Scratch

Snap code blocks together to make your very first games.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

What it does

Scratch, from the MIT Media Lab, is a free block-based programming environment designed for beginners. It is a gentle way to learn how games work (loops, events, variables) before moving to a full engine.

Highlights

  • Drag-and-drop code blocks
  • Runs in the browser
  • Huge community of shared projects
  • Designed for learning

Is it right for me?

Skill level
Beginner
Useful for
Students, Hobby projects
Game jams
Better for longer projects than a short jam.

Pairs well with

Godot Engine

Game engines

A free, open-source engine for 2D and 3D games.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

Bitsy

Game engines

Make tiny pixel-art exploration and story games in your browser.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

Construct 3

Game engines

Make 2D games in your browser without writing code.

  • Free + paid plans
  • Good for beginners

GameMaker

Game engines

A 2D engine with drag-and-drop and its own easy scripting language.

  • Free + paid plans
  • Good for beginners