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Cocos2d-x vs GameMaker Studio 2

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Software

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

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: Cocos2d-x cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.; 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: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cocos2d-x and GameMaker Studio 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and GameMaker Studio 2 differ
AttributeCocos2d-xGameMaker Studio 2
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Founded20101999

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 Cocos2d-x

  • 2D rendering
  • Physics engine (Chipmunk)
  • Animation system
  • Audio engine
  • Touch input handling
  • Tilemap support
  • Sprite batching
  • Visual Studio

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
  • 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.

Cocos2d-x

  • Mobile game developmentnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • 2D gamesnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Lightweight gamesnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Cross-platform gamesnot GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2

  • Building 2D games for desktop, web and mobilenot Cocos2d-x
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot Cocos2d-x
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot Cocos2d-x

Where each one falls short

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.

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

Cocos2d-x

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine source
    • MIT License
    • Community support

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 Cocos2d-x if

  • You need 2d rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (chipmunk).
Cocos2d-x 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 Cocos2d-x or GameMaker Studio 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x 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, Cocos2d-x or GameMaker Studio 2?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or GameMaker Studio 2 run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
Can I use Cocos2d-x for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Cocos2d-x best used for?
Cocos2d-x is most often used for mobile game development, 2d games, lightweight games, cross-platform games. Of those, mobile game development and 2d games are not what GameMaker Studio 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that GameMaker Studio 2 cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Animation system, Audio engine. GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Both handle Particle effects, GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment.
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