Google Cloud Platform by Google
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Game Development Software
GameMaker: Studio reviews and summary
GameMaker Studio, from YoYo Games, is a versatile and popular cross-platform game development platform. It enables developers to create 2D games using a single codebase and publish them natively across a wide array of platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5, and consoles. The environment combines a flexible scripting language (GML) with a visual Drag-and-Drop system, catering to different skill levels. It provides robust tools for sprite and animation editing, tile-based level design, audio mixing, and implementing visual and motion effects. GameMaker Studio is aimed at indie developers, hobbyists, and small to mid-sized game studios focused on 2D game development. It suits both those who prefer visual scripting and those comfort...
Best for
GameMaker Studio is aimed at indie developers, hobbyists, and small to mid-sized game studios focused on 2D game development. It suits both those who prefer visual scripting and those comfortable with writing code, offering a path from beginner to advanced projects.
Starting price
$39.00
Category
Game Development Software
Vendor
YoYo Games
Key takeaways
Our verdict
Our verdict is that GameMaker Studio is a mature, powerful, and accessible platform for 2D game development. Its true strength lies in its unparalleled cross-platform export capabilities, making it an excellent choice for developers who want to reach a maximum audience with a single project.
Quick facts
GameMaker: Studio at a glance
Overall rating
4.4/5
Reviews
79
Starting price
$39.00
Vendor
YoYo Games
Founded
2007
Location
United Kingdom
Category
Game Development Software
Ratings
GameMaker: Studio ratings
Ratings in this section summarize available rating data. Software reviews are shown separately when users submit reviews.
Decision notes
GameMaker: Studio pros and cons
Potential strengths
- Supports multiple export targets from a single project, including mobile, desktop, web, and major consoles, so you can reach more platforms without rebuilding.
- Offers both a visual drag-and-drop system and a full scripting language (GML), making it accessible to beginners while still powerful for experienced developers.
- Includes built-in tools for sprite animation, tile-based level design, and audio mixing without requiring external editors.
Points to verify
- Confirm which console export licenses are available for your target platforms and what the additional royalty or fee structure looks like.
- Test performance with your specific game type 2D games with many on-screen objects may need optimization work in any engine.
- Check the community and asset store to see whether the resources and extensions your project needs are readily available.
Buyer fit
Who uses GameMaker: Studio?
GameMaker Studio is aimed at indie developers, hobbyists, and small to mid-sized game studios focused on 2D game development. It suits both those who prefer visual scripting and those comfortable with writing code, offering a path from beginner to advanced projects.
Feature research
GameMaker: Studio features
These are common features buyers compare in Game Development Software. Product-specific availability should be confirmed with the vendor.
2D Technical Drafting
Create technical designs and schematics within a two-dimensional geometric space.
Three-Dimensional Game Creation
Development of games in a three-dimensional environment.
In-Application Monetization
Offers players options for making purchases within the application.
Gaming Metrics & Usage
Provides reports on game engagement and player statistics.
ITAM (IT Asset Management)
Maintain an inventory of hardware and software assets while monitoring configuration changes.
Online Multiplayer Network
Oversees the networking infrastructure for multiple online games.
Game Physics Engine
Integrates physical laws, including collision, gravity, bouncing, and sliding, into game mechanics.
Game Character Control
Controls character movement and transformations within a game.
Game Prototyping
Develop and distribute gaming prototypes for testing and refinement.
VR/AR Integration
Combines virtual reality and augmented reality into a single application experience.
Pricing
GameMaker: Studio pricing
Starting price
$39.00
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Pricing model: Per Feature
Pricing can change. Confirm current plans and terms with the vendor.
Compare
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Software reviews
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FAQ
GameMaker: Studio FAQs
GameMaker supports export to Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, HTML5, and several console platforms, though console exports may require additional licenses.
No. The platform includes a visual drag-and-drop system for beginners. For more advanced projects, you can use the built-in GameMaker Language (GML).
It is primarily a 2D game development engine. While some 3D elements may be possible, it is not designed for full 3D game creation.
GameMaker provides documentation and a community knowledge base, with chat support available for license holders.
Yes, GameMaker supports in-application monetization options including ads and in-app purchases through platform-specific extensions.
Yes, the engine includes networking capabilities for online multiplayer, though implementation complexity depends on your specific game design.
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