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
| # | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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| 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 |
Ratings
4.475
| Capterra | 4.45 based on 96 reviews |
|---|---|
| PCMag | 4.55 based on professional's opinion |
| Steam Store | 4.55 based on 2093 reviews |
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
Game Engine
Game Engine
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.