Best 12 Buildbox Alternatives for 2024

Unity3D
Godot
Stride
RPG Maker
GameMaker
Android Studio
Construct 3
Panda3D
Solar2D
Heaps
Blender
GameSalad

Best Buildbox alternatives in 2024

Unity3D

Enter the vibrant world of Unity3D, a cross-platform game engine with a rich history dating back to its first release at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2005. Its versatility extends beyond gaming, carving a niche within industries like film, automotive, architecture, construction, and even the U.S. Armed Forces.

Unity3D Top Features

Unparalleled cross-platform support for desktop, mobile, console, and virtual reality platforms
Easy-to-navigate interface, ideal for beginner developers
Integration with Visual Studio, C# scripting API, JavaScript scripting language, and Mono Develop IDE
An array of 2D and 3D creation capabilities, using Box2D engine for 2D physics
Optimized for performance with C++ development.

Feature	Benefit
Cross-Platform Release Functionality	Allows developers to deploy games on several platforms efficiently
Unity Marketplace	Access to a wide collection of scripts, models, scenery, and other resources
Custom Scripting Tools	Offers API for developing bespoke tools for specific needs

Unity3D Downsides

Introduction of a ‘Per Install’ fee from January 1, 2024
Price fluctuations due to political changes and volatility in pricing policies have led to community backlash.
Strong competition from game development engines like Unreal and Godot

Unity3D Pricing

Unity3D’s financial model includes plans and pricing for students, personal use, and enterprises, with prices varying across versions up to $1500. However, their changing business model and new ‘per install’ fee has stirred some controversy.

Unity3D Use Cases

Use Case 1: Indie Game Development

The simplicity of Unity3D’s interface coupled with its extensive cross-platform support makes it an ideal platform for burgeoning indie game developers.

Use Case 2: Mobile Game Development

Particularly popular for iOS and Android mobile game development, Unity3D allows developers to create captivating mobile games with ease and efficiency.

Use Case 3: Non-gaming Industries

Industries such as film, automotive, and architecture have found Unity3D’s 3D modeling capabilities and integration tools incredibly useful in their respective fields.

Godot

Welcome, ardent architects of the gaming world, to the realm of Godot, a beacon of open-source game engines fondly chosen by many developers globally. With its intuitive scene-driven design, this engine allows the creation of games from simple blocks, using nodes for crafting complex, reusable scenes.

Godot Top Features

Flexible scene system: broken into reusable scenes composed of one or more nodes, allowing complex entities to be conjured
Comprehensive language support: native GDScript, C++ and C#, with community support for Rust, Nim, Python, Haskell, Clojure, Swift & D
3D engine: capable of supporting both high and low-end devices, a testament to its flexibility
Distinctive 2D workflow: specialized for games and apps, acting as a boon for genre-specific developers

Feature	Details
Built-in scripting language	GDscript, woven intricately with tight engine integration for streamlined game logic
Audio Bus/Layout system	Stacked with real-time effects for engaging sonic landscapes
Visual editor	Integrated within the engine for code enrichment

Godot Limitations

Complex 3D game development may encounter challenges, suggesting a certain limitation in its versatility
The .NET platform, while supported, is only available for desktop platforms in the upcoming Godot 4

Godot Pricing

An unsurpassed boon, Godot carries no licensing fees, contracts, or hidden charges. In the true spirit of shared wisdom, it’s entirely free under the MIT license and its remarkable open source, modifiable codebase is yours to explore.

Godot Use Cases

Use case 1: Beginner Game Developers

With its intuitive design and user-friendly features, Godot proves to be a fantastic starting point for beginner developers, fostering invention through its robust architecture.

Use case 2: Experienced Game Developers

Godot stands as a preferred choice for experienced developers, providing a flexible platform with powerful customization options and access to a rich, modifiable codebase.

Use case 3: Cross-Platform Game Development

Operating on a multitude of platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, and offering support for many mobile & Web platforms, Godot is an excellent choice for cross-platform game development.

Stride

Imagineering your gaming vision with the power of Stride, a free and open-source game engine initially developed by Silicon Studio. Formerly known as Xenko, this 2D and 3D cross-platform engine takes you on a journey of creativity, allowing you to build games for various platforms ranging from PC and mobile devices to virtual reality.

Stride Top Features

Powered by C# tools suite providing a robust backend for game development.
The customizable shader system affords unique graphics capabilities.
Game Studio, an integrated environment offering seamless asset import, scene creation, script assignment, and game building.
Provides Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) layered material editor, resulting in exceptional visual finesse.
A variety of tools ranging from particle editor and sprite editor to scripting editor and UI engine all housed in one place.

Feature	Description
Scene Streaming System	Enables dynamic loading and unloading of scenes for efficient memory usage.
Platform Support	Comprehensive cross-platform runtime support including iOS, Android, Windows UWP, Linux, and PlayStation 4.
Additional Uses	Can also be used as a 3D rendering engine for vvvv gamma, a visual programming environment.

