The Best Game Developer Tools (ULTIMATE List To Start A Game Studio!)

The Best Game Developer Tools (ULTIMATE List To Start A Game Studio!)

Making Indie Games may seem easy on YouTube, but it’s more complex than it looks. However, breaking it down into manageable steps and using the right tools can make the process much smoother. Below is a comprehensive guide to essential tools and websites to run your first indie game studio like a pro.

The Top of the Iceberg: Operating System

Windows: Despite its interface, Windows remains the go-to operating system for indie game development due to its broad compatibility with various tools and software.

The Tools You’ll Need

Game Engine

Unity: Unity is a robust game engine that integrates various elements such as Photoshop art, Blender 3D models, code, and sounds into a functional game. It’s free to use and a leading competitor to Unreal Engine.

Art Tools

Photoshop and Blender:

• Photoshop: For creating 2D art, textures for 3D objects, pixel art, and 2D sprites.
• Blender: A challenging but powerful tool for 3D art creation.

Code Editor

Visual Studio: Recommended by Unity for C# coding. You'll frequently switch between Visual Studio and Unity while developing your game.

Sound Tools

Audacity: A free tool with extensive functionalities to create and mix sounds for your game, even though it’s not attractive in its design. Logic Pro: For those who wish to create their own music, Logic Pro costs $ 200 but requires a Mac.

Core Websites Vital for Game Development

Version Control

GitHub: Essential for version control, especially if working with a remote team. Consider using GitHub Desktop for ease of use.

Communication

Discord: For team communication.

Sound Effects

Artlist.io: Paid service with high-quality sounds. Freesound.org: Free but variable quality; ensure to check licensing for commercial use.

Music

MusicBed, Pawn5: For purchasing music suitable for your game.

Business Tools

Search and Email

Google: Constantly use Google for finding solutions to development issues. Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides: Critical for managing communications, creating presentations for publishers, and maintaining business relationships.

Distribution

Steamworks: Necessary for uploading your game to Steam, though its interface is notoriously difficult to navigate.

Marketing Tools

Email Marketing

MailChimp: Though expensive, it's effective for managing large mailing lists. GMass: A free alternative to MailChimp for batch emailing.

Link Management

Linktree: Consolidates various product links, making it easier to share multiple products across social media.

Social Media & Content

Creator Studio: For managing Facebook and Instagram posts. Premiere: Adobe tool for creating promotional videos.

Funding

Kickstarter, Indiegogo, BackerKit: For crowdfunding campaigns.

Communication with Publishers

Zoom: For virtual meetings. Streamlabs: For live streams and video content creation.

Website Creation

Squarespace: An easy-to-use tool for building your game’s website.

Cheating Section: Fast-Track Your Game Development

3D Models

Turbo Squid: For free or paid 3D models. Textures.com: For acquiring textures.

Animation

Mixamo: Offers free animations for properly rigged 3D models.

Asset Store

Unity Asset Store: A treasure trove of assets, both free and paid.

Concept Art

MidJourney: Utilize AI-generated art for concept pieces and even in-game paintings, depending on the licensing.

Secret Weapon: Stay Motivated

Audible: Listening to motivational audio books can help keep you inspired and focused.

Final Reminder

If you are serious about becoming an indie game developer, consider joining the Ultimate Game Dev Program by Thomas Brush and Jason Wyman. It ends on November 10th, so act quickly to secure your spot!

Keyword

• Indie Game Development
• Unity
• Blender
• Visual Studio
• Audacity
• Logic Pro
• GitHub
• Discord
• Artlist.io
• Freesound.org
• MusicBed
• Pawn5
• Steamworks
• MailChimp
• GMass
• Linktree
• Creator Studio
• Premiere
• Kickstarter
• Indiegogo
• BackerKit
• Zoom
• Streamlabs
• Squarespace
• Turbo Squid
• Mixamo
• Unity Asset Store
• MidJourney
• Audible

FAQ

1. What is the best operating system for indie game development?

   • Windows is recommended due to its compatibility with various development tools.

2. Why choose Unity over other game engines?

   • Unity is free, user-friendly, and integrates well with other tools such as Photoshop, Blender, Visual Studio, and Audacity.

3. What tools are essential for creating game art?

   • Photoshop for 2D art and textures, Blender for 3D modeling.

4. What should I use for coding in Unity?

   • Visual Studio, as it is the recommended C# coding environment for Unity.

5. How can I manage sound effects and music for my game?

   • Use Audacity for sound effects and Logic Pro for music production, albeit on a Mac.

6. What websites are crucial for game development?

   • GitHub for version control, Discord for communication, Artlist.io and Freesound.org for sound effects, MusicBed, and Pawn5 for music.

7. How do I handle the business side of an indie game studio?

   • Utilize Google tools (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides) for communication and document management, and Steamworks for game distribution.

8. What marketing tools should I use?

   • MailChimp or GMass for email marketing, Linktree for link management, social media platforms (via Creator Studio) for promotion, and Premiere for video content creation.

9. How can I fast-track my game development process?

   • Use Turbo Squid for 3D models, Mixamo for animations, Unity Asset Store for assets, and MidJourney for concept art.

10. What’s the best way to stay motivated as a game developer?

    • Listening to motivational audio books on Audible can help maintain focus and drive.

By following these steps and utilizing the recommended tools, you'll be well on your way to successfully running an indie game studio.