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Game Development · head to head

GameMaker Studio 2 vs Meta Quest

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Game Development

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Meta Quest logo

Meta Quest

AR/VR & Metaverse

All-in-one VR headset platform for immersive experiences

From
$299/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, Meta Quest covers 6DoF tracking.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and Meta Quest differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2Meta Quest
Starting priceFree$299/one-time
Pricing modelfreemiumone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchVr, Mixed-reality
CategoryGame DevelopmentAR/VR & Metaverse
Founded19992012

Identical on both: 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 Meta Quest

  • 6DoF tracking
  • Hand tracking
  • Mixed reality passthrough
  • Standalone VR
  • Meta Horizon
  • SteamVR Link
  • Air Link
  • Vr 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 Meta Quest
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot Meta Quest
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot Meta Quest

Meta Quest

  • 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

Meta Quest

Nothing recorded yet. See the Meta Quest review.

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

Meta Quest

$299/one-time
  • Quest 3$499/one-time
    • Mixed reality passthrough
    • Hand tracking
    • App store access

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 Meta Quest if

  • You need 6dof tracking.
  • You work on Vr, Mixed-reality.
  • You also want hand tracking.
Meta Quest review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or Meta Quest better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Meta Quest at $299/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or Meta Quest?
GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for GameMaker Studio 2 and $299/one-time for Meta Quest.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or Meta Quest run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. Meta Quest runs on Vr, Mixed-reality.
Can I use GameMaker Studio 2 for free?
Yes. GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Meta Quest starts at $299/one-time.
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 Meta Quest is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that Meta Quest cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Meta Quest covers 6DoF tracking, Hand tracking, Mixed reality passthrough, Standalone VR.
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