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GameMaker Studio 2 vs Pygame

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pygame logo

Pygame

Software

Python library for game development

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; Pygame licensed under GNU LGPL v2.1, free to use even in closed-source and commercial games, no paid tier
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, Pygame covers Graphics rendering.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and Pygame differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2Pygame
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchWindows, Macos, Linux, Android
Founded19992000

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 Pygame

  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio playback
  • Input handling
  • Sprite system
  • Collision detection
  • Font rendering
  • Animation support
  • Event system

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

Pygame

  • 2D game developmentnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Game prototypingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Educational gamesnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Learning game developmentnot 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

Pygame

  • Licensed under GNU LGPL v2.1, free to use even in closed-source and commercial games, no paid tier

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

Pygame

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • Python support
    • Graphics rendering

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 Pygame if

  • You need graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
  • You also want audio playback.
Pygame review

Questions people ask

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