# GameMaker: Studio Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is GameMaker: Studio the right Game Development solution for you? Explore 96 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/158594/GameMaker-Studio/reviews --- GameMaker: Studio 4.4 (96) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/158594/GameMaker-Studio/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated January 10th, 2026 # Reviews of GameMaker: Studio Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.4 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews AJ Alin J ManagerComputer Software, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “With this programming I am the opportunity to explore a dozens of game templates, use my own characters, publish my games in a few seconds and allows players to submit their scores.“ July 20, 2024 AE Adnaan E Game DirectorComputer Games, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Additionally, the lack of certain features, such as networking, can be a hindrance for more complex projects.“ February 20, 2023 AS Alvaro S Software EngineerComputer Games, Self-employedUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “its a good and intuitive for a beginer engine is really good , but it lacks other features that other engines already provide.“ May 28, 2024 AE Adnaan E Game DirectorComputer Games, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “However, its steep learning curve and lack of certain features can be a challenge for newcomers and experienced developers alike.“ February 20, 2023 AS Alvaro S Software EngineerComputer Games, Self-employedUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “The GML language is really easy to understand.“ May 28, 2024 mohamed g video editorGraphic Design, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The price is not good for some people and the interface of the program looks difficult.“ December 11, 2022 AJ Alin J ManagerComputer Software, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “This system is easy for a novice to learn than other programming.“ July 20, 2024 AT Abhishek T LeaderComputer Games, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The thing which makes me furious is that one has to pay for different platforms ( different payment for mobile platform and different payment for desktop platform) And going ahead their own developed language-GML is not something which I really approve.“ June 11, 2020 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 96 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use mohamed G. video editor Graphic Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "my experience in GameMaker studio" December 11, 2022 4.0 In my general view, it is a solid program, and it contains many powerful tools for making and using games in more than one programming language. There are ready-made projects that you can practice with or use as a game and modify. Pros From his point of view, GameMaker Studio is a wonderful program in the game industry because it contains a large amount of tools that greatly help in creating games for the Internet or for mobile, and it also contains more than one programming language that helps game makers choose the appropriate programming language for them, and the She has ready-made game projects. Use and modify them to make it easier for novice game makers. Cons The price is not good for some people and the interface of the program looks difficult. Switched from [Unity](https://www.capterra.com/p/158591/Unity/) I switched to see what was the best and easiest among the software and tested for creating games Review Source AE Adnaan E. Game Director Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A Comprehensive Review of GameMaker: Studio" February 20, 2023 5.0 GameMaker: Studio is a powerful and feature-rich game development engine that is easy to learn and use. With its drag-and-drop interface, it’s easy to quickly get up and running. However, its steep learning curve and lack of certain features can be a challenge for newcomers and experienced developers alike. Pros GameMaker: Studio is an incredibly powerful and feature-rich game development engine that allows developers to rapidly create and deploy games for multiple platforms. Its drag-and-drop interface is easy to learn and use, allowing beginners and experts alike to quickly create engaging, visually stunning games. Cons Despite its powerful features, GameMaker: Studio has a steep learning curve and can be difficult to get the hang of for newcomers. Additionally, the lack of certain features, such as networking, can be a hindrance for more complex projects. Switched from [Unreal Engine](https://www.capterra.com/p/158599/Unreal-Engine/)[P4](https://www.capterra.com/p/174325/Helix-Core/) Studio Over Its Alternatives: GameMaker: Studio stands out from its competitors thanks to its powerful features and ease of use. Its drag-and-drop interface makes it incredibly easy to get up and running. Review Source AP Anil P. Editor Design Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Creative Alliance Review" August 14, 2024 3.0 We have been using the software for testing 2D games specifically for mobiles and while we still are in testing phase, the capabilities of this software for 2D games is very impressive. Pros Great software for 2D game development and most importantly this platform enables to make games for mobile as well which is a huge plus. We have been testing it and have mostly positives about Gamemaker Studio. Cons It has some limitations for 3D game development but we don't use it to make 3D. It might be a little intimidating at the beginning to use this software. Other than that, it is a pretty useful software. Switched from [Construct 3](https://www.capterra.com/p/201543/Construct-3/) Gamemaker Studio has a lot more features than Construct. Review Source JV Janet V. Game Developer Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great engine for light 2D projects" September 20, 2022 4.0 Overall positive experience, it's great and lightweight if you know you're mostly going to be focused on smaller 2D projects, so it's great for indies and fast projects for game jams. Pros GMS is great for an indie developer. You have the choice of a more visual approach to coding if that's not your stronger side, but GML is also quite intuitive to learn. Cons Moving to a subscription instead of a one-time purchase might turn off people that considered GM as an alternative to