Microsoft MakeCode Arcade vs TIC-80

Struggling to choose between Microsoft MakeCode Arcade and TIC-80? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a Games solution with tags like coding, block-coding, game-design, retro, arcade.

It boasts features such as Block coding interface, Sprite editor, Sound effects, Music, Hundreds of game examples, Remixable games, Multiplayer support, Works on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers and pros including Free and open source, Easy to use block coding, Great for beginners, Large library of examples, Active community support.

On the other hand, TIC-80 is a Gaming Software product tagged with retro, fantasy-console, game-development, emulator.

Its standout features include Pixel art editor for sprites and tiles, Map editor for world/level design, Code editor for writing Lua scripts, Sound editor for composing SFX and music, Cartridge format for sharing games, Emulated fantasy computer environment, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Easy to use interface, Active community support, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5).

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a free, open-source web-based platform that allows users to create retro arcade games using block coding. It features Sprite Editor, sound effects, music, overlays and hundreds of game examples to remix.

Categories:
coding block-coding game-design retro arcade

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade Features

  1. Block coding interface
  2. Sprite editor
  3. Sound effects
  4. Music
  5. Hundreds of game examples
  6. Remixable games
  7. Multiplayer support
  8. Works on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Easy to use block coding

Great for beginners

Large library of examples

Active community support

Cons

Limited functionality compared to advanced game engines

Games can only be played in browser

Limited customization options

No monetization options


TIC-80

TIC-80

TIC-80 is a free and open-source fantasy computer and game development environment that allows users to create, share, and play retro styled games. It has built-in tools for development like code, sprites, maps, sound editors and runs games in an emulated environment.

Categories:
retro fantasy-console game-development emulator

TIC-80 Features

  1. Pixel art editor for sprites and tiles
  2. Map editor for world/level design
  3. Code editor for writing Lua scripts
  4. Sound editor for composing SFX and music
  5. Cartridge format for sharing games
  6. Emulated fantasy computer environment

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Easy to use interface

Active community support

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5)

Cons

Limited to simulated retro hardware

Steep learning curve for coding

No native networking support