coding required.
- GML Coding: Add advanced features, like a combo attack, if you want more control.
- Quick Prototyping: Test ideas fast, such as a stealth kill mechanic.
- Example: Imagine making a 2D version of Assassin’s Creed Shadows—you could have it playable by lunchtime!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Super easy for beginners—just drag and drop.
- Fast to prototype—test your ninja idea in just a few hours.
- Affordable one-time price.
❌ Cons
- 2D focus—don’t expect Shadows-style 3D depth.
- Limited for complex games—feels basic after a while.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac; exports to mobile and consoles (with extra licenses).
Pricing:
Free Plan: Yes (limited)
Paid Plan: $99 one-time (Indie), $199 (Pro).
Free: Tier caps exports
5. RPG Maker: No trial, but cheap enough to dive in
RPG Maker is the perfect tool for creating story-driven role-playing games without needing any coding skills. It’s designed for turn-based adventures, making it great for quests, dialogue trees, and classic RPG experiences. While it’s not suited for action-packed worlds like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s a fantastic choice for those who love storytelling and strategic gameplay.The perfect game making software for crafting story-driven RPGs without coding experience.
Key Features:
Pre-Made Assets: Includes tilesets and characters to bring your feudal Japan story to life.
Event System: Create a deep revenge storyline like Naoe’s—no coding needed.
Battle Editor: Design turn-based battles, perfect for epic samurai duels.
Example: Imagine Yasuke’s journey as an RPG—RPG Maker is the tool to make it happen!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Perfect for story lovers—easily create epic adventures.
- No coding needed—start building right away.
- Affordable and budget-friendly.
❌ Cons
- Limited to RPGs—doesn’t support stealth or parkour gameplay.
- Dated graphics—has a retro look, not modern like Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Compatibility: Windows only, but games export to Mac and mobile.
Pricing:
Free Plan: No free tier.
Paid Plan: $79.99 one-time (MZ), $29.99 (MV).
Frequent Steam sales.
Vijay Datt is a website developer, software expert, and SEO specialist. He writes about the latest software, graphic design tools, and SEO strategies. With expertise in web development and image creation, he helps businesses grow online. His articles provide valuable insights to enhance digital success.
