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Game Development · head to head

GameMaker Studio 2 vs Godot Engine

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Game Development

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Godot Engine logo

Godot Engine

Game Development

Free and open-source 2D and 3D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GameMaker Studio 2 the free tier is a non-commercial licence; selling a game requires the Professional licence at $99.99; Godot Engine no royalties or licensing fees, but requires self-hosting and maintenance of the engine builds
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, Godot Engine covers Scene system.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and Godot Engine differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2Godot Engine
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchLinux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles
Founded19992007

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 GameMaker Studio 2

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

Only in Godot Engine

  • Scene system
  • GDScript language
  • Visual shader editor
  • 2D and 3D rendering
  • Physics engine
  • Built-in animation tools
  • Debugging tools
  • Asset library

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • Aseprite
  • Local deployment
  • Console deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

GameMaker Studio 2

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

Godot Engine

  • 2D game developmentnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • 3D game developmentnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Cross-platform game deploymentnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • VFX and simulation projectsnot GameMaker Studio 2

Where each one falls short

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

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

Godot Engine

  • No royalties or licensing fees, but requires self-hosting and maintenance of the engine builds
  • Console export support exists but requires additional SDK setup and licensing with each console manufacturer separately

Pricing, plan by plan

GameMaker Studio 2

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Desktop game creation
    • Community support
    • Standard export options
  • Pro$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Advanced export modules
    • Mobile platforms

Godot Engine

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Godot Engine review.

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Godot Engine if

  • You need scene system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles.
  • You also want gdscript language.
Godot Engine review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or Godot Engine better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Godot Engine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or Godot Engine?
GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Godot Engine at Free.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or Godot Engine run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. Godot Engine runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Web, Consoles.
Can I use GameMaker Studio 2 for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is GameMaker Studio 2 best used for?
GameMaker Studio 2 is most often used for building 2d games for desktop, web and mobile, indie game development with a drag and drop and gml scripting workflow, publishing to consoles under an enterprise subscription. Of those, building 2d games for desktop, web and mobile and indie game development with a drag and drop and gml scripting workflow are not what Godot Engine is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that Godot Engine cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Godot Engine covers Scene system, GDScript language, Visual shader editor, 2D and 3D rendering. Both handle GitHub, Aseprite, Local deployment, Console deployment.
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