Best Game Development games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated game development games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free game development games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Visual Novel Maker
Visualize, Create, Share. A revolutionary new tool for Visual Novel Creation aimed towards aspiring artists and writers to bring their stories to life.
Rytmik Studio
Rytmik Studio is a music creation software based around a beautifully simple, yet wonderfully powerful concept. It’s flexible, instant and fun. Create a basic melody in a few steps, compose a great song in a few minutes, and show your musical flare with a whole range of instruments and effects.
Card Creator
Card Creator is a powerful, deep and easy to use card creation software, the best tool for games designers (amateurs or pro) and fans of card and tabletop games. Card creation made easy, fast and fun!
Tabletopia
Tabletopia is a sandbox virtual table with high-quality board games and ready setups. Already 2,400+ games and counting! Play how you want with whom you want: guests don’t need accounts to play. Or make your own games, no programming skills required.
Clickteam Fusion 2.5 Free Edition
Game and software creation has never been easier or quicker than with Clickteam Fusion 2.5! Discover the tool used by so many multimedia professionals, game creators, and creative people from all walks of life.
Godot Engine
Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine to create 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a comprehensive set of common tools, so that you can focus on making games without having to reinvent the wheel.
Marmoset Hexels 3
Marmoset Hexels™ is a grid-based painting tool for vector art, pixel art, design, and animation. A geometric canvas grid lets artists create complex pixel and vector designs with the stroke of a brush.
Black Ink
Explore Black Ink, a GPU-based painting app redefining creativity. Move beyond traditional tools, customize brushes, and let your imagination soar. Node-based system offers limitless control. Create in high-definition without performance loss.
Rytmik Ultimate
Rytmik is a powerful music station allowing you not only to play with samples and musical instruments but also to mix them together, shape them and create music clips or whole songs for your Friday night set-list.
ePic Character Generator
Create realistic or hand-drawn character images you can use as assets for your games, illustrations for your stories, or avatars for your role-playing sessions. Export your images as PNG files with or without a background, or as a layered PSD image for further customization.
RPG Maker MV
POWERFUL enough for a developer SIMPLE enough for a child VERSATILE enough for any platform!RPG MAKER MV allows you to make the RPG of your dreams! This latest version includes a host of new featuresand export options for MacOSX, Android, and iPhone!
The Secret of Tremendous Corporation
Explore the deepest SECRETs™ of the Tremendous Corporation®. Find out what happened to indie devs and save the gaming industry!
Game Corp DX
Manage your Game Studio, earn big bucks, impress the critics, beat rival studios and clean up at the awards!
GameGuru Classic
GameGuru Classic is a non-technical and fun game-maker. It allows you to build your own game world, using creative and enjoyable tools. Populate your game by placing down characters, weapons and other game items, then press one button to build your game, ready to play and share.
Software Inc.
Construct and design buildings for optimal working conditions. Hire people to design and release software, so you can defeat the simulated competition and take over their businesses. Manage and educate your employees to make sure they are skilled and satisfied with their job.
RPG Maker 2003
For the first time ever, RPG Maker 2003 is officially available in English! This legendary game development engine is both highly affordable and easy to use, and it remains one of the most popular RPG Maker installments to date.
TyranoBuilder Visual Novel Studio
The EASIEST and FASTEST tool to make your own multi-platform visual novels! Quickly create your own games for Windows / MacOS / iOS / Android / HTML5 / CSS3, even if you know nothing about game programming or scripting!
Spriter Pro
Spriter makes it easy for anyone, regardless of experience, to create 2D game animations using a technique called Modular Animation. Individual sprite pieces can be attached to bones and then easily animated with the powerful, yet easy to use toolset.
Homebrew - Patent Unknown
Unleash your creativity and craft anything from flying cars to jet-powered toilets.Fair warning: there's a learning curve. But once you've got it, the sky's the limit for your creations!While active development is paused, we focus preserving the game and keeping it accessible.
GamersGoMakers
In GamersGoMakers, you found a little company creating the first video games in history. Create your first game with only basic sound and simple graphics available in the year 1980. You´re one of the pioneers entering the rising global market for computer games.
