Best Design & Illustration 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 design & illustration games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free design & illustration games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
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.
Nimble Writer
Nimble Writer is a general-purpose tool for writing stories, be it short fiction stories or even complete novels or books. It focuses on being distraction-free, simple, and fully customizable.
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.
openCanvas 6
openCanvas is a painting software dedicated to Windows Operating System, that is suitable to beginners to advanced users. Equipped with analog-like brush strokes and functional yet user-friendly interface, openCanvas has the higher basic performance and the unique "Event" function that enables to record and replay the drawing...
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.
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!
Manga Maker Comipo
Make your own manga with ComiPo! The next gen manga software! Quickly make your own unique stories and situations simply by choosing 3D characters, poses, and all the other necessary items (background, bubbles ...) out of hundreds provided with ComiPo!
Leadwerks Game Engine
Leadwerks Game Engine is the easiest way to make 3D games and VR experiences. Learn everything you need with our comprehensive tutorials. Build games with the world's most intuitive game development system. Sell your games with a royalty-free license or share them with the world for free.
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.
Axis Game Factory's AGFPRO v3
Axis Game Factory’s AGFPRO v3.0 – for PC, MAC and LINUXWe just released version 3.0 of AGFPRO & Premium - there are a TON of new features, assets and functionality that have been added, giving users the ability to create amazing game levels and maps like NEVER BEFORE!!Major features to AGFPRO 3.
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.Most played design & illustration games on Steam
Take a look at the top design & illustration games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 16th 2025.
1. Wallpaper Engine
Use stunning live wallpapers on your desktop. Animate your own images to create new wallpapers or import videos/websites and share them on the Steam Workshop! Wallpaper Engine is a utilities and anime game developed and published by Wallpaper Engine Team. Released on November 16th 2018 has received 881,520 reviews of which 864,218 were positive and 17,302 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played design & illustration game, thanks to its 42,312 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.7
864,218
17,302
42,312
players
2. 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 70,513 reviews of which 67,933 were positive and 2,580 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 7,561 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among design & illustration games based on player count.
9.5
67,933
2,580
7,561
players
3. YoloMouse - Game Cursor Changer
Use YoloMouse to change those obscure game cursors. Never lose your cursor in a heated battle again! YoloMouse - Game Cursor Changer is a utilities, design & illustration and animation & modeling game developed and published by Dragonrise Games. Released on May 01st 2020 has received 2,229 reviews of which 2,059 were positive and 170 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. While seeing 5,832 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among design & illustration games based on player count.
8.8
2,059
170
5,832
players
4. 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 21,271 reviews of which 21,085 were positive and 186 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. With 4,995 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
9.7
21,085
186
4,995
players
5. Wallpaper Alive
The free and open source animated wallpaper utility for Windows! Transform your desktop with animated gifs and videos. Wallpaper Alive is a free to play, design & illustration and utilities game developed and published by TREE.s. Released on June 04th 2022 has received 9,543 reviews of which 8,508 were positive and 1,035 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 2,575 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
8.7
8,508
1,035
2,575
players
6. House Flipper 2
It's time to dust off your hammer - House Flipper is back in a brand-new fashion! Buy and renovate run-down houses! Or maybe you want to build new ones? Now you can! Start as a rookie Flipper and make a fortune by helping out the community of the charming town of Pinnacove. House Flipper 2 is a co-op, online co-op and simulation game developed and published by Frozen District. Released on December 14th 2023 has received 11,996 reviews of which 10,209 were positive and 1,787 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 1,366 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
8.3
10,209
1,787
1,366
players
7. Stream Avatars
Stream Avatars is a content creation tool for live video broadcasting that adds flair to your video to promote viewer engagement and channel growth! Viewers can also spend their hard-earned stream currency on avatar customizations. Stream Avatars is a video production, animation & modeling and design & illustration game developed and published by Travis Miller. Released on July 26th 2017 has received 2,174 reviews of which 2,069 were positive and 105 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 1,243 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
9.1
2,069
105
1,243
players
8. House Flipper
House Flipper is a unique chance to become a one-man renovation crew. Buy, repair and remodel devastated houses. Give them a second life and sell them at a profit! House Flipper is a simulation, design & illustration and singleplayer game developed by Empyrean and published by Frozen District and PlayWay S.A.. Released on May 17th 2018 has received 94,376 reviews of which 88,875 were positive and 5,501 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,226 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
9.3
88,875
5,501
1,226
players
9. Krita
Krita is a powerful, open source and community-driven digital art tool for illustrators, concept designers, animators, comic book artists, game developers, and anyone who wants to express themselves through the creation of visual art. Krita is a design & illustration, software and animation & modeling game developed by Krita Team and Krita Community Contributors and published by Krita Team. Released on June 10th 2014 has received 4,842 reviews of which 4,639 were positive and 203 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 623 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
9.2
4,639
203
623
players
10. FireAlpaca SE
FireAlpaca SE is painting software for Windows/Mac that has evolved as a higher brand of the regular version of FireAlpaca. We provide a professional creative environment where your creativity can be visualized immediately. FireAlpaca SE is a design & illustration, photo editing and software game developed and published by PGN Inc. Released on May 22nd 2016 has received 629 reviews of which 580 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 433 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played design & illustration games.
