Softwr

Software · head to head

GameMaker Studio 2 vs KeyShot

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
KeyShot logo

KeyShot

Software

Real-time 3D rendering and animation

From
$108.25/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; KeyShot professional plan costs £108.25/month per user; total cost for small teams can be substantial
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, KeyShot covers Real-time rendering.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and KeyShot differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2KeyShot
Starting priceFree$108.25/month
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchWindows
Founded19992003

Identical on both: 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 GameMaker Studio 2

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

Only in KeyShot

  • Real-time rendering
  • Ray tracing
  • Animation
  • Material library
  • HDR lighting
  • VR output
  • GPU rendering
  • Denoising

Both cover

  • Windows 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 KeyShot
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot KeyShot
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot KeyShot

KeyShot

  • Product rendering and visualisationnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Real-time ray tracing for design reviewnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • 3D animation and motion graphicsnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Interactive 3D product presentationsnot 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

KeyShot

  • Professional plan costs £108.25/month per user; total cost for small teams can be substantial
  • 3-year commitment reduces to £3,897 per user, but locks in pricing for extended period
  • Network Rendering, Studio VR, and Cloud Rendering are paid add-ons (£29-£99/month additional)
  • No clear platform support information; likely Windows-only based on CAD tool integrations

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

KeyShot

$108.25/month

No published plan breakdown. See the KeyShot 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 KeyShot if

  • You need real-time rendering.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want ray tracing.
KeyShot review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or KeyShot better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and KeyShot at $108.25/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or KeyShot?
GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for GameMaker Studio 2 and $108.25/month for KeyShot.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or KeyShot run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. KeyShot runs on Windows.
Can I use GameMaker Studio 2 for free?
Yes. GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. KeyShot starts at $108.25/month.
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 KeyShot is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that KeyShot cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. KeyShot covers Real-time rendering, Ray tracing, Animation, Material library. Both handle Windows support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on GameMaker Studio 2

More on KeyShot

Keep looking

Other head to heads