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GameMaker

86%Game Brain Score
gameplay, humor
optimization, graphics
86% User Score Based on 1,496 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindowsMac OSMac OS
Buy NowGet on Steam

About

GameMaker is a versatile game development platform that allows users of all skill levels to create high-quality 2D games. Its user-friendly interface features a drag-and-drop system and a powerful programming language, while its advanced exporter enables cross-platform deployment. The platform also provides monetization tools such as in-app purchasing, advertising, analytics, and user engagement. GameMaker is an affordable solution for creating top-tier games quickly and easily.

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
GameMaker screenshot
GameMaker screenshot
GameMaker screenshot
GameMaker screenshot
GameMaker screenshot

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,496 reviews
gameplay3 positive mentions
optimization6 negative mentions
  • GameMaker is an extremely user-friendly engine, making it ideal for beginners and allowing for rapid prototyping of 2D games.
  • The engine offers a variety of built-in features and extensive tutorials, making it easy to learn and use for both new and experienced developers.
  • Recent changes have made GameMaker free for non-commercial use, with a one-time payment option for commercial licenses, enhancing its accessibility.
  • The software has been criticized for its complicated login process and issues with account management, particularly with the requirement of an Opera account.
  • Many users report bugs and performance issues, particularly with the user interface and stability of the IDE, which can hinder the development experience.
  • The subscription model for exporting games has been a point of contention, with some users feeling it is predatory and limiting for indie developers.
  • optimization
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game engine has received mixed reviews, with users noting solid performance for games created with it, but significant weaknesses in the integrated development environment (IDE). While there has been a performance increase compared to previous versions, the engine still lags behind C++ in efficiency, with some calculations being notably slower. Many users express hope for future optimizations to enhance overall performance.

    • “Very solid game engine and strong performance.”
    • “There is quite significant performance increase over v6 & 7 putting gm8 on par with rmxp.”
    • “I've only worked with Scratch and this is a great way to make my game downloadable and optimized.”
    • “I admit, I may not have the most powerful hardware, but I do think that if I can run way more demanding software or games, then Game Maker stuttering isn't because of my hardware.”
    • “Performance-wise, GMS does calculations about 115 times slower than C++, which is still worse than RPG Maker Ace.”
    • “YYC increases performance about 5 times over VM, so YYC compiled EXE would be about 22 times slower than C++.”
  • graphics
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics capabilities of the tool are seen as intuitive and user-friendly, particularly for 2D sprite handling with support for SVG and PNG files. However, it is criticized for lacking the advanced 3D graphics support and overall visual quality found in competitors like Unity and Unreal Engine, making it less appealing for developers seeking high-end graphics.

    • “Innovative design tool, but falls short compared to Unity's superior graphics capabilities.”
    • “A masterpiece of simplicity, yet lacking the competitive edge of Unreal Engine's graphic prowess.”
    • “- little support for 3D graphics.”
    • “The sprite sheet handling is very easy and works with SVG vector graphic files as well as PNG files.”
  • monetization
    8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The recent monetization update, effective from November 21, 2023, has been criticized as a cash grab targeting new users, leading to negative reviews that some feel detract from the actual product evaluation. Users express frustration over the implications of accepting donations or ads being classified as commercial use.

    • “This is an obvious cash grab on the new users.”
    • “Sad to see that some people are giving bad reviews because of the monetization change instead of actually reviewing the product itself.”
    • “When people inquire, it is explained that acceptance of donations or YouTube ads would qualify as commercial use.”
  • stability
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, users report that the software is stable on Windows 10/11 and performs well on Linux. However, there are notable issues with the Steam version, particularly concerning the program's failure to save code changes, which can lead to frustrating experiences for developers.

    • “It's flawless under Windows 10/11, but this software also runs great on Linux, thanks to YYG.”
    • “I have had issues with the program not saving changes to the code that I had spent 30 minutes writing and troubleshooting, only to discover the issue is that the changes were not being saved when I was trying to run the game or the debugger.”
    • “Gamemaker is a great engine, but the Steam version is a little buggy.”
  • story
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of Undertale is generally viewed as engaging, though opinions on its brilliance vary. Some users express frustration with the software's limitations, particularly regarding template downloads, which detracts from their overall experience.

  • gameplay
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by user-friendly mechanics that are easy for newcomers to grasp, making it accessible for beginners. Additionally, the inclusion of both typed and physical coding options enhances the experience, allowing for diverse interaction with the game. Players actively engage in discussions about these mechanics on forums, indicating a vibrant community around the gameplay.

    • “The game mechanics are easy to get used to, making it great for newbies. A feature I love is that you can choose between typing or physical coding.”
    • “The game mechanics are well-explored and discussed in the forums, providing a rich community experience.”
    • “The gameplay is accessible for newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players.”
  • music
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music aspect of the game is enhanced by the use of Gamemaker Markup Language (GML), which is praised for its ease of learning and ability to integrate sound and music seamlessly into the overall player experience. This allows for a cohesive blend of interactivity, animation, and audio elements.

  • humor
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is well-received, particularly highlighted by the endorsement from Shiyoon, a beloved character from "Algebra Ridge," who adds a charming and funny element to the experience.

    • “Gets a seal of approval from Shiyoon (the cute girl from the funny game Algebra Ridge).”

Buy GameMaker

3010h Median play time
2020h Average play time
40-4000h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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