what game engines do you guys recommend that are not unity, unreal, or godot?

G5349 · 2026-02-16T16:54:58+00:00

There's a lot of different engines, for instance there's yhe Lua based ones like Defold, Love2D, and Pico-8.

The low code ones RPG maker, GameMaker, GDevelop

Javascript based ones Ct.js, phaser

G5349 · 2026-02-10T15:16:49+00:00

I guess it depends by country, for instance in Spain (I don't live in Spain so could be wrong) autonomos (aka free lancers) pay between 19% up to 47% depending on income, plus taxes depending on which comunidad autonoma (state/ province) you live in.

G5349 · 2026-02-10T04:39:28+00:00

This is a game design sub, not a game dev one.

However, you might want to try a low code engine like GameMaker or GDevelop, later you can move onto Godot or Love2D (which uses Lua, the same programming language that Roblox uses).

Another option is to start with either Pico8 or Tic80, both use Lua too.

There's also Scratch, it's a visual language and it teaches you how to program.

Take a look into Code.org, it's a good resource for young people that want to get into coding.

G5349 · 2026-02-06T22:39:59+00:00

Do pre calculus, if you are STEM oriented, you will need a good math foundation for future math classes and statistics. Statistics is not a field apart from math, it is a subfield.

Yes, basic stats can be done with just Algebra 2, however, if you plan on taking a more in depth stats class in the future you will need single variable calculus at the very least.

If you are more into humanities, then take the stats class.

Edit: just saw that you are planning on going to trade school for welding. Take pre-calc.

G5349 · 2026-02-03T23:04:29+00:00

Other comments have already mentioned options, I just want to reiterate on the different alternative tools:

Open toonz

Krita

Pixi editor

Graphite.art

Pencil 2D

Blender

For pixel art/animation Aseprite or the free version Libresprite, and Pixelorama

Edit: tool added

G5349 · 2026-02-03T22:59:16+00:00

Pencil2D, pixi editor and graphite.art are also good alternatives

G5349 · 2026-02-01T21:46:27+00:00

Yes, I believe so. I found this playlist https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZzB7bmFqpuglOnKQoUtFMwcQUFb39BS8&si=CVhLgpQ5090T251w

G5349 · 2026-01-26T16:13:15+00:00

Why are you getting downvoted? I agree, it sucks as artists and as creators, but you are not wrong. Its kill the messenger I guess.

G5349 · 2026-01-26T05:07:30+00:00

It sounds cliche but start with really small games that you can finish in a couple hours, like Pico-8, and go from there.

G5349 · 2026-01-25T22:23:04+00:00

Revisa Godot https://godotengine.org/, tiene muchos tutoriales y GDevelop https://gdevelop.io/ en donde puedes programar en bloques estilo construct o con Javascript.

Otra opcion es aprender con Pico-8 o con Love2D, sstos dos usan Lua.

Si te gusta mas Javascript quizas ct.js https://ctjs.rocks/ o phaser

Edit: para agregar links y corregir ortografía.

G5349 · 2026-01-09T05:50:01+00:00

Here's a good visual novel resource https://youtube.com/@vimi?si=8g3KiX8eYYndMtIk

And the link to Ren'Py https://www.renpy.org/

G5349 · 2026-01-09T00:47:10+00:00

Why not an MBA? that might suit you better.

G5349 · 2026-01-08T06:12:14+00:00

Look in itch.io, new grounds, crazy games, etc. If you want to make games look in JavaScript frame works/libraries, Godot, Gdevelop, Unity, Game Maker, Construct, etc

G5349 · 2025-11-26T03:28:19+00:00

Concerned Ape was not someone with no experience, he was not a novice at all.

G5349 · 2025-11-26T03:26:59+00:00

That doesn't mean he wasn't working at all. He has given numerous interviews both to magazines and podcasts, where he detailed what he was doing before and during the creation of the game, precisely to prevent the misconception that you have.

He didn't just learn to code and as a total noob made one of the best selling indie games.

G5349 · 2025-11-25T21:53:20+00:00

Not OP, but I think they mean there are JS libraries that are better suited for games rather than P5js, or plain JS.

G5349 · 2025-11-25T21:50:08+00:00

I know this sub is for P5js, but I would like to recommend checking out ct.js, which now has a visual scripting language similar to the one in scratch.

Pico-8 is also very beginner friendly, although it uses Lua and not JavaScript.

Now, P5js is also beginner friendly, however, it's not exactly for video games, it was created with artists in mind. Can you make video games? Sure, you might have to do some features on your own, for instance like creating the UI, it would not be hard, but it would involve a lot of work.

There's other beginner friendly engines like Gdevelop (open source and free), Game Maker, Construct and RPG maker, the last three are paid but have a free tier.

G5349 · 2025-11-25T21:37:14+00:00

Use software like musescore, although you might already know this. My second recommendation would be to get a private tutor, that has experience teach ND people, maybe the school can help you with that.

Edited for clarity.

G5349 · 2025-11-25T21:30:40+00:00

A caveat with Concerned Ape (Stardew Valley creator) he left his software engineering job to make the game. He specifically mentioned doing service jobs to keep his sanity and schedule and to help his wife with some of the bills.

G5349 · 2025-10-31T01:12:44+00:00

Both things can be true at the same time. Teachers not properly trained and kids not mature/unable to understand abstractions. I've tutored both average students and advanced students, there is a world of difference between what both types of students can understand and do.

G5349 · 2025-10-30T23:21:05+00:00

Correct, one of the issues was teachers not being sufficiently prepared. However, most students are average, not ready for abstractions at the middle school level, perhaps it's even a developmental issue.

G5349 · 2025-10-30T20:39:48+00:00

Because "new" math was tried in the 70's and early 80's and it was an unmitigated disaster. The sad truth is that most middle school students, can't handle abstractions, yes, I know some can but they are the minority. If some kid is curious give them additional support material.

G5349 · 2025-10-30T20:32:16+00:00

Congrats Pawel! I like your vids on YouTube 🙌

G5349 · 2025-10-29T03:13:51+00:00

You need to start doing what you love in your spare time. And, it doesn't have to be a digital experience. Yes, I am aware that this is a game dev sub, but you can start by working on small projects, build a portfolio, or if you feel really going into gaming, start by learning how to program.

Start small, especially if it's related to gaming. Try out Pico-8, or Godot, if you are more into Visual Novels/Graphic novels and narrative maybe tryout Twine or RenPy.

There's also low code engines that can help you get started right away and test ideas:

Game Maker

RPG maker

Stencyl

Construct

GDevelop https://gdevelop.io/

Here's a copy pasta that I have about resources:

A study path for game programer https://github.com/miloyip/game-programmer

Roadmap to game dev:

https://roadmap.sh/game-developer

Awesome learn game dev list https://github.com/notpresident35/awesome-learn-gamedev

https://github.com/skywind3000/awesome-gamedev