GameMaker review

GameMaker is the most direct path from beginner to a paid 2D release. The vendor describes it as a complete development tool for 2D games and lists Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, HTML5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch as targets. The free tier is free to download and keep forever for non-commercial use and already includes desktop, web and mobile exports. To sell a game you buy the Professional commercial license once for $99.99, and the FAQ confirms that no tier forces a watermark. Console exports and source code access sit on the Enterprise subscription. GML is a purpose-built language, and user quotes on the site describe it as easier to learn than other languages. The limits are clear: GameMaker is a 2D tool, the free tier cannot be monetized, and console work needs an ongoing subscription rather than the one-time license.

Who it is for

Beginners and indie developers making 2D games who want to pay once and sell on PC, mobile and the web.

Price

Free for non-commercial use; Professional one-time $99.99 for commercial release; Enterprise subscription for console exports.

If you want to make money from your game, you need to buy a Commercial License for $99.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Complete 2D development tool with the GML scripting language
• Free tier includes desktop, web, mobile and GX Games exports for non-commercial use
• Professional one-time purchase adds a commercial license and Igor CI builds
• Enterprise subscription adds console exports and source code access
• No forced watermark on any tier

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: A single $99.99 payment covers commercial release on PC, mobile and web
• Strength: No watermark, even on the free tier
• Strength: Focused 2D tooling keeps the learning curve short
• Weakness: Console exports need the Enterprise subscription
• Weakness: Built for 2D, so 3D projects are a poor fit
• Weakness: The free tier cannot be used to make money

Key facts

• Free tier: Non-commercial, desktop, web and mobile exports
• Professional: $99.99 one-time, commercial license
• Console exports: Enterprise subscription
• Watermark: None on any tier
• Language: GML

Where it ranks

GameMaker is No. 3 in our Best Game Engines verdict.