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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)

Stencyl holds an aggregate rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 12 reviews across Capterra, last checked March 19, 2026.

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 Aug 24, 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

Is Stencyl worth the price?

85/100

Stencyl's pricing is quite fair, offering a generous free tier for personal use.

The jump to the Indie tier at $99/year is reasonable for desktop publishing, and the Studio tier at $199/year provides excellent value for mobile game development. This pricing structure is best for individual game developers and small studios looking for an accessible entry into game creation.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Annual commitment required for paid tiers

No monthly payment option available

Potential costs for third-party plugins

Requires yearly renewal for continued access

How Stencyl Compares to Competitors

Compared to GameMaker Studio 2, which has a Creator tier starting at $39/year for desktop and a Mobile tier at $99/year, Stencyl's Indie tier at $99/year for desktop is competitive. However, Stencyl's Studio tier at $199/year for mobile and desktop is more affordable than GameMaker's equivalent tiers combined, offering good value for cross-platform development.

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 Aug 24, 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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