GameMaker

Overview

GameMaker is a game-development tool with code and visual scripting, multiplayer tools and exports for a wide range of targets. It is best suited to developers who want to build for desktop, web or mobile and may need consoles later. The free tier is restricted to non-commercial use, so a commercial release requires a paid plan.

Key features

Developers can work in GML Code or GML Visual. That choice accommodates code-first and visual workflows in one tool; multiplayer tools are also included, although their scope is not defined. The combination is useful for projects that need scripting flexibility, but the facts do not establish how the two approaches interact.

Targets include GX.games, Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, HTML5, Android, iOS, tvOS, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Mobile export is supported, and the target range gives developers room to plan for several platforms. Plan access matters, though: Professional covers desktop, web and mobile exports, while console exports require Enterprise.

GameMaker is source-available, and Enterprise includes source code access. That access is a meaningful distinction for developers who need the code, rather than an entitlement to assume on the lower tiers.

Pricing

Free costs nothing and permits non-commercial use only, with no console exports. It suits learning and non-commercial projects, but not a commercial launch or console release.

Professional is priced at $99.99 a month, with a billed One-time purchase note. It includes a commercial licence and desktop, web and mobile exports. This is the relevant tier for commercial releases on those platforms, but the monthly price and one-time billing wording pull in different directions; buyers should resolve that before purchasing.

Enterprise is priced at $79.99 a month, billed Monthly. It adds a commercial licence, console exports and source code access. Choose it when console distribution or code access is necessary; otherwise, its listed additions may not justify moving beyond Professional. The Professional price is higher than Enterprise despite its one-time billing note, so compare the terms carefully rather than treating the figures as directly comparable recurring costs.

Platforms

GameMaker runs on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows. Its target platforms extend to GX.games, HTML5, tvOS, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, alongside Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android and iOS. Console targets do not mean console export is included on every plan: Enterprise is required.

Who it's for

GameMaker fits developers who want a choice of visual or code-based scripting and a path to desktop, web and mobile releases under a commercial licence. It is less suitable for commercial developers who want a free plan, or for console work on a lower tier. Those needs require, respectively, a paid plan or Enterprise.

Pros and cons

• Pros: GML Code and GML Visual offer two scripting approaches; desktop, web and mobile exports are included with a commercial licence on Professional.
• Pros: Enterprise adds console exports and source code access for developers who need either.
• Cons: Free is non-commercial and excludes console exports, limiting it to learning and non-commercial projects.
• Cons: Professional's $99.99 a month price conflicts with its billed One-time purchase note, making the purchase terms important to confirm.

Alternatives

Choose Construct 3 instead if you want a freemium option with a free trial and a Personal License described as unlocking all features for individuals and hobbyists, with cancellation any time. Its listed platforms overlap with GameMaker's across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, and also include web.

For free assets rather than a game-development tool, Godot Asset Library distributes all assets free of charge and does not allow paid assets in its official library. Cocos Store is another freemium option for resources, with a free plan; its listed platforms are macOS, web and Windows.

If you need version control rather than a game engine, Unity Version Control has a free tier with unlimited cloud seats and 25 GB storage, with usage beyond included limits billed pay-as-you-go. For asset downloads, GameArt2D is a freemium option, while Kenney Assets offers free individual packs under a CC0 license and an all-in-one purchase for 19.95 USD one-time.

CraftPix is a freemium asset option with a free Basic plan described as allowing unlimited downloads. itch app is a free, open-source app for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Browse game engine software, game development software, game visual scripting software, mobile development IDEs or game asset marketplaces to compare more options.

Verdict

Choose GameMaker if you want both visual and code-based scripting, commercial desktop, web or mobile exports, and the option to move to console exports with Enterprise. Its main drawback is the plan split: Free is non-commercial, console exports and source code access sit behind Enterprise, and Professional's price and billing wording need clarification. Look elsewhere if you need a free commercial route or do not want to commit to Enterprise for console work.