Determining the “best” game development programs can depend on individual preferences, goals, and the specific aspects of game development you are interested in. Here are some widely regarded game development programs, engines, and platforms:

1. Unity:
   • Unity is a versatile and widely used game development engine. It supports both 2D and 3D game development and is known for its user-friendly interface. Unity uses C# for scripting.
2. Unreal Engine:
   • Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, is a powerful engine used for creating high-end 3D games. It is known for its stunning graphics and is widely used in the industry. Unreal Engine uses C++.
3. Godot Engine:
   • Godot is an open-source game engine that is feature-rich and suitable for both 2D and 3D game development. It has a visual scripting language and supports multiple programming languages, including GDScript.
4. CryEngine:
   • CryEngine is known for its advanced graphical capabilities and is often used for creating visually impressive games. It uses C++ and Lua for scripting.
5. GameMaker Studio:
   • GameMaker Studio is a user-friendly platform suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. It uses its own scripting language, GML (GameMaker Language).
6. Phaser:
   • Phaser is a fast and free open-source framework for Canvas and WebGL-powered browser games. It uses JavaScript.
7. Lumberyard:
   • Amazon Lumberyard is a game development engine with integrated cloud services. It supports high-quality graphics and uses C++.
8. Construct:
   • Construct is a visual scripting game development platform that is particularly suitable for 2D games. It doesn’t require coding and is user-friendly.
9. RPG Maker:
   • RPG Maker is specialized for creating role-playing games. It offers a simple drag-and-drop interface and doesn’t require programming knowledge.
10. Stencyl:
    • Stencyl is a game development platform that uses visual scripting and is suitable for creating 2D games without requiring coding skills.
11. Blender:
    • While primarily known as a 3D modeling and animation tool, Blender also has a game engine for creating interactive 3D content.
12. AppGameKit:
    • AppGameKit is a versatile game development engine that supports both 2D and 3D games. It uses its own programming language, AGK Script.

When choosing a game development program, consider factors such as your skill level, the type of games you want to create, the programming languages you are comfortable with, and the community support available for the platform. Many of these programs offer free versions or community editions to get started.