GameMaker vs RPG Maker

GameMaker9.3Visit RPG Maker7.9Visit

Higher score GameMaker #1 in Game Visual Scripting Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit GameMaker

vs

RPG Maker #8 in Game Visual Scripting Software 7.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 2 features Visit RPG Maker

• GameMaker fits best

  2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach

• RPG Maker fits best

  RPG-focused creators needing event scripting

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Side by side

Feature	GameMaker 9.3/10 Visit ↗	RPG Maker 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	7.9
Ranking	#1 in Game Visual Scripting Software	#8 in Game Visual Scripting Software
Best for	2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach	RPG-focused creators needing event scripting
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$799.99/yr	$79.99 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Web, Windows, macOS
Support	Community, Docs, Tickets	Docs, Community
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business
Features GameMaker 0/2 · RPG Maker 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	Menu-driven events support NPCs, puzzles, and game progression MZ includes maps, assets, battles, plugins, and commercial licensing MV supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and HTML5 export
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	The workflow is specialized around role-playing games MZ and MV each cost $79.99 one-time Advanced customization depends on JavaScript plugins and scripting
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 →	RPG Maker is a family of game engines for creating role-playing games through map editors, event-based logic, databases, battle systems, character tools, assets, and plugins. It is designed for beginners and experienced developers, with a… Read the review →

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

• RPG Maker — where it wins

  • Menu-driven events support NPCs, puzzles, and game progression
  • MZ includes maps, assets, battles, plugins, and commercial licensing
  • MV supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and HTML5 export

  Where it doesn't

  • The workflow is specialized around role-playing games
  • MZ and MV each cost $79.99 one-time
  • Advanced customization depends on JavaScript plugins and scripting

• GameMaker9.3/10 · Free plan

  A strong 2D export platform, with licensing and visual-scripting fit to evaluate carefully.

  Visit GameMakerFull verdict →
• RPG Maker7.9/10 · Paid

  A focused RPG creation suite with accessible event scripting and broad export options.

  Visit RPG MakerFull verdict →