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Game Development · head to head

Armory3D vs GameMaker Studio 2

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Game Development

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

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: Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch; 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: Armory3D covers Blender integration, GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and GameMaker Studio 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and GameMaker Studio 2 differ
AttributeArmory3DGameMaker Studio 2
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Founded20161999

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

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 Armory3D

  • Blender integration
  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Haxe scripting
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system
  • Blender

Only in GameMaker Studio 2

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

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Blender-based gamesnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Web gamesnot GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2

  • Building 2D games for desktop, web and mobilenot Armory3D
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot Armory3D
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot Armory3D

Where each one falls short

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

Armory3D

  • Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch

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

Armory3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Blender integration
    • 3D graphics

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 Armory3D if

  • You need blender integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
  • You also want 3d graphics rendering.
Armory3D 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 Armory3D or GameMaker Studio 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D 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, Armory3D or GameMaker Studio 2?
Armory3D starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free.
Does Armory3D or GameMaker Studio 2 run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
Can I use Armory3D for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Armory3D best used for?
Armory3D is most often used for 3d game development, blender-based games, web games. Of those, 3d game development and blender-based games are not what GameMaker Studio 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that GameMaker Studio 2 cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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