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GameMaker Studio 2 vs LDtk

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LDtk logo

LDtk

Software

Modern 2D level editor from the creator of Dead Cells

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; LDtk no web, iOS, or Android build; it is an Electron desktop app for Windows/macOS/Linux only
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, LDtk covers Auto-layers.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and LDtk differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2LDtk
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded19992020

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 GameMaker Studio 2

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

Only in LDtk

  • Auto-layers
  • IntGrid layers
  • Entity system
  • Enums
  • World map
  • Rule-based tiling
  • JSON export
  • Hot reloading

Both cover

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

LDtk

  • 2D platformer and top-down level buildingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Placing customizable entities such as spawns, enemies, items, and triggersnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Auto-tiling and auto-rendering via a visual rule systemnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Multi-level 'worlds' with seamless level transitionsnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Native Aseprite (.aseprite) import with live reloadingnot 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

LDtk

  • No web, iOS, or Android build; it is an Electron desktop app for Windows/macOS/Linux only
  • Native format is JSON; use with other formats such as Tiled TMX requires a separate importer or custom parsing
  • Engine integration depends on separate official importers/libraries per engine (Unity, Godot, MonoGame, Bevy, GameMaker, Haxe, Playdate)
  • dev-x.y.z branches on GitHub are explicitly flagged as potentially unstable and not for production

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

LDtk

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the LDtk 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 LDtk if

  • You need auto-layers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want intgrid layers.
LDtk review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or LDtk better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and LDtk at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or LDtk?
GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and LDtk at Free.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or LDtk run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. LDtk runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 LDtk is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that LDtk cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. LDtk covers Auto-layers, IntGrid layers, Entity system, Enums. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support, Linux support.
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