Game Character Hub
Game Character Hub is an art program that is focused on game asset creation, especially RPG Maker's. It provides a built-in generator for character and tileset creation.Most played game development games on Steam
Take a look at the top game development games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. Free to use for everyone, for any purpose. Blender is a animation & modeling, software and design & illustration game developed and published by Blender Foundation. Released on April 24th 2015 has received 71,262 reviews of which 68,642 were positive and 2,620 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game development game, thanks to its 7,536 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
68,642
2,620
7,536
players
2. Aseprite
Aseprite is a pixel-art tool to create 2D animations, sprites, and any kind of graphics for games. Aseprite is a pixel graphics, design & illustration and animation & modeling game developed by David Capello and published by Igara Studio. Released on February 22nd 2016 has received 21,444 reviews of which 21,252 were positive and 192 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 4,791 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among game development games based on player count.
9.7
21,252
192
4,791
players
3. Godot Engine
Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine to create 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a comprehensive set of common tools, so that you can focus on making games without having to reinvent the wheel. Godot Engine is a game development, utilities and software game developed and published by Godot Engine. Released on February 23rd 2016 has received 7,561 reviews of which 6,439 were positive and 1,122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 984 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among game development games based on player count.
8.3
6,439
1,122
984
players
4. RPG Maker MZ
You want to create an RPG, but every game making tool you have found was either too complex or too limited? RPG Maker MZ empowers you with simple tools to create your RPG right out of the box, yet is customizable enough to make the exact RPG you want! RPG Maker MZ is a rpg, game development and rpgmaker game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 1,855 reviews of which 1,580 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 720 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played game development games.
8.2
1,580
275
720
players
5. RPG Maker MV
POWERFUL enough for a developer SIMPLE enough for a child VERSATILE enough for any platform!RPG MAKER MV allows you to make the RPG of your dreams! This latest version includes a host of new featuresand export options for MacOSX, Android, and iPhone! RPG Maker MV is a rpg, rpgmaker and game development game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on October 23rd 2015 has received 8,238 reviews of which 7,496 were positive and 742 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 679 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played game development games.
8.8
7,496
742
679
players
6. GameMaker
GameMaker has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With no barriers to entry and powerful functionality, GameMaker is the ultimate 2D development environment! GameMaker is a game development, utilities and design & illustration game developed and published by YoYo Games Ltd.. Released on May 03rd 2022 has received 2,079 reviews of which 1,834 were positive and 245 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 315 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played game development games.
8.4
1,834
245
315
players
7. RPG Maker XP
RPG MAKER lets you create an original role-playing game without any prior specialized knowledge or training. RPG MAKER XP is full of the functions you've been asking for, including game data encryption and a scripting feature that lets you change the very heart of the RPG MAKER engine. RPG Maker XP is a rpg, game development and rpgmaker game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on December 13th 2013 has received 1,739 reviews of which 1,637 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 266 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played game development games.
9.0
1,637
102
266
players
8. RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker VX Ace improves on every aspect of creating your very own epic adventure. An extremely powerful editor, Ace supports multiple tilesets, offers full control over autoshadow and has a very flexible features system. RPG Maker VX Ace is a game development, rpg and rpgmaker game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on December 10th 2012 has received 4,827 reviews of which 4,531 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 219 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played game development games.
9.1
4,531
296
219
players
9. Beam Eye Tracker
Turn your webcam into an AI-powered head & eye tracker and ditch the bulky tracking hardware. Enable gaming extensions like OpenTrack for immersive eye and head tracking. Gain insights and improve your gameplay using the eye tracking overlay or enhance your live streams. Beam Eye Tracker is a simulation, utilities and video production game developed and published by Eyeware Tech SA. Released on August 02nd 2023 has received 312 reviews of which 276 were positive and 36 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 157 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played game development games.
