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Create cross-platform games for mobile, web, and desktop without writing any code.

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Reviews onCapterra
12 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Enables game creation without programming knowledge

Biggest con

Requires a Mac for testing and publishing to iOS devices

TL;DR - Stencyl

  • Develop cross-platform games without coding using a drag-and-drop interface.
  • Publish games to iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and HTML5.
  • Monetize games through sales, ads, in-app purchases, and sponsorships.
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.5/5 across review platforms

What is Stencyl?

Editorial review
Stencyl is an intuitive game creation software designed for both beginners and power users, enabling the development of games for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and HTML5 without requiring coding knowledge. It utilizes a drag-and-drop interface inspired by MIT Scratch, allowing users to build game logic by snapping together blocks. For advanced users, Stencyl supports custom block creation, engine extension through code, library imports, and custom class development that integrates seamlessly with block-based behaviors. The platform provides a comprehensive toolset for game development, including a Scene Designer for crafting complex worlds with Actors, Tiles, and Terrain, and an Actor Editor for customizing character appearances, behaviors, and physical properties. Stencyl also supports various monetization strategies such as selling games on app stores and platforms like Steam, embedding ads (iAds, AdMob, Newgrounds, and other networks via extensions), implementing in-app purchases for freemium models, and seeking sponsorships. It aims to accelerate the game development workflow, allowing creators to focus on the creative aspects of their games.

Available on: Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Enables game creation without programming knowledge
  • Supports a wide range of target platforms for broad reach
  • Offers flexible monetization strategies for developers
  • Provides advanced coding options for experienced users
  • Intuitive visual tools for world and character design

Cons

  • Requires a Mac for testing and publishing to iOS devices
  • Free plan includes Stencyl branding and limits publishing options
  • No formal support contract included with subscriptions

Ratings Across the Web

4.5(12 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Drag-and-drop game logic builder (MIT Scratch-like interface)Support for custom code, blocks, and libraries for advanced usersScene Designer for building game worlds with Actors, Tiles, and TerrainActor Editor for customizing character properties and behaviorsMulti-platform publishing (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5)Monetization options: App Store/Google Play sales, ad integration (iAds, AdMob), in-app purchases, sponsorshipsNo royalties on game profits

Pricing Plans

Free Trial

Pricing checked Jul 5, 2026

Starter

FREE

  • Publish to Web
  • Individual, personal use
  • Stencyl branding displayed pre-game as a splash screen
  • Test on paid target platforms (desktop, iOS, Android)

Indie

$99 / YR

  • Publish to Web & Desktop
  • Early Access to the Latest Releases
  • Publishing to Web, Windows, Mac & Linux
  • Reach larger audiences via publishers like Steam
  • No watermarks or forced-Stencyl branding
  • Access to our Customer-Only Forums

Studio

$199 / YR

  • Publish to iOS, Android, Web & Desktop
  • Early Access to the Latest Releases
  • Publishing to Web, Windows, Mac & Linux
  • Reach larger audiences via publishers like Steam
  • No watermarks or forced-Stencyl branding
  • Access to our Customer-Only Forums
  • Publishing to iOS & Android
  • Ad Support: iAd, AdMob, and more

How Stencyl's pricing compares

At $8.25/mo, Stencyl is the most affordable of its 2 direct competitors.

Stencyl
$8.25

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 5, 2026.

Reviews

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4.5/5

Across 12 verified user reviews on Capterra

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Stencyl FAQ

How does Stencyl enable game creation without coding?

Stencyl utilizes a drag-and-drop interface, inspired by MIT Scratch, where users build game logic by snapping together visual blocks. This allows both beginners and advanced users to develop games without writing traditional code.

Which platforms can games created with Stencyl be published to?

Games developed using Stencyl can be published across a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and HTML5. This broad compatibility helps maximize a game's reach to different audiences.

What kind of user is Stencyl best suited for?

Stencyl is designed for both beginners who want to create games without coding and power users who need advanced customization. It supports engine extension through code, custom block creation, and integration of libraries for experienced developers.

How does Stencyl compare to Phaser for game development?

Stencyl allows users to create cross-platform games without writing any code, utilizing a drag-and-drop interface. In contrast, Phaser is a JavaScript framework that requires coding knowledge to develop games.

Does Stencyl include options for monetizing games?

Yes, Stencyl supports various monetization strategies, such as selling games on app stores and platforms like Steam. It also allows for embedding ads from networks like iAds and AdMob, and implementing in-app purchases for freemium models.

What are the limitations when developing for iOS with Stencyl?

A key limitation for iOS development is that a Mac is required for testing and publishing games to iOS devices. Additionally, the free plan includes Stencyl branding and restricts publishing options.

How is Stencyl priced?

Stencyl is available on a free tier, which includes certain limitations such as Stencyl branding and restricted publishing options. Paid plans are offered for users who require more extensive features and usage.

Source: stencyl.com

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