Side by side
GameMaker vs Ren'Py
Both stand on game engine software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2
GameMaker offers visual and code-based scripting alongside a broad list of export targets. Check the plan terms carefully: Professional is listed with a monthly price but a one-time billing note, while Enterprise includes console exports and source code access.
Visit GameMaker
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4
Ren'Py offers a free engine with its own story-focused scripting and Python support, plus broad desktop and mobile targets. Check the beta web status and iOS requirements if those are key platforms.
Visit Ren'PyThe facts
| GameMaker | Ren'Py | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Enterprise: $79.99 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Maker | GameMaker | Ren'Py |
| Website | gamemaker.io | renpy.org |
| On game engine software | #4 of 92 | #1 of 92 |
GameMaker: what it does well
- Offers GML Code and GML Visual.
- Includes visual scripting and multiplayer tools.
- Lists desktop, web, mobile, and console targets.
- Free plan is available for non-commercial use.
What to know first
- Free plan does not include console exports.
- Free plan is restricted to non-commercial use.
- Professional billing is described as a one-time purchase.
Ren'Py: what it does well
- Free for commercial and non-commercial use.
- Python scripting supports complex game logic.
- Launcher builds desktop games from Windows, Mac, or Linux.
- Supports many languages, including Arabic and Japanese.
What to know first
- Web support is beta and lacks networking and multithreading.
- iOS builds require a Mac and Xcode.
- Some components require distributors to comply with LGPL terms.
- Mobile functionality may need modification.
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