Microsoft MakeCode Arcade icon

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.

What is Microsoft MakeCode Arcade?

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade is a free, open-source web-based platform for creating retro arcade games using block coding. It allows users to build games with simple drag-and-drop blocks, without needing to know how to code.

Some key features of MakeCode Arcade include:

  • Sprite Editor - Create characters and backdrops for games using the built-in pixel art editor.
  • Sound Effects & Music - Add sound effects and background music to games.
  • Hundreds of Examples - Remix and learn from hundreds of game examples in different genres.
  • Block Coding - Use simple visual blocks to code game logic and behaviors without typing code.
  • Overlays - Create customizable overlays with scores, lives, timers etc.
  • Run Games Online - Test and run games instantly using the web browser.
  • Export Games - Download games to run offline or distribute.

With an easy block-based interface and retro pixel-art style, Microsoft MakeCode Arcade allows anyone to start building and customizing arcade games right away in the web browser.

The Best Microsoft MakeCode Arcade Alternatives

Top Apps like Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Scratch, Godot Engine, GDevelop, PICO-8, Construct 3, TIC-80, Tynker, Gandi IDE, Pixel Vision 8 are some alternatives to Microsoft MakeCode Arcade.

Scratch

Scratch is a free visual programming language and online community developed by the MIT Media Lab. It allows users to create interactive stories, games, animations, music, art, and more using a simple drag-and-drop interface.With Scratch, you snap together colorful programming blocks like puzzle pieces to build programs. There is...

Godot Engine

Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine designed for 2D and 3D game development. It is completely free and open source under the MIT license.Some key features and capabilities of Godot Engine include:Intuitive and easy-to-use interface for quick development iterationsComprehensive set of 2D and 3D nodes for...

GDevelop

GDevelop is an open-source, cross-platform 2D game engine and IDE. It allows users with no coding knowledge to quickly build and deploy games using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and behaviors system.Key features of GDevelop include:Visual scripting system using events and conditions rather than codeSupport for multiple platforms including...

PICO-8

PICO-8 is a fantasy video game console developed by Lexaloffle Games. It is designed to mimic the look, feel and limitations of consoles from the 1980s like the Nintendo Entertainment System, within the framework of a modern digital audio workstation.Some key features of PICO-8 include:A 128x128 pixel display...

Construct 3

Construct 3 is a versatile 2D and 3D game creator optimized for rapid iteration and publishing games to the web. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows non-coders to quickly build games without writing any code.Some key features of Construct 3 include:Powerful 2D and 3D rendering engines for visually...

TIC-80

TIC-80 is a free and open-source fantasy computer and game development environment that emulates a 1980s computer with 256 color display, 16 color sprites, 6 channel sound and built-in tools for development like code, sprites, maps, and sound editors.It allows users to create, share, and play tiny retro styled games. The environment...

Tynker

Tynker is an educational programming platform used to teach children coding skills and concepts through game creation, visual programming, and interactive courses. It uses a intuitive, block-based interface that allows kids to drag and drop blocks of code to create games, apps, mods, and more without needing to learn syntax...

Gandi IDE

Gandi IDE is a feature-rich cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) designed for coding websites and web applications directly within a web browser. It provides developers a convenient way to write, edit, and manage code without needing to install development software locally.Some key features of Gandi IDE include:In-browser coding...

Pixel Vision 8

Pixel Vision 8 is a 2D game engine and integrated development environment that emulates the style and limitations of creating games on 1980s 8-bit game consoles like the NES or Sega Master System. It features a visual scripting system using flowchart-style logic blocks for game logic, avoiding the need to code...