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AR/VR & Metaverse · head to head

A-Frame vs GameMaker Studio 2

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

AR/VR & Metaverse

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Game Development

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: A-Frame requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation; GameMaker Studio 2 the free tier is a non-commercial licence; selling a game requires the Professional licence at $99.99
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which A-Frame and GameMaker Studio 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where A-Frame and GameMaker Studio 2 differ
AttributeA-FrameGameMaker Studio 2
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
CategoryAR/VR & MetaverseGame Development
Founded20151999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in A-Frame

  • Declarative HTML
  • Entity-component system
  • WebXR support
  • Cross-platform
  • Three.js
  • AR.js
  • Physics engines
  • Networking

Only in GameMaker Studio 2

  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • GML programming language
  • Sprite editor
  • Animation frames
  • Sound editor
  • Room editor
  • Particle effects
  • Physics system

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

A-Frame

  • Virtual reality web experiencesnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Augmented reality applicationsnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • 3D web visualisationsnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2

  • Building 2D games for desktop, web and mobilenot A-Frame
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot A-Frame
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot A-Frame

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

A-Frame

  • Requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation

GameMaker Studio 2

  • The free tier is a non-commercial licence; selling a game requires the Professional licence at $99.99
  • Console exports are available only on the Enterprise subscription, which is billed at $79.49 per month
  • Source code access is limited to the Enterprise tier
  • Older Creator and Indie subscriptions are no longer renewed when the licence expires
  • Owners of a permanent GameMaker Studio 2 licence get no discount toward current licences

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.

GameMaker Studio 2

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Desktop game creation
    • Community support
    • Standard export options
  • Pro$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Advanced export modules
    • Mobile platforms

Which should you pick?

Choose A-Frame if

  • You need declarative html.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices.
  • You also want entity-component system.
A-Frame review

Choose GameMaker Studio 2 if

  • You need drag-and-drop interface.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
  • You also want gml programming language.
GameMaker Studio 2 review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or GameMaker Studio 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or GameMaker Studio 2?
A-Frame starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free.
Does A-Frame or GameMaker Studio 2 run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
Can I use A-Frame for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is A-Frame best used for?
A-Frame is most often used for virtual reality web experiences, augmented reality applications, 3d web visualisations, interactive 3d content for web browsers. Of those, virtual reality web experiences and augmented reality applications are not what GameMaker Studio 2 is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that GameMaker Studio 2 cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames.
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