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Game Development · head to head

GameMaker Studio 2 vs LÖVE

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Game Development

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Game Development

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

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; LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, LÖVE covers Lua scripting.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and LÖVE differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2LÖVE
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded19992008

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 LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile 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.

GameMaker Studio 2

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

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot 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

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

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

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

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 LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or LÖVE better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and LÖVE at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or LÖVE?
GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and LÖVE at Free.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or LÖVE run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. LÖVE runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
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 LÖVE is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that LÖVE cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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