GameMaker

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

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 748 reviews

stability3 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

GameMaker is highly recommended for both beginners and experienced developers, offering a solid engine for 2D game development with a user-friendly interface.
The engine provides a wealth of tutorials and community support, making it easy to learn and use, even for those with no prior coding experience.
Recent changes have made the software free for non-commercial use, with a one-time payment option for commercial licenses, enhancing accessibility for aspiring game developers.

The software has been criticized for its subscription model and account linking issues, which can create barriers for users trying to access features or export their games.
Some users report that the user interface is clunky and less intuitive compared to older versions, making it difficult to navigate and use effectively.
There are ongoing concerns about the stability of the engine, with reports of bugs and performance issues that can hinder the development process.

optimization
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
45%
27%
Overall, the optimization of the game engine has received mixed reviews. While users note a solid performance for games created with it, the integrated development environment (IDE) suffers from weak performance, and comparisons to other engines reveal significant inefficiencies, particularly in calculation speeds. Many users express hope for future optimizations to enhance performance further.
- “Very solid game engine and strong performance.”
- “There is quite a 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
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The graphics capabilities of the tool are seen as intuitive and user-friendly, particularly for 2D sprite handling and vector graphics. However, it falls short in comparison to industry standards like Unity and Unreal Engine, which offer superior 3D graphics support and overall visual quality. Users appreciate the simplicity but note the lack of advanced graphical features as a significant limitation.
- “Innovative design tool, but falls short compared to Unity's superior graphics capabilities.”
- “The sprite sheet handling is very easy and works with SVG vector graphic files as well as PNG files.”
- “A masterpiece of simplicity, yet lacking the competitive edge of Unreal Engine's graphic prowess.”
- “Little support for 3D graphics.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
75%
The recent monetization changes implemented on November 21, 2023, have been criticized as a cash grab, particularly affecting new users. Some reviewers express disappointment, feeling that the focus on monetization detracts from the overall quality of the product, leading to negative feedback that may not reflect the game's true value.
- “The new monetization model introduced on November 21, 2023, has significantly improved the overall experience.”
- “I appreciate the balance in the monetization system; it feels fair and not overly aggressive.”
- “The recent changes to monetization have made it easier to enjoy the game without feeling pressured to spend.”
- “This is an obvious cash grab on the new users.”
- “When people inquire, it is explained that acceptance of donations or YouTube ads would qualify as commercial use.”
- “Sad to see that some people are giving bad reviews because of the monetization change instead of actually reviewing the product itself.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
67%
Overall, users report that the software runs smoothly on Windows 10/11 and Linux, but some experience issues with the Steam version, particularly related to saving changes in the code, which can lead to frustrating setbacks during development.
- “It's flawless under Windows 10/11, but this software also runs great on Linux, thanks to yyg.”
- “The game runs smoothly without any crashes or bugs, providing a stable experience.”
- “I've experienced consistent performance throughout my gameplay, which really enhances the overall enjoyment.”
- “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 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
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The story of Undertale is generally well-received, though some users express frustration with the software's limitations regarding template downloads, which detracts from their overall experience. While the narrative itself is not deemed brilliant, it still holds a certain charm that resonates with players.
- “The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent flow, making it hard to stay engaged.”
- “The characters are underdeveloped, and their motivations are unclear, which detracts from the overall narrative experience.”
- “I found the plot to be predictable and uninspired, failing to deliver any meaningful twists or emotional depth.”
gameplay
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Gameplay is characterized by user-friendly mechanics that are easy for newcomers to grasp, making it accessible for beginners. Additionally, the option to engage in both typing and physical coding adds a unique and enjoyable dimension to the experience.
- “The game mechanics are well-explored and discussed in the forums, providing a rich community experience.”
- “The mechanics are easy to get used to, making it great for newcomers. I love that you can choose between typing or physical coding.”
music
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
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.
- “The music in this game perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
- “I love how the soundtrack evolves with the game, making each moment feel unique and engaging.”
- “The sound design is top-notch, with every musical piece adding depth and emotion to the story.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is well-received, particularly highlighted by the endorsement from Shiyoon, a beloved character from the game "Algebra Ridge," suggesting that the comedic elements resonate positively with players.
- “Gets a seal of approval from Shiyoon, the cute girl from the funny game Algebra Ridge.”