8.2
276
36
157
players
10. Clickteam Fusion 2.5
Game and software creation has never been easier or quicker than with Clickteam Fusion 2.5! Discover the tool used by so many multimedia professionals, game creators, and creative people from all walks of life. Clickteam Fusion 2.5 is a game development, animation & modeling and web publishing game developed and published by Clickteam. Released on December 05th 2013 has received 1,853 reviews of which 1,652 were positive and 201 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. With 154 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played game development games.
8.5
1,652
201
154
players
Best deals on game development games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of game development games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted game development games.
1. RPG Maker VX Ace
RPG Maker VX Ace improves on every aspect of creating your very own epic adventure. An extremely powerful editor, Ace supports multiple tilesets, offers full control over autoshadow and has a very flexible features system. RPG Maker VX Ace is a game development, rpg and rpgmaker game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on December 10th 2012 has received 4,827 reviews of which 4,531 were positive and 296 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for game development category.
9.1
4,531
296
-94%
70.00€
4.20€
2. RPG Maker XP
RPG MAKER lets you create an original role-playing game without any prior specialized knowledge or training. RPG MAKER XP is full of the functions you've been asking for, including game data encryption and a scripting feature that lets you change the very heart of the RPG MAKER engine. RPG Maker XP is a rpg, game development and rpgmaker game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on December 13th 2013 has received 1,739 reviews of which 1,637 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in game development games.
9.0
1,637
102
-90%
24.50€
2.45€
3. RPG Maker 2003
For the first time ever, RPG Maker 2003 is officially available in English! This legendary game development engine is both highly affordable and easy to use, and it remains one of the most popular RPG Maker installments to date. RPG Maker 2003 is a game development, rpg and design & illustration game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on April 24th 2015 has received 766 reviews of which 715 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in game development games.
8.8
715
51
-90%
19.50€
1.95€
4. RPG Maker MV
POWERFUL enough for a developer SIMPLE enough for a child VERSATILE enough for any platform!RPG MAKER MV allows you to make the RPG of your dreams! This latest version includes a host of new featuresand export options for MacOSX, Android, and iPhone! RPG Maker MV is a rpg, rpgmaker and game development game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on October 23rd 2015 has received 8,238 reviews of which 7,496 were positive and 742 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for game development games.
8.8
7,496
742
-85%
77.99€
11.69€
5. Pixel Game Maker MV
Use Pixel Game Maker MV to make your own 2D action games! The latest Maker title provides a simple, fun way to make games with zero coding! PGMMV: Powerful enough for pro developers, simple enough for beginners. Pixel Game Maker MV is a action, casual and game development game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games and KADOKAWA and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on September 19th 2019 has received 570 reviews of which 397 were positive and 173 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for game development games.
6.7
397
173
-83%
82.99€
14.10€
6. Visual Novel Maker
Visualize, Create, Share. A revolutionary new tool for Visual Novel Creation aimed towards aspiring artists and writers to bring their stories to life. Visual Novel Maker is a visual novel, anime and web publishing game developed and published by KOMODO. Released on November 16th 2017 has received 436 reviews of which 275 were positive and 161 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 75% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for game development games.
6.1
275
161
-75%
58.99€
14.74€
7. GameGuru Classic
GameGuru Classic is a non-technical and fun game-maker. It allows you to build your own game world, using creative and enjoyable tools. Populate your game by placing down characters, weapons and other game items, then press one button to build your game, ready to play and share. GameGuru Classic is a game development, software and design & illustration game developed and published by TheGameCreators. Released on May 19th 2015 has received 2,082 reviews of which 1,516 were positive and 566 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 60% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for game development games.
7.1
1,516
566
-60%
19.99€
7.99€
8. RPG Maker MZ
You want to create an RPG, but every game making tool you have found was either too complex or too limited? RPG Maker MZ empowers you with simple tools to create your RPG right out of the box, yet is customizable enough to make the exact RPG you want! RPG Maker MZ is a rpg, game development and rpgmaker game developed by Gotcha Gotcha Games, KADOKAWA and Yoji Ojima and published by Gotcha Gotcha Games. Released on August 27th 2020 has received 1,855 reviews of which 1,580 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a 49% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for game development games.
8.2
1,580
275
-49%
78.73€
40.15€
Free game development games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play game development games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play game development games.
