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Head-to-head · Game Visual Scripting Software

GameMaker vs Construct 3

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 1 check side by side
Higher score GameMaker #1 in Game Visual Scripting Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit GameMaker
Construct 3 #2 in Game Visual Scripting Software 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Construct 3

GameMaker leads on 0 checks, Construct 3 on 0, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 1 yes/no, price and count check where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGameMaker · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

GameMaker scores higher on our rubric for game visual scripting software: 9.3 against 9.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

GameMaker is the better fit for 2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach. Construct 3 is the better fit for cross-platform creators needing multiplayer.

  • GameMaker fits best

    2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach

  • Construct 3 fits best

    Cross-platform creators needing multiplayer

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Side by side

Feature GameMaker 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Construct 3 9.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 9.1
Ranking #1 in Game Visual Scripting Software #2 in Game Visual Scripting Software
Best for 2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach Cross-platform creators needing multiplayer
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $799.99/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Support Community, Docs, Tickets Email, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features GameMaker 0/2 · Construct 3 0/2
2D game support Not checked yet Not checked yet
3D game support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Export targets Not checked yet Not checked yet
Code integration Not checked yet Not checked yet
Collaboration features Not checked yet Not checked yet
Runtime licensing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Exports to desktop, web, mobile, GX.games, and selected consoles
  • Supports PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch publishing
  • Free for non-commercial use with platform-specific SDK configuration
  • Event sheets pair visual logic with JavaScript and TypeScript.
  • Exports to web, mobile, desktop, and Xbox UWP/WebView2.
  • Real-time multiplayer tools use WebRTC.
Cons
  • Commercial publishing and some export targets require separate licensing
  • A 2D focus may not suit teams seeking broader game-development scope
  • Not the clearest choice for a visual-scripting-first workflow
  • Free Edition limits event, layer, and effects counts.
  • Multiplayer creation is unavailable in the Free Edition.
  • The editor is closed source and focused on 2D development.
Our verdict

GameMaker is a cross-platform 2D game development environment from YoYo Games Limited, designed for indie developers and commercial studios. It provides an integrated environment for building projects and supports compilation for Windows,…

Read the review →

Construct 3 is a browser-based 2D game engine for indie developers, educators, hobbyists, and teams. Its event-sheet system represents game logic through conditions and actions, while JavaScript and TypeScript support more direct…

Read the review →
  1. GameMakerGame Visual Scripting Software 9.3Free plan
  2. Construct 3Game Visual Scripting Software 9.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • GameMaker — where it wins

    • Exports to desktop, web, mobile, GX.games, and selected consoles
    • Supports PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch publishing
    • Free for non-commercial use with platform-specific SDK configuration

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial publishing and some export targets require separate licensing
    • A 2D focus may not suit teams seeking broader game-development scope
    • Not the clearest choice for a visual-scripting-first workflow
  • Construct 3 — where it wins

    • Event sheets pair visual logic with JavaScript and TypeScript.
    • Exports to web, mobile, desktop, and Xbox UWP/WebView2.
    • Real-time multiplayer tools use WebRTC.

    Where it doesn't

    • Free Edition limits event, layer, and effects counts.
    • Multiplayer creation is unavailable in the Free Edition.
    • The editor is closed source and focused on 2D development.

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update