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GameMaker Studio 2 vs Twitch

GameMaker Studio 2 logo

GameMaker Studio 2

Software

The fastest way to create games. For everyone.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Twitch logo

Twitch

Software

Where gaming lives

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; Twitch twitch's own App Store description discloses that the app includes Nielsen's proprietary measurement software contributing to third-party market research (Nielsen TV Ratings), with an opt-out only available via a separate Nielsen privacy policy page.
  • They diverge on capability: GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, Twitch covers Live streaming.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where GameMaker Studio 2 and Twitch differ
AttributeGameMaker Studio 2Twitch
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, SwitchWeb, Ios, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo-switch
Founded19992011

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (freemium), 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 Twitch

  • Live streaming
  • Chat interaction
  • Video on demand
  • Clips and highlights
  • Channel subscriptions
  • Donations and bits
  • Extensions
  • Mobile streaming

Both cover

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

Twitch

  • Gaming live streamsnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Content creationnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Community buildingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Esports viewingnot GameMaker Studio 2
  • Creative streamingnot 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

Twitch

  • Twitch's own App Store description discloses that the app includes Nielsen's proprietary measurement software contributing to third-party market research (Nielsen TV Ratings), with an opt-out only available via a separate Nielsen privacy policy page.

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

Twitch

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Watch live streams
    • Chat participation
    • Follow streamers
  • Turbo$8.99/month
    • Ad-free viewing
    • Expanded emoticon set
    • Priority 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 Twitch if

  • You need live streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo-switch.
  • You also want chat interaction.
Twitch review

Questions people ask

Is GameMaker Studio 2 or Twitch better?
Neither clearly leads. GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Twitch at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GameMaker Studio 2 or Twitch?
GameMaker Studio 2 starts at Free and Twitch at Free.
Does GameMaker Studio 2 or Twitch run on more platforms?
GameMaker Studio 2 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox, Switch. Twitch runs on Web, Ios, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo-switch.
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 Twitch is typically brought in for.
What can GameMaker Studio 2 do that Twitch cannot?
GameMaker Studio 2 covers Drag-and-drop interface, GML programming language, Sprite editor, Animation frames. Twitch covers Live streaming, Chat interaction, Video on demand, Clips and highlights. Both handle Ios support.
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