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FMOD vs GameMaker Studio 2

FMOD logo

FMOD

Software

Professional audio middleware for games

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

  • They diverge on capability: FMOD covers FMOD Studio, GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where FMOD and GameMaker Studio 2 differ
AttributeFMODGameMaker Studio 2
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, ConsolesWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch
Founded20021999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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 FMOD

  • FMOD Studio
  • Real-time mixing
  • Adaptive music
  • 3D audio
  • Occlusion
  • DSP effects
  • Live update
  • Profiling tools

Only in GameMaker Studio 2

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

Both cover

  • Local 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.

FMOD

  • Game audionot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Adaptive musicnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Sound effectsnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • VR audionot GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2

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

Where each one falls short

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

FMOD

Nothing recorded yet. See the FMOD review.

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

FMOD

Free
  • IndieFree
    • Full feature set
    • Up to $200K budget
    • All platforms
  • Commercial$6000/project
    • Full feature set
    • Unlimited budget
    • Priority 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 FMOD if

  • You need fmod studio.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles.
  • You also want real-time mixing.
FMOD 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 FMOD or GameMaker Studio 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. FMOD 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, FMOD or GameMaker Studio 2?
FMOD starts at Free and GameMaker Studio 2 at Free.
Does FMOD or GameMaker Studio 2 run on more platforms?
FMOD runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Consoles. GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch.
Can I use FMOD for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is FMOD best used for?
FMOD is most often used for game audio, adaptive music, sound effects, vr audio. Of those, game audio and adaptive music are not what GameMaker Studio 2 is typically brought in for.
What can FMOD do that GameMaker Studio 2 cannot?
FMOD covers FMOD Studio, Real-time mixing, Adaptive music, 3D audio. GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support, Linux support.
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