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Getting Started with GDevelop

GDevelop is a free, open-source, and cross-platform game creation tool that anyone can use to create games without programming skills.

This guide explains how to get up and running with GDevelop.

Step 1: Install GDevelop

GDevelop is available for all major operating systems, including the latest versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux. To download GDevelop, visit gdevelop.io/download.

The installation instructions depend on the operating system.

  • Windows: double-click the executable. Click on the Next button a few times. This installs GDevelop, launches the app, and adds an icon to the Desktop.
  • macOS:
    • 1. Open the DMG file.
    • 2. Drag “GDevelop.app” into the “~/Applications” directory.
  • Linux:
    • 1. Open a terminal.
      • 2. Make the AppImage file executable by typing chmod a+x GDevelop*.AppImage.
      • 3. Run it: ./GDevelop*.AppImage (or double click on the file).
      There's an online version of GDevelop available at editor.gdevelop.io. In general though, we recommend using the desktop version.
Are you an administrator trying to install GDevelop on a bunch of machines (for example, for a company or a university)? The Windows installer is based on NSIS, so you can find online resources to use it from a script. Read this page to learn about installing GDevelop on a network of machines.

Step 2: Create a new project

  1. Launch GDevelop.
  2. Either click a Template as a starting point, or click Create a Blank Project to start from scratch.
  3. Choose a location and name for the project.

Step 3: Preview the game

If a project has at least one scene, which all of the starter projects do, a Preview button is available via the toolbar. This button launches a preview of the game.

Next step

Depending on your preference, follow one of the two link paths down below.

Wiki path

Begin by reading through the Basic Game Making Concepts wiki page.

Then follow along with the Asteroids Game Example. You'll learn how to create a physics based asteroids game from scratch and discover many of GDevelop's fundamental concepts, such as objects, events, and behaviors.

Video path

Begin with the Official Intro Tutorial Video Series.

Then follow along with Asteroids game example and try to build your own game.