PICO-8
A fantasy console for making, sharing, and playing tiny games and other computer programs. Perfect for exploring game design in a lightweight and fun environment.
- Online/Browser Version: PICO-8 Education Edition
Access PICO-8 directly in your browser for free with limited features. - Desktop Version: $15 Download on Itch.io
Full version available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Documentation
- PICO-8 Manual: Comprehensive guide to PICO-8, covering commands, shortcuts, and game development essentials.
- API Cheat Sheet: Quick reference for PICO-8’s API functions.
Example Code and Tutorials
- External Tools with Pico-8: Help setting up Pico-8 (Desktop version) with VS Code
- Simple Platformer Example: Basic example of a platformer game to understand PICO-8 mechanics.
- Nerdy Teachers Platformer Tutorial (with Videos): Step-by-step video tutorials for building a platformer in PICO-8.
Unity
A versatile and powerful game engine used for developing 2D, 3D, VR, and AR games.
- Download: Unity Hub
Install Unity and manage versions of the engine through Unity Hub.
Tutorials
- How to Install Unity – 2023 Beginner’s Guide
A walkthrough on how to download Unity - Set Up Visual Studio Code with Unity and IntelliSense (2023)
Learn how to configure Visual Studio Code for Unity development with full IntelliSense support. - The Unity Tutorial For Complete Beginners
A clear and concise guide to getting started with Unity.
Assets
- Itch.io Assets: A rich repository of game assets for multiple engines, with options for free and paid resources.