ArcadeMaker
github.com/arcademakersources/arcademaker- Category
- Developer Tools
- Rank
- No. 3355Tools index
Previous survey · No. 3228 ·
- Pricing
- Open Source
- Type
- TOOL
- Use case
- Coding
- GitHub
- 161 stars
- Date
About
ArcadeMaker is an open-source 2D game engine written in C# that includes its own custom scripting language, prototype-named Exp, along with an integrated IDE for writing and running games. It currently uses the MonoGame backend for graphics and audio, enabling exports to desktop, mobile, and console platforms, with web support planned via a KNI-engine implementation. The project is unfinished and was open-sourced by its solo developer for community contribution.
At a glance
ArcadeMaker is a work-in-progress 2D game engine and editor with its own scripting language, Exp. It is worth a look if you want to build a small GameMaker-style prototype or study how a custom game language works.
Good fit
Hobbyists comfortable trying an unfinished editor or contributing to its engine.
Consider something else when
Choose a mature engine if your project needs a supported release pipeline or browser export.
Start here
Follow the first-game tutorial with a throwaway project. Get one object moving, then verify that each editor feature you need has a working engine counterpart.
Cost and requirements
MIT-licensed project. The engine and IDE are written in C# and the graphics and audio backend uses MonoGame.
Limits to know
The author says the current engine does not implement parent objects and the editor’s DLL package manager has no effect. Web support is planned.
Sources checked 2026-11-05. Source-based assessment.
Why it made the leaderboard
Gives game developers a cross-platform 2D engine with an integrated custom-language IDE rather than bolting scripting onto an existing language, a real design choice worth evaluating for small game projects.
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Editorially curated, with community endorsements as a secondary signal. Corrections welcome.