Opinion: Why you should be using Construct 2

[In this reprinted #altdevblogaday opinion piece, game design student Rob Braun explains why game developers, especially those just starting out, should give HTML5 game engine Construct 2 a try.] Note: I in no way represent the makers of the Construct 2 software. I am merely a fan of the program and simply trying to bring a wider awareness of the software to the general public. For those in the dark (which I'm willing to bet is most of you), Construct 2 is a game development IDE that is easy to learn and very powerful. Construct is unique in how it goes about working its magic because Construct 2 uses a proprietary system for the back end. Instead of using a traditional coding/scripting language like C, Javascript, or Lua, Construct 2 is based around an event system that takes the place of normal code. While people from a heavy coding background might view this as a handicap, the developers of Construct have done an amazing job of creating a system that can accomplish just about anything. A huge plus with Construct is that it exports created projects as HTML5. This allows content creators to quickly get their games out there for the world to see. It also means you don't have to create different versions to run on different operating systems. This one-size-fits-all approach streamlines the game development process, taking a huge burden off the shoulders of the developer. The biggest plus of Construct is that it is a perfect platform for people just starting out in game development. The user interface is centered around drag-and-drop functionality, allowing you to quickly block out your level design with basic colored blocks. This combined with preloaded behavior types, such as platforming and eight-directional movement, allow for simple prototypes to be created and tested in a matter minutes. The event system is also incredibly intuitive for anyone with even the most basic understanding of game/programming logic, allowing for the rapid creation of additional functionality. Whether you're a student or AAA dev, Construct 2 offers something for everyone and is constantly updated and improved upon by its creators. In an effort to keep the engine as up-to-date as possible, the two men behind Construct's creation release updates every couple of weeks, which means bugs get fixed quickly and new functionality is added often. So, go show a little gamedev love to an amazing product and download the free version at Scirra.com and play around with it a little, and if you like it, download the fully licensed version to help fund an amazing product. NOTE: Construct is currently available on PC only. While this does suck for people who own Macs that are interested in the program, you must keep in mind that the program is being developed by only two guys. Last I had heard, a Mac port was on the agenda but wouldn't be a reality until they had the time/resources to dedicate to it. [This piece was reprinted from #AltDevBlogADay, a shared blog initiative started by @mike_acton devoted to giving game developers of all disciplines a place to motivate each other to write regularly about their personal game development passions.]