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Babylon.js vs GameMaker Studio 2

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

Software

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

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: Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain; 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: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Babylon.js and GameMaker Studio 2 differ
AttributeBabylon.jsGameMaker Studio 2
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Founded19751999

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 Babylon.js

  • WebGL/WebGPU rendering
  • Physics engines
  • GUI system
  • Node material editor
  • WebXR
  • glTF
  • Havok physics
  • Azure

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.

Babylon.js

  • Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2

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

Where each one falls short

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

Babylon.js

  • JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain

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

Babylon.js

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js 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 Babylon.js if

  • You need webgl/webgpu rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
  • You also want physics engines.
Babylon.js 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 Babylon.js or GameMaker Studio 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js 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, Babylon.js or GameMaker Studio 2?
Babylon.js starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free.
Does Babylon.js or GameMaker Studio 2 run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
Can I use Babylon.js for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Babylon.js best used for?
Babylon.js is most often used for web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences, cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support. Of those, web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences and cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support are not what GameMaker Studio 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that GameMaker Studio 2 cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames.
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