The best free tools for game art
Asset creation is one of the most important and skilled labor-intensive parts of the game development process, but it doesn't have to come along with a huge price tag. We've compiled a list of some of the best free resources for creating visual art for games: both 2D and 3D assets. Please note that the 3D and 2D descriptors are used here for general ease of use, but many tools are capable of both (and many games use both 2D and 3D assets).
This piece is very much intended as a companion to our Best free game making tools list, and aimed at beginners, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to know more about creating art assets for use in game development without breaking the bank.
You can look out for more free (and low-cost) resources in the future here on Game Developer!
Tried and trusted for years, GIMP (Gnu Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open source solution for creating visual assets. GIMP boasts a wide array of tutorial materials on it's resource page.
GIMP also comes along with an honorable mention for Inkscape, an open-source vector graphics package linked right on the tool's home page.
Artwork in GIMP can be exported to many formats, and the tool even has a handy pros and cons sheet for working in and exporting to various file formats.
The free/basic version of Sketchbook is a useful tool for drawing (particularly using a touch interface), and it supports a robust array of export options. This is especially useful for concept art, 2D art (particularly in a hand-drawn style), and more. The app's basic version is free on the iOS store and Google Play store.
Krita is a free, open-source digital painting tool that works on Windows, Linux, and PC.
The foundation has a robust vision for its tool:
"Krita is a free and open
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