Game development tool: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 15:26, 28 April 2019

Revision as of 14:24, 21 May 2021

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

<!-- 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]]. 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]].

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 [[Microsoft]]) 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]].