Game development tool: Difference between revisions

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

{{Unreferenced|date=December 2009}}

{{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 software|application]] that assists or facilitates the making of a [[Video game|computer or 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 [[Sony 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.

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Images of the player's character were also hard-coded, being drawn, frame by frame, by source code commands. As soon as the more technologically advanced use of [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] became common, game development tools began to emerge, custom programmed by the [[game programmer|programmer]]. Today, game development tools are still often programmed by members of the game development team by programmers, often whose sole job is to develop and maintain tools.

==Examples==

* ''Bitsy'': A game development tool featured exclusively at [[itch.io]]

* [[RPG Maker]], known in [[Japan]] as '''RPG Tsukūru''' for the development of [[role-playing video games]] (RPGs)

==Use==

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Outside of the game development team during the game's creation, many tools would have little facility. Level editors, however, once entirely proprietary, have increasingly been included with the shipping game to allow users to create their own game scenarios. Some games, such as [[Firaxis]]' ''[[Civilization IV]]'', are built with user [[Mod (computer gaming)|modification]] in mind and include numerous tools for game customizing.

==See also==

* [[Game engine]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Video game development]]