If you’re looking for free resources to learn game development, there are several online platforms and tools that offer tutorials, courses, and game development environments at no cost. Here are some free game development programs and resources:

1. Unity Learn:
   • Unity provides a free learning platform called Unity Learn with tutorials, projects, and courses for beginners and intermediate game developers.
2. Unreal Engine Online Learning:
   • Unreal Engine offers free online courses covering various aspects of game development, from basics to advanced topics.
3. Khan Academy – Computer Programming:
   • Khan Academy offers interactive lessons in computer programming, including JavaScript and SQL, which are useful for game development.
4. Coursera – Game Design and Development:
   • Coursera provides free courses on game design and development offered by universities and institutions worldwide.
5. MIT OpenCourseWare – Introduction to Game Design:
   • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers free online courses on game design, including lecture notes and assignments.
6. Codecademy – Learn Game Development:
   • Codecademy offers interactive coding lessons, including those related to game development using languages like Python and JavaScript.
7. GitHub – Game Off:
   • GitHub hosts the Game Off, a game jam that encourages developers to create open-source games around a theme. Participation is free, and it’s a great way to learn and collaborate.
8. GDevelop:
   • GDevelop is a free, open-source game development platform that is user-friendly and requires no programming knowledge.
9. Godot Engine:
   • Godot is an open-source game engine that is free to use. It has a visual scripting system, making it accessible to beginners.
10. Scratch:
    • Scratch is a free visual programming language and online community developed by MIT. It’s an excellent platform for beginners, especially for younger learners.
11. Brackeys (YouTube Channel):
    • Brackeys is a popular YouTube channel offering free tutorials on game development using Unity, covering a wide range of topics.
12. GameDev.tv (Unity and Unreal Engine Courses):
    • GameDev.tv provides free and paid courses on game development using Unity and Unreal Engine. They often offer free access during promotions.
13. Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) – Web Game Development:
    • MDN offers free documentation and tutorials on web game development using HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript.
14. Alison – Diploma in Game Design:
    • Alison offers a free online diploma course in game design, covering various aspects of the game development process.
15. Inkscape and GIMP:
    • For graphic design in game development, Inkscape (vector graphics) and GIMP (image editing) are free, open-source alternatives to commercial software.

Remember to check the specific terms and conditions of each platform or tool to ensure compliance with their usage policies. Additionally, the game development community is often generous with sharing knowledge, so exploring forums and participating in game jams can be valuable for learning.