Reviews onG2Capterra
128 reviews trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free plan available, paid tiers above
Biggest pro
Low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
Biggest con
Focused exclusively on 2D, not suitable for 3D game development
TL;DR - GameMaker
- 2D game engine with visual drag-and-drop and GML scripting for beginners to professionals
- Exports to desktop, mobile, web, and consoles including PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch
- Free tier with full features; Professional license is a one-time $99.99 payment
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams
4.3/5 across review platforms
What is GameMaker?
GameMaker is a 2D game development engine owned by YoYo Games (Opera) that makes game creation accessible to beginners while remaining powerful for professional studios. It offers both visual drag-and-drop tools and GML (GameMaker Language) programming, with export to Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, HTML5, and consoles including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. GameMaker has powered notable indie titles like Undertale, Chicory, and Hyper Light Drifter. The free tier includes all core features with no watermark, and Professional costs a one-time $99.99 for commercial licensing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low barrier to entry with visual tools and beginner-friendly GML
- Free tier includes all core features with no watermark or splash screen
- One-time $99.99 Professional license, no recurring subscription
- Proven track record with major indie hits like Undertale and Chicory
Cons
- Focused exclusively on 2D, not suitable for 3D game development
- Console export requires the Enterprise subscription tier
- GML is proprietary and skills do not transfer to other engines
Ratings Across the Web
4.3(128 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Visual drag-and-drop editor for code-free game developmentGML (GameMaker Language) for custom scripting and advanced logicMulti-platform export: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, HTML5Console export: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Nintendo SwitchBuilt-in sprite editor, room editor, and asset managementEvent-driven programming system for structured game logicGX.games platform for publishing and sharing gamesIntegrated debugging and performance profiling tools
Pricing
Freemium
GameMaker offers a generous free tier with optional paid upgrades for advanced features.
Reviews
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4.3/5
Across 128 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2
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GameMaker FAQ
How does GameMaker support game development for beginners?
GameMaker provides a low barrier to entry for new developers through its visual drag-and-drop tools. It also offers GML (GameMaker Language), which is designed to be beginner-friendly for those learning to code.
Which teams would benefit most from using GameMaker?
GameMaker is well-suited for independent game developers and small studios focused on 2D game creation. Its accessibility makes it ideal for teams with varying levels of programming experience, from beginners to professionals.
How is GameMaker priced?
GameMaker offers a free tier that includes all core features without watermarks or splash screens. A Professional license is available as a one-time purchase for commercial use, and an Enterprise subscription is required for console export.
Can GameMaker be used to develop games for consoles?
Yes, GameMaker supports exporting games to consoles such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. However, this specific export functionality requires an Enterprise subscription tier.
What kind of projects is GameMaker best suited for?
GameMaker excels at creating 2D games, as demonstrated by successful indie titles like Undertale and Chicory. It provides the tools necessary for developing a wide range of 2D game experiences.
How does GameMaker compare to GDevelop?
GameMaker offers both visual drag-and-drop tools and its proprietary GML for coding, supporting export to a wide array of platforms including major consoles. It has a proven track record with commercially successful indie games.
What are the limitations of using GameMaker for game development?
GameMaker is exclusively focused on 2D game development and is not designed for 3D projects. Additionally, its proprietary GML means that programming skills learned within GameMaker may not be directly transferable to other game engines.
Source: gamemaker.io