something like Construct. Switched from [Construct 3](https://www.capterra.com/p/201543/Construct-3/) Price of Construct was high compared to what GM:S2 was providing me for a one-time purchase that was very reasonably priced (that was before being acquired by Opera) Review Source Andrew P. Camera Operator | Gaffer Media Production Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "GameMaker has its niche and does that very well!" July 25, 2019 5.0 Overall, GameMaker is the easiest for simple games and it lets anyone who has a computer able to make a game! Pros If you are trying to make a simple game like an 8-bit or platformer, this is the video game engine for you. It is simple and to the point making it easy to use this software for absolute beginners in the industry. You don't need a lot of schooling or experience to make a game. I really like how much of this can be sprite based as well. Anyone can edit images and make characters, items, etc based on sprites. Cons With any niche software, there are some downsides. GameMaker is very limited on what you can do. It is a place to start making games, but once you want to move onto other ideas, it makes the transition to other engines hard. I also wish GameMaker had a common coding language instead of using its own. This helps prepare for the transition to other engines. Alternatives considered [Unity](https://www.capterra.com/p/158591/Unity/)[Unreal Engine](https://www.capterra.com/p/158599/Unreal-Engine/) Reason for choosing GameMaker: Studio The game I wanted to make was very simple, and using these other engines would be harder to learn. Review Source DK David K. Developer Computer Games Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Once the gold standard for 2D, though no longer a clear a leader" May 26, 2020 4.0 It's fine as an introductory software for game development, but it's no longer the best choice even for that. Pros Cross-platform functionality works quite well. Though somewhat counter-intuitive, development paradigm can work well for a limited set of game genres. The YoYo compilers are good. Cons It's too expensive for the best features, and the switch between GameMaker Studio and GameMaker Studio 2 was not handled smoothly by YoYo Games. Alternatives considered [Stencyl](https://www.capterra.com/p/158598/Stencyl/) Reason for choosing GameMaker: Studio Stencyl didn't have as wide a reputation, and therefore not as many people to ask for help or to provide extra tools. Review Source BM Bruno M. e-learning Developer E-Learning Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Great game engine for indie game developers" June 29, 2022 4.0 It's easy to learn and have a big community to help you Pros Simple interface with fast and easy testing and option of no code required to create simple games Cons No code option is very limited and doesn't work in more complex games Alternatives considered [Unity](https://www.capterra.com/p/158591/Unity/)[GameSalad Pro](https://www.capterra.com/p/158595/GameSalad/)[Construct 3](https://www.capterra.com/p/201543/Construct-3/) Reason for choosing GameMaker: Studio It has a small free version to test and has a simple and intuitive interface Switched from [Unity](https://www.capterra.com/p/158591/Unity/) It's easy to learn and more suitable for pixel art games Review Source AJ Alin J. Manager Computer Software Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "It’s good for a novice " July 20, 2024 5.0 With this programming I am the opportunity to explore a dozens of game templates, use my own characters, publish my games in a few seconds and allows players to submit their scores. Pros GameMaker Studio is easy to pick up and learning. This system is easy for a novice to learn than other programming. Cons I don’t have anything to critisize at this platform. I am very glad because is so easy to use. Review Source Jonathan G. Game developer Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Game Maker is awesome" November 14, 2022 5.0 My experience with Game maker has been great, using it ever since I was 12 years old, stopped making games for some years and when I came back Game maker changed its landscape totally different, but for the better, with so much more cool features. Pros Game maker is one awesome engine to make games, has tons of support, very easy to use and just start making games but also, it has a very big community, they host a game jam each year, which is also one of the biggest, you'll see so many creative and amazing games that you'll just love using game maker. Cons Probably the only con would be the cost for exporting your game to other platforms, but it isn't really much of a con, basically its very affordable since it’s a onetime payment for life, which I love, you just have to be willing to make that initial investment. Review Source Denis D. Ph.D. student Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "It boils down to your background" February 19, 2019 4.0 While it's true that GML is Turing Complete, and therefore it's technically possible to write any algorithm in it, the language gets rid of more "complicated" stuff from more low level-languages like C (e.g. pointers and structures) without proper replacements. It's factually easier to write many algorithms in C than in GML. Also, there is a reason why more higher-level, industry standard, languages provide more features than low-level languages. Despite that, a portion of GML community seem to think of such features as useless addendum. Without community pressure, GML is today about the same as it was in the first version of GM Studio I've tried, many years ago (version 6, before GM belonged to yoyo games). As an experienced programmer, I grew very frustrated with GML. It would be more productive for me to write the core of the game in other languages and interface it for GameMaker through an extension. But at such a point, it would be easier, cheaper and even more productive to abandon GMS altogether. However, I think that a programmer can have fun with GameMaker if they see the software itself as a game and the limitations of the language as a challenge. After all, there are many fun games in the market about programming in Assembly. For artists, non-programmers and inexperienced programmers, I think GML would not be a no-go. Yet, these people would still benefit from the overall very focused and productive toolset GMS offers to successfully finish their projects. Pros GameMaker: Studio (GMS) is a very feature-complete