Best Game Engines for Ubuntu

RPG Maker is a collection of game development tools designed to empower users to craft their own role-playing games without needing any programming knowledge. Each iteration of RPG Maker presents distinct features and upgrades to meet varying development requirements. The most recent version, RPG Maker MZ, boasts improvements in areas such as the map editor, character creation options, databases, animations, and plug-ins, which greatly enhance the level of customization available to developers. RPG Maker MV broadens its platform compatibility to encompass MacOSX, Android, and iOS, while also offering enhancements to the map editor, increased resolution, and user-friendly plug-ins. Renowned for its user-friendly interface, RPG Maker VX Ace comes with a comprehensive library of resources and scripts, making it an excellent choice for novices, yet still robust enough for seasoned creators. Additionally, the RPG Maker series delivers a robust array of tools, encompassing a flexible map editor for environmental design and a character generator for the creation of unique characters. Overall, these features collectively contribute to making RPG Maker an appealing choice for both aspiring and experienced game developers alike.

Defold is a versatile and free game engine that is open-source and tailored for efficient cross-platform game creation. It is ready to use immediately after download, eliminating the need for any preliminary setup or configuration, which empowers developers to dive straight into their projects. This engine boasts an array of tools, including a visual editor, a code editor, Lua scripting capabilities, a Lua debugger, a scene editor, a particle editor, and a tilemap editor, all of which cater to both 2D and 3D game development. By utilizing a unified codebase and avoiding the necessity for additional external tools, Defold facilitates the seamless publishing of games across prominent platforms such as PlayStation5, PlayStation4, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Steam, HTML5, and Facebook. The engine features a component-based architecture for game development, enabling developers to construct intricate behaviors from simple building blocks while implementing game logic through Lua. Additionally, developers have the option to enhance their projects by accessing new features from the asset portal, establishing a local build environment for customization, or integrating native code to further expand the engine's capabilities, thus fostering an adaptable and robust development experience. This flexibility makes Defold an appealing choice for both novice and seasoned developers alike.

MonoGame is an open-source framework that empowers developers to build cross-platform games utilizing C# and various .NET languages. It is compatible with an array of platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This framework boasts an extensive range of features, including capabilities for 2D and 3D rendering, sound management, input processing, and content organization, which facilitate the creation of high-quality games in different genres. Serving as a re-imagining of Microsoft's XNA 4 API, MonoGame offers a familiar environment for those who have previously worked with XNA. Noteworthy titles crafted with MonoGame include "Streets of Rage 4," "Carrion," "Celeste," and "Stardew Valley," showcasing the framework's versatility and effectiveness. The MonoGame Foundation, along with a dedicated community, actively oversees the ongoing development and enhancement of the framework, ensuring it remains a valuable tool for game developers. With continuous updates, MonoGame strives to meet the evolving needs of the gaming industry.

Gideros is an open-source and free framework designed for cross-platform game development, allowing developers to craft high-performance 2D games using the Lua programming language. It streamlines the testing process on actual devices via Wi-Fi, removing the need for time-consuming export or deployment steps. Constructed with C/C++ and OpenGL, Gideros guarantees that games operate at native speeds, maximizing the potential of both CPUs and GPUs. The framework is easily extensible through plugins, which enable developers to incorporate pre-existing code written in C, C++, Java, or Objective-C, and connect it to Lua seamlessly. Gideros features its own class system aligned with standard object-oriented programming conventions, promoting clean, modular, and reusable code. The all-encompassing development environment consists of a lightweight IDE, players compatible with desktops and devices, as well as tools for texture packing and font creation. Gideros is compatible with various platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and HTML5, ensuring that developers can reach a broad audience with their games. This versatility makes Gideros an appealing choice for indie developers and small studios aiming to produce engaging gaming experiences.

Solar2D is a game engine that utilizes Lua for its design and emphasizes user-friendly iterations. Originating as an open-source project derived from the popular Corona SDK, it empowers developers to build applications for a multitude of devices including mobile phones, desktops, and connected TVs, all while maintaining a single codebase that caters to platforms like iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, and HTML5. One of its standout features is an instant-update simulator that allows developers to view code modifications in real time, complemented by live builds that facilitate quick testing on actual devices via a local network. Additionally, Solar2D boasts a comprehensive selection of plugins designed to enhance its core capabilities, addressing needs such as in-app advertising, analytics, and multimedia functionalities. Developers seeking further customization can utilize Solar2D Native, which enables the integration of any native libraries or APIs written in languages like C, C++, Objective-C, or Java. Powered by the efficient Lua scripting language, Solar2D is entirely free to use without any hidden costs, fees, or royalties, making it an appealing choice for game developers. This accessibility and flexibility foster a vibrant community of developers who continuously contribute to the engine's growth and capabilities.

Scratch is an innovative and free visual programming language coupled with an online community where individuals can craft their own stories, games, and animations. Created by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch primarily targets users between the ages of 8 and 16, yet its appeal spans all demographics, attracting a significant number of adult users as well. The platform features a user-friendly block-based interface that allows individuals to easily drag and drop code blocks to construct their programs, making it particularly beginner-friendly. Scratch finds its applications in a variety of environments such as schools, museums, libraries, community centers, and private homes. Supporting more than 70 languages, the platform fosters a diverse global community where users can share and remix each other's projects. As of February 2023, the Scratch community boasts over 103 million users and has seen the creation of more than 123 million shared projects. The website also provides an array of resources for parents and educators, including comprehensive guides and tutorials aimed at enhancing learning and teaching experiences. Moreover, Scratch is integrated into after-school programs, educational institutions, and various public knowledge centers, further promoting its use and reach. Its versatility and accessibility make Scratch a valuable tool for creative expression and learning in today's digital age.