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Best Mobile Game Development Tools

Building high-quality mobile games require efficient tools. If you are nowhere near game development yet feel the urge to have your own mobile game development experience then you must read this blog. There are a good number of developers who prefer building apps without third party engines. Big-sized gaming companies do not have their own tools and engines. So there is always a two-way traffic where companies outsource various internal processes and workflows. Whether it is a small or a big studio, popular mobile game development tools include names like Unity, Marmalade, Autodesk, Project Anarchy, Cocos2d, Unreal Engine, Corona SDK and Adobe Air. We have discussed the most popular ones here. So please take a look:

Unity

If you are up for vibrant games then Unity surely is a platform that allows users to connect with the audience, develop across cross platforms and achieve great success. Having a great run since 2005, Unity has so far released 5 versions. Both 2D and 3D game development is supported here. This is what makes Unity unique. With its brand new cloud-based development service Unity is surely a one-stop shop. Free tools are available on Unity that can be used in publishing games across Android, Windows Store, BlackBerry 10 and iOS.

Fundamental tools on Unity are free but once a company starts generating annual revenues higher than $100 thousand, licenses are asked for being upgraded to Unity Pro. There are a wide variety of features such as advanced lighting and more editing and coding options that produce high-end games. Temple Run 2, Bad Piggies, The Room, Deus Ex: The Fall and Leviathan Warships are some of big names that have used Unity.

To get a wide range of pricing details visit: www.unity3d.com

Marmalade

This is considered one of the leading game development platforms that finely combine best in form services and a powerful SDK. If you want to stand apart from the crowd then avail Marmalade’s tools that include porting processes. Developers can develop games for free at Marmalade. They can use the SDK to perform coding on C++.

Marmalade Web supports building of hybrid apps using JavaScript, HTML5 and CSS. Marmalade Quick can be used to develop applications using Lua.

Marmalade simplifies the process of porting games and apps to iOS and Android. For pricing visit: www.madewithmarmalade.com

Autodesk

Autodesk is an entertainment and engineering software that has been used in the fields of architecture, construction, 3D design, manufacturing, media and other industries. Mobile game developers have started availing the services of the finest game engine created by Autodesk, Maya LT. Extensive testing went behind the creation of Maya LT.

Nex tool set on Maya LT is available for PC and Mac. There are some key animation features such as key-framing and high-end Autodesk HumanIK rig and skeleton generation tools.

Advanced tools like ShaderFX and Turtle tool are there to help developers with realistic lighting simulation and texture baking respectively. CryEngine, Unity and Unreal Engine are supported by Maya LT.

Unity developers can look forward to have some fun with Autodesk’s popular UI tools. Prices are flexible and suits developers according to their needs. Artists do not have to worry about development hassles due to budget restraints as there are stretches allowed by Autodesk. People can always look forward to have good art representations as industry standard tools are available here.

To get a variety in pricing please visit: www.autodesk.com

Project Anarchy

Project Anarchy works along with Havok’s game engine giving the best splash desirable by mobile game developers. Games can be transported onto Tizen, iOS and Android for free, all thanks to Project Anarchy. Developers are allowed to customize the game engine as they get complete access to C++.

Project Anarchy boasts of Physics, AI products, Havok’s Vision Engine and Animation Studio that provides brilliant features like the asset management system, debugging, LUA scripting, tutorials and a library of sample materials. Mobile developers not only feel comfortable with the high-end software support but they also get a taste of power and versatility.

Visit: www.projectanarchy.com to get a variety of pricing.

Cocos2d

This is a standard 2D game engine that is regarded as one of the fastest growing open source and free platform for mobile game development. There are several versions of Cocos2d available for C++, Ruby, Objective-C, JavaScript, Java and C#. The C++ version is said to be very actively maintained. Scripting language support is also provided making it comfortable for developers who also enjoy community and peer support.

For price and other details visit: http://www.cocos2d-x.org/

Unreal Engine

Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine came into picture way back in 1998. Developers consider this to be an old reliable engine for PC and 3D games. Since 2014 Unreal Engine has opened up to an easy $19 per month plus 5% revenue sharing model. This offer allows developers to have complete access to source codes and advanced tools of the engine.

Written in C++ there cannot be any other development language used here, but Blueprints (an effective visual programming environment) allows development to take place without any codes. With Smartphone App Development becoming a rage developer network at Unreal will surely mean abundant resources for new-age revolutionary game development.

Epic provides video tutorials to teach the nitty-gritty of developing mobile games. Some popular games developed on Unreal are Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, Injustice Infinity Blade series and Borderlands Legends.

Visit: www.unrealengine.com for application based pricing.

Corona SDK

With cross-platform content becoming a growing need, Corona SDK builds high-quality apps in very little time. Apps can be published on multiple platforms. Lua development environment is used by Corona SDK that supports Android, Nook, iOS and Kindle.

People looking for speedy deliveries can surely choose Corona. There are around 25000 studios and indie around the world who avail Corona’s support. Fast revenues and quick rise in visitors will be ensured as Corona ADK is a multifaceted tool that leans on app building that depends on customer specs.

Some of the most popular usages are – Major Magnet, Bubble Ball, Streetfood Tycoon, Fun Run and Blast Monkey.

There are free, pro and Enterprise packages. Visit: www.coronalabs.com

Adobe Air

Adobe Air is a classic cross-platform runtime system produced by Adobe Systems. Applications for iOS, Blackberry, Android and Windows are supported here. Adobe Air technologies have allowed developers to taste huge success for simple 2D games. Extremely stylish apps and gamnes have been developed on this platform.

Developing on Adobe Air SDK using HTML, Dreamweaver, AJAX Flex or Flash will have an added benefit of getting assistance from Adobe experts.

To get details on onetime and annual costs please visit: https://www.adobe.com/support/programs/air/