Game development tool: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Type of specialized software application}}

{{distinguish|game engine|game creation system}}

{{More citations needed|date=June 2023}}

<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[Image:UnrealEd.jpg|thumb|[[UnrealEd]] is an example of a [[level editor]], one type of a game development tool. {{deletable image-caption}}]] -->

A '''game development tool''' is a specialized [[software application]] that assists or facilitates the making of a [[video game]]. Some tasks handled by tools include the conversion of assets (such as [[3D model]]s, [[Texture mapping|texture]]s, etc.) into formats required by the game, [[level editor|level editing]] and [[Scripting language|script]] [[compiler|compilation]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 30 Game Development Tools |url=https://startupstash.com/game-development-tools/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Startup Stash |language=en-US}}</ref>

Almost all game development tools are developed by the [[video game developer|developer]] custom for one game, or by a console manufacturer (such as [[Nintendo]] or [[MicrosoftSony Interactive Entertainment|Sony]]) as part of a [[game development kit]]. Though tools may be re-used for later games, they almost always start out as a resource for a single game. While many [[Commercial off-the-shelf|COTS]] packages are used in the production of games&mdash;such as 3D packages like [[Maya (software)|Maya]] and [[3D Studio Max]], graphic editors like [[Photoshop]] and [[Integrated development environment|IDE]]s like [[Microsoft Visual Studio]]&mdash;they are not considered solely game development tools since they have uses beyond [[video game development|game development]].

The game tools may or may not be released along with the final game, depending on what the tool is used for. For contemporary games, it is common to include at least level editors with games that require them.