GameMaker
A cross-platform game engine enabling 2D and limited 3D game development using visual scripting or a proprietary coding language
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| + | Room Editor | Allows the design and arrangement of game levels, helping users define scenes and manage game flow. |
|---|---|---|
| + | Object Editor | Enables the creation and management of game objects to support assigning behaviors and organizing interactive elements. |
| + | Sprite Management | Supports importing, editing, and animating image assets helping users in handling visual elements for characters and backgrounds. |
| + | Tileset Support | Provides tools to build levels using tiles helping users streamline level design by reusing graphical segments |
| + | Sequence Editor | Offers an environment to set up animations and cutscenes, helping with control over event sequences and transitions within a game. |
| + | Debugger | Tracks code execution and detects errors assisting in troubleshooting and refining game logic. |
| + | Networking Tools | Provides components to manage online interactions for creating multiplayer or connected gameplay experiences. |
| + | In-App Purchase Integration | Supports including purchase options in a game to add revenue streams directly within the application. |
| + | Push Notifications | Allows sending alerts and updates to players. |
| + | GML Code Editor | Offers a workspace for writing custom game code using GameMaker Language (GML), granting control over game behavior through scripting. |
| + | GML Visual Interface | Provides a drag-and-drop system to construct game logic, presenting an alternative to manual scripting. |
| + | Cross-Platform Export | Enables exporting games to multiple target platforms from a single codebase, simplifying the process of reaching diverse audiences. |
| + | Workspace Customization | Allows modification of the interface layout and tool arrangement, tailoring the development environment to individual workflow needs. |
| + | Sound Management | Supports the import and synchronization of audio files with game events, ensuring that sound effects and music integrate with gameplay. |
| + | Publishing Tools | Facilitates packaging and exporting a game into executable formats and online platforms, easing the process of game distribution. |
| - | Reduced Scalability for Large Projects | The engine’s design may hinder managing extensive assets and complex interactions, restricting the growth and management of larger projects. |
| - | 2D-Only Development | The engine is structured mainly for 2D game creation, which prevents users from fully venturing into 3D game development. |
| - | Non-Commercial Usage | The free version does not allow to commercially distribute the product created and generate revenue |
System Requirements
Version ↓
| # | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
|
| 2 | Dual Core CPU | Quad Core CPU |
| 3 | 2GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| 4 | OpenGL 4-compliant onboard graphics | Dedicated graphics card |
| 5 |
|
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| 6 | Connect to internet at least once a month | Always-on internet connection |
Developer
Written in
C++, C
Initial Release
15 Novemeber 1999
Repository
GameMaker being a proprietary software, its source code is not publicly hosted.
License
Categories
Alternatives
Game Creation System
Construct Phaser Open 3D Engine Roblox
Game Engine
Construct Unreal Engine Phaser Open 3D Engine Unity Godot
Construct Phaser Open 3D Engine Roblox
Game Engine
Construct Unreal Engine Phaser Open 3D Engine Unity Godot
Notes
- Variants
1
2
3
4:
- Free: A non-commercial license which supports Desktop Export (Windows, macOS, and Linux), Web Export (HTML5), Mobile Exports (iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Android TV, and tvOS).
- Professional: A one-time purchase license that allows everything in Free version, plus commercial license, allowing to distribute the creations for money.
- Enterprise: A subscription offering that allows everything in Professional version, plus Console Exports (PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch) and access to GameMaker’s Source Code.