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 19th 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 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. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played game development game, thanks to its 7,681 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.5
67,933
2,580
7,681
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 21,271 reviews of which 21,085 were positive and 186 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.7 out of 10. While seeing 4,848 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
21,085
186
4,848
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 7,466 reviews of which 6,339 were positive and 1,127 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. While seeing 1,003 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
6,339
1,127
1,003
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 1,853 reviews of which 1,578 were positive and 275 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 729 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played game development games.
8.2
1,578
275
729
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 8,223 reviews of which 7,482 were positive and 741 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 704 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played game development games.
8.8
7,482
741
704
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 2,041 reviews of which 1,798 were positive and 243 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. With 317 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played game development games.
8.4
1,798
243
317
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 1,733 reviews of which 1,631 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 289 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played game development games.
8.9
1,631
102
289
players
8. Mad Games Tycoon 2
Start your own game development studio in 1976. Build your own offices, production facilities and server rooms. Develop the games of your dreams and produce the next next-gen console. Rise from a small garage company to a huge corporation. Mad Games Tycoon 2 is a management, economy and game development game developed and published by Eggcode. Released on May 31st 2023 has received 6,929 reviews of which 6,506 were positive and 423 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 271 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played game development games.
9.1
6,506
423
271
players
9. 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 4,815 reviews of which 4,521 were positive and 294 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 228 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played game development games.
9.1
4,521
294
228
players
10. 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 305 reviews of which 270 were positive and 35 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. With 158 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played game development games.
8.2
270
35
158
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 19th 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 4,815 reviews of which 4,521 were positive and 294 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
4,521
294
-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 1,733 reviews of which 1,631 were positive and 102 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in game development games.
8.9
1,631
102
-87%
24.08€
3.13€
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 762 reviews of which 711 were positive and 51 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 73% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in game development games.
8.7
711
51
-73%
19.48€
5.26€
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 19th 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 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 7,681 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
67,933
2,580
7,681
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 7,466 reviews of which 6,339 were positive and 1,127 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 1,003, this game development game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free game development games on Steam.
8.3
6,339
1,127
1,003
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 2,041 reviews of which 1,798 were positive and 243 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 317, this game development game has secured the #3 spot in the ranking of free game development games on Steam.
8.4
1,798
243
317
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
31
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 2,239 reviews of which 1,460 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
1,460
779
10
players
6. 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 1,586 reviews of which 997 were positive and 589 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
6.2
997
589
10
players
7. 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 animation & modeling, game development and design & illustration game developed and published by Ambiera e.U.. Released on July 13th 2018 has received 326 reviews of which 263 were positive and 63 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.5
263
63
8
players
8. 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 316 reviews of which 240 were positive and 76 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.1
240
76
8
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
6.7
380
162
2
players
10. 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 999 reviews of which 823 were positive and 176 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free game development games on Steam.
7.8
823
176