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Head-to-head · Game Visual Scripting Software

GameMaker vs Stencyl

  • 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
Stencyl #6 in Game Visual Scripting Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 2 features Visit Stencyl

GameMaker leads on 0 checks, Stencyl 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 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

GameMaker is the better fit for 2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach. Stencyl is the better fit for block-programming creators targeting many platforms.

  • GameMaker fits best

    2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach

  • Stencyl fits best

    Block-programming creators targeting many platforms

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Side by side

Feature GameMaker 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Stencyl 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.4
Ranking #1 in Game Visual Scripting Software #6 in Game Visual Scripting Software
Best for 2D developers prioritizing maximum export reach Block-programming creators targeting many platforms
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $799.99/yr —
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs, Tickets Live chat, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features GameMaker 0/2 · Stencyl 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
  • Block-based behaviors make visual game programming accessible
  • Publishes to HTML5, mobile, Windows, macOS and Linux
  • Haxe support enables custom blocks, classes and extensions
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
  • Online multiplayer is not supported out of the box
  • Console deployment is not documented
  • Starter displays Stencyl branding before the game
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 →

Stencyl is a 2D game engine and development tool built around block-based visual programming. Its drag-and-drop behaviors, Scene Designer, Actor Editor and tools for tilesets and game behaviors suit creators who want to construct games…

Read the review →
  1. GameMakerGame Visual Scripting Software 9.3Free plan
  2. StencylGame Visual Scripting Software 8.4Free 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

  • Stencyl — where it wins

    • Block-based behaviors make visual game programming accessible
    • Publishes to HTML5, mobile, Windows, macOS and Linux
    • Haxe support enables custom blocks, classes and extensions

    Where it doesn't

    • Online multiplayer is not supported out of the box
    • Console deployment is not documented
    • Starter displays Stencyl branding before the game

More comparisons

All game visual scripting software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update