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GameMaker Studio 2 vs Spark AR Studio

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Spark AR Studio logo

Spark AR Studio

Software

Professional AR effect creation for Meta platforms

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; Spark AR Studio 4MB file size limit compared to Lens Studio's 8MB
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, Spark AR Studio covers Visual programming.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and Spark AR Studio differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2Spark AR Studio
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchDesktop
Founded19992004

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 Spark AR Studio

  • Visual programming
  • Face tracking
  • World effects
  • Scripting API
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Messenger
  • Meta Quest

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

Spark AR Studio

  • 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

Spark AR Studio

  • 4MB file size limit compared to Lens Studio's 8MB
  • No 3D body tracking capability unlike competing platforms
  • Limited to Instagram and Facebook ecosystem

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

Spark AR Studio

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Spark AR Studio 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 Spark AR Studio if

  • You need visual programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Desktop.
  • You also want face tracking.
Spark AR Studio review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or Spark AR Studio better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Spark AR Studio at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or Spark AR Studio?
GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Spark AR Studio at Free.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or Spark AR Studio run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. Spark AR Studio runs on Desktop.
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 Spark AR Studio is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that Spark AR Studio cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Spark AR Studio covers Visual programming, Face tracking, World effects, Scripting API.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Spark AR Studio: Is Spark AR Studio still available?

No. Meta announced it would shutter Spark AR at the start of 2026, ending support for new effect submissions.

Source
Spark AR Studio: Was Spark AR Studio free?

Yes. Meta Spark Studio was available as a free download for creating AR effects.

Spark AR Studio: What platforms did Spark AR support?

Spark AR Studio enabled building AR effects for Instagram and Facebook with optional code-based scripting.

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