Google now offers a video game to build video games

Game Builder makes it easy for anyone to create their own games

Video game development has come a long way since Atari and Pong. Graphics are amazing, offering 3D content and real-life characters, and the soundtracks are better than ever. There’s a lot of work that goes into creating a game, and developers have an entire list of coders, special effects experts, script writers and more that are involved with each project. Google thinks creating video games doesn’t need to be that difficult and is launching a new tool that can turn anyone into a developer, even someone with zero coding experience.

Google’s Game Builder has been launched by the tech giant’s Area 120 group, which designs many of the company’s experimental projects. It is a free tool that is available for both PC and Macs, and which allows the user to create 3D games easily. It is currently available only through the Steam platform.

Once the application is downloaded and installed, Game Builder begins prompting the user through a series of steps to set everything up – screen size, project template, demos, etc. Once into the new project, getting used to the different menus, submenus and design options requires a little patience, but can easily be mastered.

The games created can be compared to a game like Minecraft, with its funky squared-off graphics. However, there is also the ability to use the platform’s card-based visual programming system to build more elaborate games. Google also made sure to make the application flexible, giving users the ability to create games in real time with others no matter where they’re located.

Perhaps, eventually, one of the user-built games will make its way to Google’s new Stadia video game streaming platform. It should be coming later this year.