Softwr

Game Development · head to head

GameMaker Studio 2 vs Instagram AR Effects

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Game Development

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Instagram AR Effects logo

Instagram AR Effects

AR/VR & Metaverse

Creative AR effects for Instagram Stories and Reels

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; Instagram AR Effects meta shut down third party AR effect creation tools: "Meta Spark's platform of third party tools and content will no longer be available effective January 14, 2025"
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, Instagram AR Effects covers Face effects.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GameMaker Studio 2 and Instagram AR Effects actually diverge.

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and Instagram AR Effects differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2Instagram AR Effects
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchAr, Ios, Android
CategoryGame DevelopmentAR/VR & Metaverse
Founded19992004

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

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 Instagram AR Effects

  • Face effects
  • World effects
  • Interactive filters
  • Beauty effects
  • Spark AR Studio
  • Instagram Stories
  • Reels
  • Ar support

Both cover

  • Ios 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 Instagram AR Effects
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot Instagram AR Effects
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot Instagram AR Effects

Instagram AR Effects

  • VR Gamingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • AR Marketingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Virtual Trainingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • 3D Visualizationnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Immersive Experiencesnot 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

Instagram AR Effects

  • Meta shut down third party AR effect creation tools: "Meta Spark's platform of third party tools and content will no longer be available effective January 14, 2025"

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

Instagram AR Effects

Free
  • FreeFree
    • AR effects library
    • Effect creation
    • Publishing

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 Instagram AR Effects if

  • You need face effects.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ar, Ios, Android.
  • You also want world effects.
Instagram AR Effects review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or Instagram AR Effects better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Instagram AR Effects at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or Instagram AR Effects?
GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Instagram AR Effects at Free.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or Instagram AR Effects run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. Instagram AR Effects runs on Ar, Ios, Android.
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 Instagram AR Effects is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that Instagram AR Effects cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Instagram AR Effects covers Face effects, World effects, Interactive filters, Beauty effects. Both handle Ios support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on GameMaker Studio 2

More on Instagram AR Effects

Keep looking

Other head to heads