Our verdict: GameMaker is one of the quickest ways to build a 2D game: rooms, sprites, sequences and the GML language are all designed around 2D. The free version is the full engine and exports to all non-console platforms without a watermark. Selling a game requires a one-time $99.99 Professional license, and console exports need the Enterprise subscription.
About GameMaker
GameMaker is a 2D game engine from YoYo Games, part of Opera. You build games from sprites, objects and rooms and program them either in GML Code, a scripting language, or in GML Visual, a block-based editor for beginners. The IDE includes sprite, room and sequence editors, and games can be exported to Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and the web via GX.games.
The free version uses the same IDE and runtimes as Professional, but it is for non-commercial use only and you must stay on the current public version. A GameMaker account, created with an Opera account, is needed to sign in and create executables. To sell games you need a Professional license for $99.99 one-time; console exports require the Enterprise subscription. GameMaker does not add a watermark or forced splash screen on any tier.
What it does well
- GML Code and GML Visual. Program in the GML scripting language or with visual blocks.
- 2D editors. Sprite, room, tile set and sequence editors built into the IDE.
- Multi-platform export. Free exports to Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and GX.games.
- LTS release. A Long Term Stable build that receives only critical fixes for two years.
- No watermark. Games have no forced splash screen or logo on any license.
Who it is for
Good fit
Beginners, students and indie developers making 2D games, including those who want to learn programming through GML.
Look elsewhere
3D game development, and developers who want to sell games without buying a license.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full engine free for non-commercial use
- Fast 2D workflow with built-in editors
- Visual scripting for beginners and GML for coders
- No watermark or forced splash screen
Cons
- Selling games requires a $99.99 Professional license
- Account sign-in needed to build executables
- Focused on 2D; not suited to 3D games
How to install GameMaker
The button downloads the Long Term Stable (LTS) installer, the build GameMaker recommends for most users; Beta builds are separate. You can explore the IDE without an account, but you must sign in with a GameMaker account (an Opera account) before creating executables. The Windows installer includes the build tools needed for the free version.
Questions about GameMaker
Is GameMaker free?
Yes, for non-commercial use. The free version is the full IDE with exports to desktop, mobile and web. To release a game commercially you need a Professional license for $99.99 one-time; console exports need the Enterprise subscription.
Do I need an account to use GameMaker?
You can start GameMaker without one, but you must sign in with a GameMaker account, created with an Opera account, before creating executables.
Does the free version of GameMaker add a watermark?
No. No tier forces a watermark or splash screen on your games.
