Stencyl is a special program for Windows that helps users unfamiliar with coding to develop video games for mobile and desktop devices as well as publish them on the Internet.

General notes

After a quick setup, you are welcomed by a streamlined and intuitive graphical user interface. The main window is designed to serve as a dashboard that displays the list of games you are currently working on. It also provides quick access to the resources you employ.

If you lack any previous game development experience, you have the option to go through a thirty minute crash course on the topic. This allows you to learn the basics before getting started. It is also necessary to note that the utility has an active community that can help with obtaining new assets.

Advanced customization

When it comes to functionality, the application is not very different from an advanced graphic editor such as Photoshop. Basically, if you have used tools like zoom, snap-to-grid, flood fill, etc. then you will not encounter any problem with building scenes, actors and their behaviors.

Despite the fact that you can use the software without programming knowledge, it allows you to write code. This means, you have the ability to create custom blocks and assets, extend the engine or build desired classes.

Features

free to download and use;
compatible with modern Windows versions;
allows you to develop mobile and desktop videos games;
it is possible to extend the engine by writing code;
you can create custom blocks and assets;
comes with a detailed help guide.