Ebitengine vs GameMaker: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Ebitengine and GameMaker side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Ebitengine
Develop cross-platform 2D games with Go using a dead simple, high-performance engine.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (GameMaker requires payment)
GameMaker
Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
Best for you if:
- • You want low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
| At a Glance | Ebitengine | GameMaker |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan, one-time packs from $99.99 |
Category | Developer Tools Game Engines | Developer Tools Game Engines |
Rating | n/a | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.4 · G2 4.1 · Trustpilot 1.0 129 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Ebitengine or GameMaker?
Choose Ebitengine if
- You want a fully free tool (GameMaker requires payment)
- You want extremely simple API, making it easy to learn and use
- You want excellent multiplatform support, including mobile and web
Choose GameMaker if
- You want low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
- You want free tier includes all core features with no watermark or splash screen
In-Depth Analysis
Ebitengine
Develop cross-platform 2D games with Go using a dead simple, high-performance engine.
Ebitengine's pricing is exceptionally generous as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: Extremely simple API, making it easy to learn and use.
- Pro: Excellent multiplatform support, including mobile and web.
- Pro: High performance due to GPU utilization and batching.
- Pro: Open-source and free to use.
- Pro: Written in Go, appealing to Go developers.
Weaknesses
- Con: Limited to 2D game development.
- Con: Requires knowledge of the Go programming language.
Key features
GameMaker
Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
GameMaker's pricing is quite generous, especially with the robust Free tier offering desktop, web, and mobile exports without a watermark.
Strengths
- Pro: Low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
- Pro: Free tier includes all core features with no watermark or splash screen
- Pro: One-time $99.99 Professional license, no recurring subscription
- Pro: Proven track record with major indie hits like Undertale and Chicory
Weaknesses
- Con: Focused exclusively on 2D, not suitable for 3D game development
- Con: Console export requires the Enterprise subscription tier
- Con: GML is proprietary and skills do not transfer to other engines
Key features
Plans and prices: Ebitengine vs GameMaker
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ebitengine |
| ebitengine.org read Sep 29, 2026 |
| GameMaker |
| gamemaker.io/en/get read Nov 1, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Ebitengine pricing and GameMaker pricing.
Key Takeaways
Ebitengine
- Choose if you want develop cross-platform 2D games with Go using a dead simple, high-performance engine
GameMaker
- Choose if you want create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Only GameMaker has a published user rating (4.0/5 from 129 reviews); Ebitengine has none we can show.
- GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Ebitengine and GameMaker compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Only GameMaker has a published user rating (4.0/5 from 129 reviews); Ebitengine has none we can show. GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription). Both have a free plan.
What are Ebitengine and GameMaker used for?
Ebitengine: Develop cross-platform 2D games with Go using a dead simple, high-performance engine. GameMaker: Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere.
What does Ebitengine cost vs GameMaker?
Ebitengine is free. GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription). Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between Ebitengine and GameMaker?
Ebitengine's main strength: extremely simple API, making it easy to learn and use. GameMaker's main strength: low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML.