Those who think that programming skills are required to create 3D gaming applications are only partially right. Yes, a professional typesetter from scratch will draw exactly what he needs, but in this segment there are utilities that allow you to design game masterpieces without specific codes.
Here we are talking about special programs for creating 3D games without programming. Such software combines one simple principle - drag-n-drop, that is, we take an object and drag it with the mouse to the desired coordinates. There are a lot of programs for creating 3D games, but not all of them are equally effective and cope with the tasks. And if advanced users are well-versed in all this diversity, then it is much more difficult for beginners to find a utility for their liking and capabilities.
We will try to understand this issue and designate the best programs for creating games where specific programming knowledge is not necessary at all. All the software described below can be downloaded from the official resources of the developers, so there should be no problems with the breakdown of the pen.
The rating of the best programs for creating games on a PC is as follows:
- Unity 3D.
- Visionaire Studio.
- CraftStudio.
- 3D Rad.
Consider the participants in more detail.
3D Rad
This is a completely free program for creating 3D games that does not require knowledge of programming languages. The product is perfect for beginners in this business, and professionals will appreciate its capabilities when creating some kind of intermediate elements for large projects.
If you are interested in programs for creating 3D games from scratch, then this utility will come in handy. This software allows you to quickly sculpt arcade games, shooters, quests and strategies. The utility interface is maximally simplified, intuitive and even an absolute beginner in this business will deal with it. The program has realistic physics, supports multiplayer modes and allows you to integrate projects on web pages.
Program features
During operation, the user needs to compose objects and set algorithms for their interaction. It is also worth noting that the utility allows you to import projects from other applications, which greatly facilitates the process of creating 3D games.
Although the program has an impressive library of ready-made models, for some users this feature is critical when choosing an editor. In addition, there is the possibility of adding sound design in WAV and OGG formats.
Craftstudio
Another free program for creating 3D games with support for multiplayer modes. That is, different people can work on the same project at the same time in different places. Moreover, this feature is fully implemented, and not for show. There is a group chat, built-in video messenger and other tools for collaboration.
The program allows you to create 3D projects from scratch in real time. The utility interface is intuitive and simple. It will be very difficult to get lost there, but in such cases, you can enable the assistant wizard, who will correctly show and tell you how to work with the basic functionality.
Application Features
There is also pixel texturing, a visual code constructor and a rich library of ready-made and intermediate solutions. If there are few of the latter, then it is possible to export from other graphic editors. Fortunately, the latter works fine and does not distort the code.
The fly in the ointment here is the absence of shaders and shadows, and everything else is done at a very decent level. Especially when you consider that the product is distributed under a free license.
Visionaire studio
If you have never before been involved in 3D-layout, but really want to try yourself in this matter, then this utility will be an excellent assistant in such endeavors. The developer positions his program as a product aimed at creating adventure sagas and fascinating quests. All the necessary tools for this are present.
Instead of the usual scripts, the application builds projects on a logical block designer. And to master the latter is not very difficult. The program interface is very friendly and favors beginners in this matter.
The entire menu is correctly divided into frames, and it, in turn, is divided into sections. The branches are conveniently structured and logical, so getting lost there is quite difficult. In addition, for beginners, a short course of mastering the program is provided, where they are conducted according to the main functionality and talk about remarkable opportunities.
Utility Features
I was pleased with the library, where everyone will find for themselves a template or a blank for the project from hundreds presented. In general, here in the shortest possible time you can create your own game on the principle of coloring. That is, set up template polygons with the same characters and add colors.
It is also worth noting the availability of support for OpenGL and Direct3D, which allows with due persistence to create a fairly high-quality product. In addition, the detailing of objects here is at a very decent level. For an ordinary quest or saga, a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels is quite enough, especially if you take into account the general interest in indie games with pixel graphics.
Among other advantages, one can also note support for importing video in AVI format, an advanced system of particles, equipment and actions, as well as trouble-free operation with popular audio formats. Almost the only fly in the ointment of this program is the lack of Russian-language localization. I have to look for an amateur version of the translation on thematic forums.
The product is distributed both under a free and a paid license. The first is quite suitable for home use and pen testing, but for those who need the whole set of tools, but here it is impressive, they will have to shell out a key.
Unity 3D
The program for creating games "Unity 3D" for many has become the best and indispensable. This software will be useful for those who professionally approach the creation of animation and games in particular. Projects that have been made at Unity are compatible with all popular operating systems and platforms, from mobile android gadgets with smart TVs to powerful Macs and Windows.
The local library offers the user a huge selection of ready-made models, individual textures, scripts and other templates. Moreover, they are all easily configured and adapted to specific tasks. All templates can be supplemented with your own imported content - music, video or images.
The principle of the engine is based on the trained PhysX physics core. The behavioral structure of specific models or entire polygons depends on it. The engine supports importing projects from other popular applications and subsequently competently adapts them in its environment. It is also worth noting that you can manage each individual object or script yourself, and not give everything entirely to a behavioral automaton.
Distinctive features of Unity
As for the threshold of entry, here it is necessary to study a lot of literature and familiarize yourself with training video lessons. If you previously used similar graphics engines, then the adaptation to Unity will be very fast. The benefit of the interface and intelligent branching of the menu contribute to this. But beginners will have to learn step by step the capabilities of the program and move from simple to complex. And this is despite the fact that the program for creating 3D games in Russian, and with extremely competent localization.
Many abandoned Unity for its high entry threshold and switched to simpler utilities, such as those described above. But if you should master this engine properly, then you will be surprised how high-quality content will turn out at the exit and how easy the complicated steps will be given earlier.
As obvious advantages, one can note almost unlimited possibilities for creating serious projects, support for browser 3D visualization, excellent compatibility with game consoles and a huge number of tools for implementing any ideas. In addition, multi-platform also contributes to this.
Distribution Terms
The basic version of Unity is free, but the functionality and tools there are so limited that even for the most serious needs, it will not work. An amateur test of the pen for beginners and learning the basics is its main function, but for other things you have to go broke on a paid licensed copy.
Despite its decent cost, the engine completely and fully justifies the money invested in it, especially if you should sit on the manuals with video lessons. As a result, all the time spent on training will pay off with interest.