Stride Limitations

Shifted to a community-supported model in 2018, with Silicon Studio ending official support.
Users may require significant coding experience due to its C# suite language integration.

Stride Pricing

In the spirit of fostering a boundless gaming community, Stride remains a free tool for all.

Stride Use Cases

Use case 1

For developers aiming to launch their game on multiple platforms, from PS4 to Android, Stride’s comprehensive cross-platform support becomes invaluable.

Use case 2

When high-quality graphical presentation is a must, artists and developers will appreciate Stride’s PBR layered material editor and customizable shader system.

Use case 3

Stride is an excellent choice for both individual game developers and studios who cherish the access and flexibility of open-source development tools.

RPG Maker

The game development engine, RPG Maker, has been spinning tales and fantasies since its initial release in 1992. Developed by reputed firms like ASCII and Enterbrain, this powerhouse has made creating role-playing games fun for both beginners and seasoned veterans. And don’t worry, there won’t be any Jeopardy-like questions to figure out the user interface; it’s written in easily-solvable JavaScript and HTML5.

Best Features of RPG Maker

Effortless Game Development: How many times have you blabbered, ‘Eureka!’ only to realize that you need a degree in ancient hieroglyphics to code your game idea? RPG Maker keeps it simple with no coding knowledge needed.
Expressive Character Creation: Showoff your Picasso-like talents with its robust character creation options.
Lost in Translation? Not Here: RPG Maker can speak your language. It’s available in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and English.
Community Power: With RPG Maker, you’re never lost even when your game’s characters are. The engine continues to thrive thanks to its supportive community.

Version	Release Date	Known For
First Iteration	December 17, 1992	Designed for NEC PC-9801, Windows emulators needed for play.
RPG Maker MV	Update in 2020	Requires no coding knowledge, has robust character creation options, and is cross-platform.
RPG Maker MZ	August 27, 2020	Latest stable version, focuses on creative aspects and story-driven elements in game development.

RPG Maker Disadvantages

Limitations: While RPG Maker can help you build Hogwarts, it can’t quite nail the moving staircases. The designs are subject to the engine’s limitations.
No free lunch: Although many plugins are free, over 200 DLCs ranging from $5-$25.
Controversies: RPG Maker has had its share of controversies – games like “Super Columbine Massacre RPG!” have been subject to much debate and criticism.

RPG Maker Use Cases

Use case 1 – Beginner Developers

Ideas popping faster than popcorn in your head? With RPG Maker’s ease-of-use and flexibility, it is a popular choice for beginner developers.

Use case 2 – Story-driven Game Development

RPG Maker has charmed developers of games like Harvest Island and Omori. With a focus on story-driven elements and creative aspects, it helps to overcome technical limitations.

Use case 3 – Experienced Developers

Fed up with alien languages of other game engines? With RPG Maker’s multi-language support, experienced developers can communicate their vision precisely.

GameMaker

A champion in the realm of 2D game design, GameMaker stands tall as an engine that harmoniously blends simplicity and scalability. From hobbyists to full-time developers, this toolkit, with a history of over 17 years, presents a comfortable landscape for game creation.

GameMaker: Top Features

Intuitive Interface: Great for beginners and seasoned developers.
Strong Community: A vibrant base of users that bolsters developer support.
Language Server: Facilitates syntax highlighting and intellisense support, including support for Shader Languages (GLSL, HLSL, etc), JSON, and XML.
Future Proof: Plans for major updates including AI support, a new code editor and enhanced modding capabilities.
Collaboration with OpenAI: Efforts to integrate AI for simplifying the game-making process.

Feature	Advantage
Mod.io extension	Eases the process of adding user-generated content to games.
Markdown Support	Allows for easy formatting with a side-by-side preview feature.
Planned Game Developer Support and Community Development	Ensures continuous improvement based on feedback and community insights.

GameMaker: Limitations

Limited to 2D game development.
A potentially steep learning curve for users with no programming experience.

GameMaker Pricing

GameMaker offers various level-friendly pricing to fit your needs: Free, Creator (for game development career on desktop stores), Indie (offers multiple export options), and Enterprise (for studio releases on major consoles).

GameMaker Use Cases

Casual Game Development

With its emphasis on simplicity, GameMaker proves perfectly suited for hobbyists or developers just starting their journey. The intuitive interface and supportive community form an ideal combination.

Indie Game Development

GameMaker’s outstanding track record is visible in the host of indie hits it has facilitated. With planned AI integration and extensive toolset, it continues to be irresistible to the indie developer flock.

Full-scale Game Development

As suggested by its Enterprise pricing tier, GameMaker has all the necessary tools and support for studio releases on major consoles.

Android Studio

Meet Android Studio, the official Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Android app development, powered by IntelliJ IDEA code editor and developer tools. A flexible Gradle-based build system coupled with rapid, feature-rich emulator empowers you to develop for any Android devices.

