GameMaker vs GDevelop: 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 GameMaker and GDevelop side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, GDevelop leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall 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:
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
GDevelop
Open-source no-code game engine
Best for you if:
- • You want free and open source
| At a Glance | GameMaker | GDevelop |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, one-time packs from $99.99 | Free plan, paid from $5.49/mo, billed monthly Silver plan |
Category | Developer Tools Game Engines | Developer Tools Game Engines |
Rating | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.4 · G2 4.1 · Trustpilot 1.0 129 reviews | 4.5/5 Capterra 4.6 · SourceForge 4.3 · G2 4.4 339 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose GameMaker or GDevelop?
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
Choose GDevelop if
- You want free and open source
- You want no coding needed
In-Depth Analysis
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
GDevelop
Open-source no-code game engine
GDevelop's pricing is quite generous, especially with a robust Free tier offering core engine features.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and open source
- Pro: No coding needed
- Pro: Good community
Weaknesses
- Con: 2D focus
- Con: Some limitations
Key features
Plans and prices: GameMaker vs GDevelop
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GameMaker |
| gamemaker.io/en/get read Nov 1, 2026 |
| GDevelop |
| gdevelop.io read Sep 30, 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 GameMaker pricing and GDevelop pricing.
Key Takeaways
GameMaker
- Choose if you want create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere
GDevelop
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.0/5
What the data shows
On the data below, GDevelop leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- GDevelop has the higher user rating (4.0/5 from 129 reviews for GameMaker, 4.5/5 from 339 reviews for GDevelop).
- GDevelop starts at $5.49/mo, billed monthly; 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 GameMaker and GDevelop compare in 2026?
On the data below, GDevelop leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. GDevelop has the higher user rating (4.0/5 from 129 reviews for GameMaker, 4.5/5 from 339 reviews for GDevelop). GDevelop starts at $5.49/mo, billed monthly; GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription). Both have a free plan.
What are GameMaker and GDevelop used for?
GameMaker: Create 2D games with drag-and-drop or code, export anywhere. GDevelop: Open-source no-code game engine.
What does GameMaker cost vs GDevelop?
GameMaker sells one-time packs from $99.99 (no subscription). GDevelop's cheapest paid plan is Silver at $5.49/mo, billed monthly; it also has a free plan. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between GameMaker and GDevelop?
GameMaker's main strength: low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML. GDevelop's main strength: free and open source.