1. Blender
Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. Free to use for everyone, for any purpose. Blender is a animation & modeling, software and design & illustration game developed and published by Blender Foundation. Released on April 24th 2015 has received 71,262 reviews of which 68,642 were positive and 2,620 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 7,536 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free game development games on Steam.
9.5
68,642
2,620
7,536
players
2. Godot Engine
Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine to create 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a comprehensive set of common tools, so that you can focus on making games without having to reinvent the wheel. Godot Engine is a game development, utilities and software game developed and published by Godot Engine. Released on February 23rd 2016 has received 7,561 reviews of which 6,439 were positive and 1,122 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 984, this game development game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free game development games on Steam.
8.3
6,439
1,122
984
players
3. GameMaker
GameMaker has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With no barriers to entry and powerful functionality, GameMaker is the ultimate 2D development environment! GameMaker is a game development, utilities and design & illustration game developed and published by YoYo Games Ltd.. Released on May 03rd 2022 has received 2,079 reviews of which 1,834 were positive and 245 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 315, this game development game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free game development games on Steam.
8.4
1,834
245
315
players
4. VTuber Maker
VTuber Maker is the #1 free, simplistic, and 3D Tool for VTuber Content Production, just with a webcam. VTuber Maker is a animation & modeling, video production and design & illustration game developed and published by Live3D. Released on August 07th 2020 has received 885 reviews of which 711 were positive and 174 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.6
711
174
42
players
5. Fuse
Fuse is a standalone 3D character creator that enables you to make unique characters to use in your game. Fuse comes with 70+ body parts, 150+ clothing meshes, 42 dynamic texturing substances, Unlimited free Auto-Rigs and Animations through the Mixamo service (activated Adobe ID required). Important notice for Fuse 1.3 customers! Fuse is a animation & modeling and character customization game developed and published by Mixamo. Released on March 28th 2014 has received 2,240 reviews of which 1,461 were positive and 779 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
6.4
1,461
779
9
players
6. CopperCube 6 Game Engine
CopperCube is a full-featured 3D game engine. No programming needed! Create 3D games and apps quickly. Includes terrain editor, low poly modelling tools, 3D models, precreated game AI, effects and more. CopperCube 6 Game Engine is a game development, animation & modeling and design & illustration game developed and published by Ambiera e.U.. Released on July 13th 2018 has received 325 reviews of which 262 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.5
262
63
6
players
7. Clickteam Fusion 2.5 Free Edition
Game and software creation has never been easier or quicker than with Clickteam Fusion 2.5! Discover the tool used by so many multimedia professionals, game creators, and creative people from all walks of life. Clickteam Fusion 2.5 Free Edition is a animation & modeling, utilities and web publishing game developed and published by Clickteam. Released on June 16th 2016 has received 317 reviews of which 241 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.1
241
76
5
players
8. Tabletopia
Tabletopia is a sandbox virtual table with high-quality board games and ready setups. Already 2,400+ games and counting! Play how you want with whom you want: guests don’t need accounts to play. Or make your own games, no programming skills required. Tabletopia is a sandbox, tabletop and free to play game developed and published by Tabletopia. Released on November 30th 2016 has received 1,589 reviews of which 998 were positive and 591 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
6.1
998
591
5
players
9. ePic Character Generator
Create realistic or hand-drawn character images you can use as assets for your games, illustrations for your stories, or avatars for your role-playing sessions. Export your images as PNG files with or without a background, or as a layered PSD image for further customization. ePic Character Generator is a design & illustration, utilities and animation & modeling game developed and published by Overhead Games. Released on November 05th 2015 has received 997 reviews of which 821 were positive and 176 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.8
821
176
10. RPG World - Action RPG Maker
RPG World – THE Action RPG Maker! Unleash your imagination with RPG World and create, share and play amazing 3D games with our growing community. Claim glory and treasure as you conquer magical worlds, alone or as a team. No coding required! RPG World - Action RPG Maker is a adventure, rpg and action game developed and published by RaveyLarge. Released on July 17th 2020 has received 542 reviews of which 380 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
6.7
380
162