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AppGameKit vs GameMaker Studio 2

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AppGameKit exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target; 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: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and GameMaker Studio 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and GameMaker Studio 2 differ
AttributeAppGameKitGameMaker Studio 2
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Founded20041999

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

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 AppGameKit

  • BASIC-like scripting
  • Visual sprite editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sound and music
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger
  • Code compilation

Only in GameMaker Studio 2

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

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • Visual Studio Code
  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

AppGameKit

  • 2D and 3D game development from a single codebasenot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2

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

Where each one falls short

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

AppGameKit

  • Exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
  • The price is not shown on the product page and the product is sold through Steam
  • The vendor describes it as their last outing for traditional programming languages before AI-driven development, which is a poor signal for long-term support
  • appgamekit.com now redirects into the darkbasic.com site

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

AppGameKit

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Multi-platform export
    • Built-in IDE

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 AppGameKit if

  • You need basic-like scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
  • You also want visual sprite editor.
AppGameKit 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 AppGameKit or GameMaker Studio 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit 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, AppGameKit or GameMaker Studio 2?
AppGameKit starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free.
Does AppGameKit or GameMaker Studio 2 run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
Can I use AppGameKit for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is AppGameKit best used for?
AppGameKit is most often used for 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase, cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android, learning game programming in a basic-derived language, prototyping small games quickly. Of those, 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase and cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android are not what GameMaker Studio 2 is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that GameMaker Studio 2 cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Physics engine, Sound and music. GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Both handle Particle effects, Visual Studio Code, GitHub, Local deployment.
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