Stencyl
UnclaimedCreate cross-platform games for mobile, web, and desktop without writing any code.
Visit WebsiteTL;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
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 TrialStarter
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
- Leaderboards for iOS & Android
- In-App Purchases for iOS & Android
- Third-party plugins for additional features
About Stencyl
By Toolradar Team·
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.
Reviews
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Stencyl FAQ
How does Stencyl's block-snapping interface compare to traditional coding for game development?
Stencyl's block-snapping interface, inspired by MIT Scratch, allows users to build game logic visually without writing code. It provides hundreds of ready-to-use blocks that can be combined to define game behaviors. For those who prefer or require it, the platform also allows for writing custom code, creating and sharing custom blocks, and extending the engine with libraries and custom classes, offering a hybrid approach to game development.
What are the specific requirements for publishing games to iOS using Stencyl?
To publish games to the App Store using Stencyl, you must have an active iOS developer license from Apple. Additionally, a Mac computer is required for both testing your games on iOS devices and for the final publishing process to the App Store.
Can games created with Stencyl continue to function if a subscription expires?
Yes, games created with Stencyl will continue to work even after your subscription expires. However, it's important to note that Apple and Google may remove games from their respective stores if you withdraw from their Developer Programs, which are separate from your Stencyl subscription.
What types of ad networks are supported for monetizing mobile and web games?
For mobile games, Stencyl directly supports iAds and AdMob. For web games, Newgrounds can be used. A wider variety of ad networks, including ad mediation services, can be integrated through the use of extensions, providing flexibility in ad-based monetization.
Is it possible to upgrade from an Indie subscription to a Studio subscription, and what are the benefits?
Yes, in most cases, you can upgrade from an Indie subscription to a Studio subscription. The Studio plan, which is the most popular, adds the crucial ability to publish games to iOS and Android. It also includes support for ad integration (iAd, AdMob, and more), leaderboards, in-app purchases for mobile platforms, and access to third-party plugins for additional features.
What is the refund policy for Stencyl subscriptions?
Stencyl offers a 30-day refund policy from the date of purchase. This is provided that you have not published any games, which includes submitting them to an app store, sponsorship exchange, or a publisher for review. If you encounter technical difficulties, it is recommended to seek help before requesting a refund.
Source: stencyl.com