Free Google app makes it easier than ever to build games on Mac

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Google-Game-Builder
You don’t need to write a single line of code.
Photo: Google

Google’s latest desktop app makes it easier than ever to build 3D games on your Mac. The aptly-named Game Builder doesn’t require you to write a single line of code — and it’s completely free to use.

If you’re into games, you’ve probably thought about building your own at some point in the past. But if you don’t know how to code, that dream is pretty much dead in the water. That’s no longer the case.

Google says anyone can build a 3D platformer in just 10 minutes with its new Game Builder app. And if you put a bit more time into it, you might just create the next indie hit. Here’s why you have to try it out.

Game Builder is for everyone

Game Builder wasn’t just designed for those who don’t know how to code; it’s aimed at everyone, no matter what your skill level.

That means it’s great for those who want to build a game without actually learning how to do it — as well as experienced designers and developers who want to quickly flesh out their ideas.

Google-Game-Builder-GIF
Game Builder looks like a lot of fun.
Photo: Google

Its card-based visual programming system means you can build complex titles without writing any code, while easy to use construction tools let you throw together gorgeous levels and environments in no time at all.

Game Builder also comes with free 3D models, so you don’t even have to design your own characters from scratch. You will also find things like lights, sounds, and particle effects.

You can code if you want to

If you do know a thing or two about game development, the option to live-code using JavaScript is there as well. This gives you the opportunity to create things that might not be available with a few clicks inside Game Builder.

Google hopes that Game Builder will make creating games fun. The app itself is designed to feel like a game, and many have compared building levels to creating worlds in Minecraft.

In fact, you can even team up with friends online and build games together. Or, allow friends to try out your title as you’re working on it.

Why aren’t you building already?

Game Builder is “an experimental prototype” for now, Google says. So even though it’s incredibly powerful already, it could be even better. If plenty of people use it — and have fun with it — Google will make it even greater.

Excited? You should be. Start building your own game today by downloading Game Builder from Steam on Mac or PC.

You don’t need a particularly powerful machine; an old Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB of RAM is enough.

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