Pico-8

I've recently become obsessed with Pico-8 and have begun learning how to use it. As of writing this (2 Feb 2025), I am still at entry level but I am beginning to comprehend coding with the subset of Lua used to create Pico-8 games. The development kit/OS is available to purchase DRM-free from the creator for only $15. If you are interested in seeing if you're cut out to create games, but like me you still find Godot a bit intimidating, Pico-8 seems to provide one the gentlest learning curves of any of the engines out there. If you are interested but aren't prepared to part with that much money just yet, there is also a browser-based online version that you can use to see what it's all about., with the only difference being that anything you save on the browser-based version is temporary.

Official Site

Lexaloffle - Pico-8
Upon first visit to the website, you are met with a selection of 14 games to try right in the browser, with an option to explore even more user-created games. You will also be provided with the specifications of this fantasy game console, which are intentionally limited to encourage creativity.