Android Studio Top Features

Real-Time Editing: Live edit for updates on emulators and physical devices.
Extensive Testing Tools: Fixes performance, usability, and version compatibility issues.
Code Templates & GitHub Integration: Simplifies feature building and importing sample code.
Multiple Language Support: Including C++, Java, Kotlin, and more.
Resource and Code Reuse: Simplicity in creating multiple APKs for the same project.
Performance Tracking: Memory usage profiling and allocation tracking.

Feature	Description
Code Inspection	Identifies potential bugs and opportunity for optimization improvements
Inline Debugging	Walkthrough the code for performance analysis
Cloud Integration	Built-in support for Google Cloud Platform

Android Studio Downsides

Requires high-end system specification: Needs at least 8 GB RAM and disk space, and a screen resolution of 1280 x 800.
Steep learning curve for beginners: Complex to comprehend for new developers.
Performance: On lower-end hardware, it might slow down or lag causing hindrance in development.

Android Studio Pricing

Android Studio is entirely free to use – an open-source software licensed under the Apache License 2.0.

Android Studio Use Cases

Use Case 1: Android App Development

If you’re an Android app developer, Android Studio‘s advanced code refactoring and smart editing ensure you’re delivering top-quality apps.

Use Case 2: Cross-Platform Development

Multiple language support, including Kotlin, Java, and C++, opens up paths for cross-platform development.

Use Case 3: Game Development

Games with robust structure and graphics can be built using the sophisticated tools offered by Android Studio, making it a suitable alternative to Game Development Engines like Buildbox.

Construct 3

Developed by Scirra Ltd, Construct 3 is a robust HTML5-based 2D video game engine, ideal for both beginners and professional developers. Predominantly used for 2D games, it enables swift game creation with its intuitive visual programming via ‘event sheets’.

Construct 3 Top Features

Visual Programming: Construct 3 leverages ‘event sheets’, running logic-based actions once specific conditions are met.
Offline Use: Compatible with any device, Construct 3 offers offline support for flexibility.
Integrated Pixel Editor: Includes built-in pixel editor for ideal game graphics.
Non-Coding Proficiency: Ideal for non-coders, Construct 3 significantly reduces game development time.
JavaScript Integration: The current update includes optional JavaScript scripting, catering to advanced users’ needs.

Features	Benefits
HTML5 and Online Storefronts Support	Superior to GameMaker, Construct 3 accommodates numerous browsers including Google Chrome and Safari.
Event Block System	Simplifies in-game development and allows precision via additional JavaScript code integration.
Compliance with Data Privacy Regulations	Abides by COPPA, CCPA, and GDPR, ensuring safe and compliant user experience.

Construct 3 Limitations

No Native Exporters: Although it lacks native exporters, it compensates by exporting games into a web app or using an HTML wrapper.
Not Suitable for Large-Sized Games and 3D Development: Despite its versatility, Construct 3 is not ideal for large-sized games nor 3D game development.
Limited Support for Platforms: Unlike GameMaker, it doesn’t support native and offline application behavior limiting creations on certain platforms.

Construct 3 Pricing

Scirra offers a free license version of Construct 3 with limited features as well as a paid subscription plan starting at $99/year for the personal plan.

Construct 3 Use Cases

Use case 1 – Indie Developers

Regarded highly among independent developers, Construct 3’s simplicity aids in the swift creation of small to medium-sized games.

Use case 2 – Education

Numerous schools across 48 states in the US and beyond utilize Construct 3, assisting students in mastering coding and game design.

Use case 3 – Advertisement

Businesses leverage Construct 3’s HTML5-support for creating interactive playable advertisements, enhancing audience engagement.

Panda3D

An open-source game engine, Panda3D is designed for impressive 3D rendering and game development, originally created under the auspices of titans like Disney Interactive and Carnegie Mellon University. The platform supports Python and C++, demonstrating unique features for Python’s garbage collector-managed environments. This engine is no newcomer, with its origins dating back to 2002.

Panda3D Top Features

Powerful 3D Rendering: Optimal for immersive game creation, Panda3D supports features such as custom shaders, gloss map, normal map, and automatic shader synthesis.
Holistic Game Development: The platform provides integrated audio, I/O, collision detection, and other core game development features.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Panda3D operates on a variety of operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS, and Free BSD.
Scene Graph Engine: The engine allows game programmers to effortlessly insert 3D models into Cartesian space.

Inclusive and Diverse:	Panda3D is used by developers of large commercial games, university courses, open-source projects, and even by Disney VR studio for 3D theme park attractions.
Community Support:	Panda3D provides substantial documentation and a supportive community for novice and professional developers.
Regular Updates:	Its active maintenance, evident with its latest stable release 1.10.13 in 2022, assures the users of the platform’s longevity.

Panda3D Disadvantages

Despite its wide-ranging features, it’s not deemed a beginner’s toy and requires basic knowledge of Python and APIs.
Specific building and configuration instructions for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, MacOS may pose challenges for novices.

Panda3D Pricing

Excellent news for the budget-conscious developer, Panda3D is completely open source and free. However, they do accept financial support through an OpenCollective campaign for those looking to contribute.