suite and the included toolset (including the programming language, GML) pushes towards greater productivity. It's very easy to find and install extensions through its integrated marketplace, and extensions can be implemented in other languages instead of GML. Shaders can be written in GLSL ES, which is industry standard. It's possible to export the game to many different platforms. Cons Although GMS indeed pushes towards being more productive, it also promotes recklessness. In other words, the final product can have low maintainability. Each different export target has its own price. The final cost can stack pretty high depending on which platforms the game is planned to launch on. GameMaker's scripting language (GML) is very bare bones. Its standard library also lacks useful functions for geometry. For example, while it has a function to check whether two segments of line are intersecting, it does not has a function to efficiently cast a ray from a point towards a directions and check which objects the ray intersects. Review Source TJ Tavaris J. Software Developer Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Things to look for in game development software" November 25, 2022 5.0 I really had no real big issues using the software. Anyone could pick it up and start prototyping their dreams Pros I love that you can do all of your development into one IDE. I can code and design at the same time with out me jumping back and forth between software's. Cons Setting up the particle system for your game can be very time consuming. There need to be a simple way of implementing a particle. For me I understand how to set it up because of my coding history but to someone that does not come from a coding background they might get discourage and not finish their work. Alternatives considered [GDevelop](https://www.capterra.com/p/158592/GDevelop/)[Clickteam Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/250587/Clickteam-Fusion/)[Cocos2d-x](https://www.capterra.com/p/234128/Cocos2d-x/) Reason for choosing GameMaker: Studio Simplicity Review Source AT Abhishek T. Leader Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Another fine game engine" June 11, 2020 4.0 It was pleasant to work with gamemaker. And openly speaking I would surely recommend it to others also. But they should work little bit more on 3d sector also Pros I have used many different game engines and like others,it is also quite different from others. The best thing which I like about it is ease to arrange assets for the games(for example like in Gdevelop if you disturb the main folder where the assets were kept then assume that you almost lost your source code. But it does not happen here) Also there are inbuilt many features (especially for 2d game development) which I love from the core of my heart And last thing which simply blows my mind away is their community ( you can simply check on twitter) . The community is highly active and many users keep on posting what they are currently making in gamemaker Cons The biggest issue is its cost . The thing which makes me furious is that one has to pay for different platforms ( different payment for mobile platform and different payment for desktop platform) And going ahead their own developed language-GML is not something which I really approve. In my opinion they should have used other language like lua etc Also the thing which sometimes scare me is its future. They have rarely talked about their roadmap for the game engine. And I strongly believe that they should do it And also they never focused on 3d sector (but their 2d sector is awesome) Reason for choosing GameMaker: Studio Actually Gdevelop development speed is trash(I know I am harsh but still this is the reality) Review Source JH Julian H. UX Consultant Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy to use for beginners and experts alike" January 3, 2023 5.0 Put together new prototypes in hours or days rather than weeks or months. Pros Drag and drop allows even novice programmers to get started. Those with more experience can quickly learn the programming language and throw together fully-functional prototypes in a matter of hours rather than the days or weeks it would take with other software.Easy deployment to multiple platforms including desktop, mobile, and more. Cons There are a few smaller issues with the IDE, and some quirks to get used to. Once you overcome these, GameMaker: Studio is a valuable tool. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Sales Representative Telecommunications Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Perfect 2D game dev software coming from other 3D programs" February 16, 2018 4.0 Pros I've used plenty of other game dev programs before, but nothing was too great for 2D development. I decided to try Game Maker at a recommendation from a friend, and I loved it immediately. With my prior knowledge I found this program so simple to use, but I'm sure that beginners would love it as well. It can do just about ANYTHING you want it to, you just have to find the particular way GM wants you to accomplish that. Cons Of course, this is primarily a 2D software, so if someone is looking for 3D programming it's best to look elsewhere. I also think I confused the particular customer service rep I was dealing with when I was asking a particularly technical question about sprite animation. I eventually independently found the answer, and it may just have been the one reps knowledge or my wording that was the problem is I won't knock them too much for that. