One of the most important decisions in becoming a game developer is what game engine to use. A game engine gives the creator tools and frameworks in which to create their experiences. And the wrong game engine can severely limit creativity, productivity, and success. Given the availability of game engines, this is a list of the best game engines for beginners and what's made them stand out:

1. Unity

One of the well-known game engines globally offers flexibility to a 2D or 3D game development medium. The user interface of this is not difficult. Its large documentation and broad community makes it perfect for newbies. This game supports a range of platforms-from PC and console to mobile and VR-so that users can target a maximum audience.

Main Features Include:

Strong asset store with prebuilt models, scripts, and tools.
C# programming language that is easy to learn but still very powerful.
Flexibility in creating games in any genre from indie projects to AAA titles.
Examples of games made using Unity: Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest.

2. Unreal Engine

Developed by Epic Games, Unreal Engine is known for the creation of AAA games; however, its beginner-friendly features like Blueprints Visual Scripting make it easy for developers to develop games without much knowledge about programming.
Key feature is:

Advanced visual fidelity with Lumen and Nanite tools for creating photorealistic environments.
Scalable from small projects up to massive projects.
Even supports C++ for the advanced.
Games such as Fortnite and Gears of War are the best examples of Unreal Engine's power.

3. Godot

Godot is an emerging star in the world of game engines, especially for indie developers and for those who are looking for a lightweight, open-source option. It supports both 2D and 3D development but with a specific focus on 2D projects.

Key features include:

Simple node-based architecture for organizing game elements.
GDScript is similar to Python, so any beginner can learn it without much hassle.
Totally free, no licensing fees, so is accessible to all.
Influential games like Cruelty Squad show just what Godot can be.

4. GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2 is perfect for aspiring developers looking to do 2D game development. It features a drag-and-drop interface, so new developers can create games without writing code, although advanced developers can use its built-in scripting language, GML.

The key features include:

Work flow intuitive to 2D games.
Tools that support rapid prototyping and iteration
Cross-platform support, from mobile to desktop
Understandably, the most popular hit games Undertale and Hyper Light Drifter also used GameMaker.

5. CryEngine

`1For high graph rendering, CryEngine happens to be a great opportunity for developers. The company renowned for creating worlds of a lifelike atmosphere for FPS and action-adventure games is CryEngine.
KEY FEATURES
Rendering technology of realistic images
Free from paying royalties for the independent creators
Audio and AI functionalities in-built into it for more life-like gaming
Examples in games: Far Cry or Crysis.

Every game engine is different and meets various needs and skill levels. Some of them are great all-around versatile powerhouses, while others cater to specific tastes, like Godot for open-source enthusiasts or GameMaker for 2D development. CryEngine is suited for those who wish to use the cutting edge of visuals. For the beginners, playing around with all these engines will help in finding out which one aligns the most with your vision and goals. Dedication and the right tools are enough to create the next big hit.