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[DDams]

Here is a project I've been working for a while:
http://creatools.gameclassification.com/

The idea is to build a collaborative database of every videogame creation tools, from the unknown old ones to the famous and current ones. I mean, game creation tools have been around here since the 80's (from level editors to full-scale game authoring tools), but no one seems to have been interessed in referencing them all. I think that building such a database is an interesting step to study the history of amateur video game creation.

So, this database aims to reference tools that allow to create new autonomous games (from Game Maker 1.1 to Inform7, from Pinball Construction Set to Kodu), but also level editors and others modding tools for games (from Lode Runner to LittleBigPlanet, from DeHacked to Lunar Magic).

So far, we've got about 450 tools, mostly focused on tools that allow to create new games. We use a simple classification system so the visitors can sort the tools out (3D or 2D tools, tools with scripting language or with a code-free interface...).

As most of you are experts in the field of amateur game creation tools, I bet you know a lot of tools that are missing from the database. If you're interested in the project, feel free to contribute (the database is open to any contributions).Any help is appreciated to reference tools, as it is quite a huge task considerating the large number of tools available.

But this post isn't a mere "call for contribution."
I've been working on this for quite some time now, and I'm also looking for feedback.
Do you think the project is interesting?
If yes, would you have any suggestion, recommandation, critics regarding the database website or its contents?

Thanks for your help!

[Sharkoss]

Well, it would be cool to see a compiled list, but an actual database seems like overkill.  Not that I'm complaining.  I did a few random searches and unfortunately I got no hits.  I take it this is pretty incomplete.  Are you looking for specific suggestions for games/tools?

[Gimym TILBERT]

http://www.pixelprospector.com/indie-resources/ might also take a look here relative to: 

but no one seems to have been interessed in referencing them all

??

[DDams]

Thanks guys for your replies.

Well, it would be cool to see a compiled list, but an actual database seems like overkill.

Just out of curiosity, why do you think it's an overkill?
My goal is not to just provide a selection of good tools available out there. Because, there is already ressources like the pixel prospector page or the Ambrosine List of tools or the IFWiki that already do it very well.

My goal would be to build a complete reference of all the game making tools that exists or that existed. Some kind of "mobygames", but for the game creation tools. That way, we could help people find lesser known tools, or try to work on the history of videogame making tools (which appears to me as an original way to tackle the history of amateur/indie games).

I take it this is pretty incomplete.  Are you looking for specific suggestions for games/tools?

Basically, any tool that isn't in the database yet is interesting

BTW, what searches did you try that lead to "no results"? Because with 450 tools already in the database, it should usually give you some tools as results of your searches.

[Sharkoss]

Thanks guys for your replies.

Well, it would be cool to see a compiled list, but an actual database seems like overkill.

Just out of curiosity, why do you think it's an overkill?
My goal is not to just provide a selection of good tools available out there. Because, there is already ressources like the pixel prospector page or the Ambrosine List of tools or the IFWiki that already do it very well.

My goal would be to build a complete reference of all the game making tools that exists or that existed. Some kind of "mobygames", but for the game creation tools. That way, we could help people find lesser known tools, or try to work on the history of videogame making tools (which appears to me as an original way to tackle the history of amateur/indie games).

Your point is well-made.  Some kind of detailed compare-and-contrast thing would be useful too.  People always want to know whether they should start out in Construct or GM or whatever.  It can get real confusing for rookies.

I take it this is pretty incomplete.  Are you looking for specific suggestions for games/tools?

Basically, any tool that isn't in the database yet is interesting

BTW, what searches did you try that lead to "no results"? Because with 450 tools already in the database, it should usually give you some tools as results of your searches.

I just threw in some pretty well-known/important games that I know have level editors, like Excitebike, K.C. Munchkin and Ancient Art of War.  Because I'm a nerd.

[DDams]

Yeah, for now, the database mostly feature game authoring tools and very few level editors and modding tools. But you can easily add all the missing games that you are aware of to the database: it's open and collaborative. Just click the "contribute" link in the menu to get started!

[Sharkoss]

I am a stupid nerd.