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GameMaker Studio 2 vs RPG Maker MZ

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Software

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/one-time
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; RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GameMaker Studio 2 and RPG Maker MZ actually diverge.

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and RPG Maker MZ differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2RPG Maker MZ
Starting priceFree$99.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam
Founded19991945

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 RPG Maker MZ

  • HTML5 rendering
  • Event system
  • Database editor
  • Pixel art support
  • JavaScript plugins
  • Voice acting support
  • Touch controls
  • Cross-platform

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos 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 RPG Maker MZ
  • Indie game development with a drag and drop and GML scripting workflownot RPG Maker MZ
  • Publishing to consoles under an Enterprise subscriptionnot RPG Maker MZ

RPG Maker MZ

  • Making 2D tile based role playing games without programmingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generatornot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Event driven game logic through menu based scriptingnot 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

RPG Maker MZ

  • The free version is a 30 day trial only
  • The software cannot be launched or used unless network authentication completes
  • Installation is limited to two user devices, and installing on three or more is prohibited
  • Company support is not offered to any user who has not completed user registration
  • The licence restricts bundled assets to games produced with RPG Maker MZ and prohibits distributing individual assets
  • Distributed games must state in attached documentation that they were made with the software and must display the notice "(c)Gotcha Gotcha Games Inc./YOJI OJIMA 2020"

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

RPG Maker MZ

$99.99/one-time
  • Standard$99.99/one-time
    • Modern HTML5 engine
    • Enhanced graphics
    • JavaScript plugins

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 RPG Maker MZ if

  • You need html5 rendering.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
  • You also want event system.
RPG Maker MZ review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or RPG Maker MZ better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and RPG Maker MZ at $99.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or RPG Maker MZ?
GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for GameMaker Studio 2 and $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or RPG Maker MZ run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
Can I use GameMaker Studio 2 for free?
Yes. GameMaker Studio 2 has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/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 RPG Maker MZ is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that RPG Maker MZ cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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