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Summer Intern Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Accessible, Full-Stack 2D Game Development" October 20, 2020 5.0 GameMaker Studio is great to learn basic 2D game design. Pros GameMaker is an easy to use, accessible 2D game engine. GameMaker provides a full-stack approach to game development, providing tools for programming, sound, logic, level design and management, and compilation. Given the price of the program, you get a lot of value for money. There are numerous tutorials, guides, and open-source projects to work off of, allowing for the rapid prototyping of games. GameMaker's drag and drop programming tool allows beginners access to powerful logic tools for their games. Cons If you're trying to make 3D games, other game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine provide much more support for those kinds of games. Support for other platforms besides Windows require some costly additions to the program. Review Source JH Justin H. Animator/Editor/Instructor E-Learning Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "As an animator/instructor I've both used and review courses on Game Maker Studio" January 17, 2018 4.0 Pros Hands down, Game Maker Studio is one of the top development packages for making 2D games, and pretty good one for 3D games as well. In addition, as a beginner developer, you really cant beat the tools set offered in Game Maker Studio. Their visual scripting system couldn't be any easier and will allow you to piece together a game with little (or no) programming at all - a really awesome feature for those who are intimidated with learning a programming language. Fortunately, as expected, you can program within GMS as well, so the option is there if you need to go beyond what is offered with their visual node system. In addition, GMS is arguably the best bang for your buck when it comes to development engines. Hands down it beast the competition here, and this alone makes it stand out above any of its competitors. Cons Sure, some of the 3D gaming features aren't as robust as other engines, but everything you need is here. Also, as strong as the visual node-based script system is, there are times where it cant do everything - no necessarily a con given how powerful and amazing this system is, but it is worth mentioning. Overall this is a great engine and should be considered by any beginner or indie developer. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Videogame Designer Animation Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Quick tool" March 24, 2019 4.0 Pros Easy to use and fast development for 2D videogames, allows to quickly build playable prototypes. Cons Like any tool, it is limited by the expertise of those who use it, but it has a great learning community. Review Source MC Mariano C. Director Computer Games Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great experience, YoYo's GMS is perfect for smaller gamedev studios and individual devs alike" December 12, 2017 4.0 A full time job! And some scripting/game design skills! Pros Ease of use and how quick you can actually have a prototype going. I have been using it for years now, and I get paid to develop games with it! Cons Console support, 3D support (this is a 2D game engine), small little quirks like built-in variables being non-optional, etc. Review Source AF Andrew F. Lead Developer/Artist Computer Games Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great tools for creating 2D games for multiple platforms" February 16, 2019 4.0 I've trialed using GameMaker: Studio in house when we were considering developing a 2D title. The toolset was quite impressive, and it was easy to get started with a simple game concept. We keep track of the software as it's developed, in case we look to use it for an upcoming project. Pros GameMaker Studio is a surprisingly fully featured game engine for creating feature and art-rich 2D games. The more recent integrations of new animation and image editing tools are very welcome, especially for the GameMaker price tag. Cons I haven't encountered any major cons with the software yet. For the time I've spent with it, it's met my expectations, though I haven't shipped a product with it. Review Source OP Omar P. Graphic Designer Animation Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Fun and easy to make a videogame" July 11, 2021 5.0 You can start to making a game with some freetime Pros I really like the fact thqat i didn't know anything about programming a fun game in a couple months. Cons The lack of tutorials to make certain things and maybe the price to take your game to thebigconsoles Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Developer Entertainment Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great for hobbyists and professionals." January 16, 2020 5.0 Needed a good entryway into developing. This does it well and it's professional still. Pros It's fun to use and helps you understand the principles of gamification while developing games as well. It's straightforward and has a strong online community that shares tips and ideas and workarounds. Cons It's not as fully featured as any kind of full-on coding would be, but the ease of use more than makes up for it and the online communities help. Reason for choosing GameMaker: Studio Interface Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Financial Center Manager Banking Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Get in for free, perfect your skills. " February 16, 2018 5.0 Pros As a total beginner I wanted to pick up game maker to see what the buzz was about. What I found was the simplest program, of any type, there is. The basics are beyond intuitive, and the more complex stuff becomes intuitive. Great place to start learning the basics of game development. Cons The only negative I could possibly come up with is that you're largely limited to a 2D perspective. You can make things in a 3D form but this isn't really the program for that, as they won't look or act quite right. Or maybe I'm just not doing it quite right! Review Source SN Steve N. Programmer Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great engine for 2D game" March 2, 2022 5.0 Pros The software is very easy to use. I recommend it for somebody that start in game making industry. Cons The GML language is a weird language. I'm sure that if they go with an other language like c# in the future, the software will gain in popularity. Review Source RRC Regie Ruel C. Courier Transportation/Trucking/Railroad Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Good for beginners " September 26, 2022 5.0 I'll recommend this to my colleagues Pros Easy functions Good handling Easy to play Cons Graphics are not so good but can be improved Review Source MS Michael S. Video Producer Motion Pictures and Film Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Easy Choice for developing 2d Games" August 4, 2020 4.0 I have been learning GameMaker: Studio as an alternative way to tell immersive stories through technology. Pros I like that it's easier to use and has the ability to accomplish professional level game design at the 2d level. Powerful and great tool. Cons You cannot make a 3d game in it. That isn't a problem because there are many options for that type of game. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Game Development](https://www.capterra.com/game-development-software/)