Construct 3 is the game making platform we are using to create educational games. We love it because it’s a fully featured 2d game engine, but is also beginner friendly – and the good news is, you can get started completely free (our beginner tutorials all can be created using the free version).
But with a free and paid version, you might be wondering what the difference is and which one is right for you.
The Free Version:
Think of Construct 3’s free edition as a well-equipped playground for beginner game makers. Here’s what you can achieve:
- Build various game types: Craft a whole variety of educational (and, of course non-educational) games including platform games, shooters, quizzes and more! The free version lets you experiment with different genres to find what sparks your passion.
- Learn the ropes: With access to all the core features like layouts, events and behaviors, you can grasp the fundamentals of game development.
- Create surprisingly complex games: Don’t underestimate the free version’s power. You can build games with multiple levels, countdowns, scores etc – there is certainly plenty there to allow beginner game makers to create simple – and not so simple games.
Limitations of the Free Version
While the free version is excellent for beginners, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
- Project complexity: Free projects are capped at 2 layers (like foreground and background) and 50 events (think of events as actions and reactions in your game). This might restrict very elaborate games.
- Limited exporting options: You can’t export your game as a standalone executable file (.exe) with the free version. This means while you can share your game in the Construct arcade, or add it to your website, you can’t easily share your game for others to play on their computers.
- No access to advanced features: Powerful features like advanced physics, mobile app exporting, and multiplayer functionality are reserved for paid licenses.
Upgrading to the Paid Version: When It’s Time to Level Up
As your game development skills grow and your projects become more ambitious, you might hit the limitations of the free version. Here’s where the paid versions come in:
- Endless events: Paid licenses remove the limitations on layers, events, and exporting options, giving you the freedom to create feature-rich games. The lifting of the limit on events is likely to be one of the things that triggers your need to upgrade.
- Advanced features: Explore powerful tools like enhanced physics behavior, mobile app exporting, and multiplayer capabilities to take your games to the next level.
- Support the developers: Upgrading shows your appreciation for Construct 3 and helps the developers keep improving the platform.
Business Use? A Note on Construct 3 Licenses
If you’re planning to develop games commercially, you’ll need a Construct 3 business license. This applies even if you’re a one-person operation. Business licenses offer the same benefits as the higher-tier paid versions, but are crucial to ensure you’re following the software’s terms of service.
The Bottom Line: Free to Start, Paid to Grow
Construct 3’s free version is a fantastic way for beginners to dip their toes into game development. It provides a robust set of tools to build engaging games and learn the core concepts. When you’re ready to push the boundaries and create more complex and feature-rich games, the paid versions offer the power and flexibility to bring your vision to life. So start exploring your creativity with the free version, and when you’re ready to take your game making journey further, the paid options await!
For up-to-date pricing and a detailed comparison of the features in the free vs paid for plans see the Construct page.