8.6
580
49
433
players
Best deals on design & illustration games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of design & illustration games available on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted design & illustration games.
1. SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator
A unique artist sim game with realistic paint mixing, physics and numerous painting tools. Upgrade and customize your studio, complete tasks, sell and expose art, buy instruments and get famous! SuchArt: Genius Artist Simulator is a design & illustration, sandbox and immersive sim game developed by Goose Minded and published by HypeTrain Digital. Released on October 13th 2022 has received 4,319 reviews of which 4,202 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. Featuring a massive 96% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for design & illustration category.
9.4
4,202
117
-96%
25.00€
1.00€
2. 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 4,804 reviews of which 4,510 were positive and 294 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in design & illustration games.
9.1
4,510
294
-94%
70.00€
4.20€
3. 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 1,730 reviews of which 1,627 were positive and 103 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in design & illustration games.
8.9
1,627
103
-87%
24.08€
3.13€
4. Cafe Owner Simulator
Open your dream restaurant at FPP. Create a unique exterior and interior, hire the best workers and chefs, create a place where people will love to eat, spend time and spend their money. Simulation of the restaurant business. Cafe Owner Simulator is a design & illustration, economy and simulation game developed by Second Reality and published by RockGame S.A.. Released on December 05th 2022 has received 929 reviews of which 613 were positive and 316 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
6.4
613
316
-87%
18.77€
2.44€
5. Car Detailing Simulator
Car Detailing Simulator, you get a chance to renew any car and restore its splendor at the request of demanding customers! A nice and well-groomed vehicle can be the pride of every human being! Clean, polish and marvel at your creations in this highly realistic game where every little detail counts! Car Detailing Simulator is a simulation, automobile sim and singleplayer game developed by Games Incubator and GameFormatic S.A. and published by Games Incubator and PlayWay S.A.. Released on April 13th 2022 has received 970 reviews of which 747 were positive and 223 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
7.4
747
223
-86%
13.21€
1.85€
6. Builder Simulator
Builder Simulator is the perfect game for those who want to build a house, from the ground up, one brick at a time. On easy, the game will guide and teach you by showing you full instruction, but on hard you will get no help - instead rely on your builder skills and make everything yourself. Builder Simulator is a simulation, building and singleplayer game developed by Live Motion Games and Frozen Way and published by Live Motion Games, Frozen Way and Frozen District. Released on June 09th 2022 has received 1,909 reviews of which 1,407 were positive and 502 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
7.1
1,407
502
-84%
20.00€
3.20€
7. Home Design 3D
Home Design 3D is the reference interior design and home decor application, allowing you to draw, create and visualize your floor plans and home ideas.Design your dream projects simply and easily, in 2D and/or 3D. Get a good idea of your next home or simply have fun! Home Design 3D is a simulation, design & illustration and building game developed by Anuman Interactive / Microids and Koalabs and published by Anuman Interactive / Microids. Released on November 20th 2015 has received 2,503 reviews of which 1,927 were positive and 576 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
7.4
1,927
576
-80%
9.99€
1.99€
8. 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 762 reviews of which 711 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
8.7
711
51
-73%
19.48€
5.26€
9. The Tenants
Become a landlord and deal with problematic tenants as you build your rental property empire. Decide how to react to annoyed neighbors or police interventions. Will you design your apartment for a group of gamer friends or an aspiring musician looking for a new home? The Tenants is a management, design & illustration and life sim game developed by Ancient Forge and published by Frozen District. Released on October 20th 2022 has received 6,934 reviews of which 5,575 were positive and 1,359 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 73% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
7.8
5,575
1,359
-73%
18.52€
5.00€
10. King of Retail
The store is your kingdom! Expand your humble boutique into a thriving business: hire the right staff, decorate your displays, and lure in customers. Even your wildest ideas can turn a profit. Why not start a business that sells only white T-shirts and ketchup? PCs and beans? Your rule, your rules! King of Retail is a casual, simulation and management game developed by Freaking Games and published by Iceberg Interactive. Released on September 14th 2022 has received 3,514 reviews of which 3,098 were positive and 416 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 69% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for design & illustration games.
