microStudio

There's a long road ahead when it comes to becoming a game developer, but you have to start somewhere. Making games already sounds quite intimidating, considering the level of polish in today's latest titles.

There are all sorts of game engines one can use for their game, but perhaps few are simpler to use than the aptly-named microStudio, built to make game development more straightforward for those looking to get into the industry. Based on the versatile web app, the standalone version provides you with a way to keep developing your work without having to worry about your internet connection.

It is easy to begin using this software. Its interface is a modern, rather minimalist one, whose tab-based design makes navigating easier. The Code tab, where you'll be spending most of your time, features an editor that uses the microScript programming language to function.

While picking up a new programming language may sound arduous at first, the tutorials provided were of great aid. Even though we were uninitiated to its workings, we managed to quickly grasp how to get around this language thanks to the engine's guidance.

Code in one tab, draw in the next

What makes this program so intuitive to use is how interconnected everything feels. You write a few lines of code in the main tab, and when it comes to drawing certain elements for your game, the drawSpite command uses your illustrations from the Sprites tab.

The same applies to the other tabs, such as Maps, Sounds, and Music: you can add exciting new elements, then assign them to your game through their respective commands in the code editor.

Testing your work is just as easy: clicking Run will allow you to play your game within the app. If you're happy with the result, you should know that exporting is done through HTML5.

Using microStudio was a very pleasant experience, and our little platformer game was just as fun to play as it was to develop.