Useful gamedev tools from itch.io

A great idea for a game strikes you like lightning. You start writing up how it will work but then you wonder how it will actually look or sound? You’re more programmer than digital artist you think to yourself. Luckily there are tools out there to keep you going. 

Let’s get some ideas and tools into our cauldron and brew up some fun with these useful gamedev tools from itch.io!

Graphics and art tools

If you haven’t heard of itch.io yet then keep reading for some useful tools. I’ll share with you some tools from itch.io to help you create character art, textures, music and sound effects. 

Pixel Art is all the rage with indie games. It pulls you into that retro 80s / 90s feel back when you were playing arcade and Super Nintendo games. Nostalgia at its best.

Pixelator by RonenNess gives you the power to convert high resolution images into pixel art. You can take some creative commons licensed images or a rough sketch done in your favorite paint program and now use them in your games with that pixel art feel. This is great for game jams where you only have a few days to complete a project before you submit. 

Take your generated pixel art and use JPixel by Emad to create tilesets and animations. 

For your game world use SLK_img2pixel by Lukas Holzbeirlein to generate your world textures.

Need to make some quick characters for your game jam? Check out Pixeldudesmaker by 0x72 and now you have generated animated characters to use. 

If you’re thinking of making a pixel art 3d game then check out picoCAD by Johan Peitz. 

Sound effects and music

What about sound effects and music?

Chiptunes goes best with our Pixel art retro style, so check out Bosca Ceoil by Terry Cavanaugh or Pata Tracker by Cedric Stoquer and you’ll be composing the next memorable theme that would make Koji Kondo proud. 

Maybe you want to mix retro with modern and with Ribs by hyova audio you can do just that. 

If you’re looking for some exotic sound effects use Fractal Sound Explorer by CodeParade.

Now you’re all set to work on your game play!

Of course, don’t forget to mention the tool authors of these useful gamedev tools who have helped you get your game project started. 

I’d love to see what you come up with using these tools, so don’t forget to share them in the comments.

Thank you for reading Tandem Coder!

Continue on your journey and find a fun way to learn programming!