8.5
3,098
416
-69%
25.39€
7.87€
Free design & illustration games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play design & illustration games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 16th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play design & illustration 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 70,513 reviews of which 67,933 were positive and 2,580 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 7,561 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free design & illustration games on Steam.
9.5
67,933
2,580
7,561
players
2. Wallpaper Alive
The free and open source animated wallpaper utility for Windows! Transform your desktop with animated gifs and videos. Wallpaper Alive is a free to play, design & illustration and utilities game developed and published by TREE.s. Released on June 04th 2022 has received 9,543 reviews of which 8,508 were positive and 1,035 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 2,575, this design & illustration game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free design & illustration games on Steam.
8.7
8,508
1,035
2,575
players
3. VRoid Studio v2.1.5
VRoid Studio is a 3D character creation software developed for you to freely express yourself, even without 3D modeling expertise. The software is easy-to-use. Even first-time users can fully enjoy the software by picking preset items and playing around with the parameters’ sliders. VRoid Studio v2.1.5 is a free to play, animation & modeling and design & illustration game developed and published by pixiv Inc.. Released on December 23rd 2020 has received 4,182 reviews of which 3,957 were positive and 225 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 414, this design & illustration game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free design & illustration games on Steam.
9.1
3,957
225
414
players
4. 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 2,041 reviews of which 1,798 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 303 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #4 position in the best free design & illustration games on Steam.
8.4
1,798
243
303
players
5. Pixel Studio - pixel art editor
Best pixel art editor. Simple. Fast. Portable. Pixel Studio - pixel art editor is a animation & modeling, pixel graphics and design & illustration game developed and published by Hippo Games. Released on December 24th 2019 has received 4,559 reviews of which 4,372 were positive and 187 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. Attracting a solid base of 114 players due to its free access, this strategy game has achieved the #5 position in the best free design & illustration games on Steam.
9.2
4,372
187
114
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free design & illustration games on Steam.
7.6
711
174
61
players
7. Coloring Game 3
Coloring Game 3 is a new paint-by-number game which has already won hearts of numerous players. Now the game offers new difficulty modes. Coloring Game 3 is a free to play, casual and indie game developed and published by L. Stotch. Released on April 17th 2020 has received 1,340 reviews of which 1,287 were positive and 53 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free design & illustration games on Steam.
9.1
1,287
53
18
players
8. Coloring Game 4
The fourth game of the Coloring Game franchise (coloring by numbers). The game’s fans are going to enjoy the improved functionality and a multitude of new images. Coloring Game 4 is a free to play, casual and indie game developed and published by L. Stotch. Released on July 30th 2021 has received 1,497 reviews of which 1,405 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free design & illustration games on Steam.
8.9
1,405
92
17
players
9. Lots of Cats in Every Moment
“Lots of Cats in Every Moment” is a game where you find hidden cats while romance unfolds! Lots of Cats in Every Moment is a cats, hidden object and design & illustration game developed and published by MELOVITY. Released on July 26th 2024 has received 680 reviews of which 658 were positive and 22 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free design & illustration games on Steam.
9.0
658
22
15
players
10. Coloring Game 2
Coloring Game 2 is a sequel of the existing color-by-number game which so many users have liked. The sequel features new options and images. Coloring Game 2 is a free to play, casual and indie game developed and published by L. Stotch. Released on January 10th 2020 has received 3,112 reviews of which 3,021 were positive and 91 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free design & illustration games on Steam.
9.3
3,021
91
13
players