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Head-to-head · Game Engine Software

Godot Engine vs GameMaker

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Godot Engine #1 in Game Engine Software 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Godot
GameMaker #3 in Game Engine Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit GameMaker

Godot Engine leads on 0 checks, GameMaker on 1, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGodot Engine · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresGameMaker · 4 of 4

Godot Engine scores higher on our rubric for game engine software: 9.2 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

On source code model, GameMaker gives you Source_available where Godot Engine offers Open_source. GameMaker offers visual scripting; Godot Engine doesn't.

Godot Engine is the better fit for open-source 2D/3D developers. GameMaker is the better fit for 2D creators needing broad publishing.

  • Godot Engine fits best

    Open-source 2D/3D developers

  • GameMaker fits best

    2D creators needing broad publishing

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Side by side

Feature Godot Engine 9.2/10 Visit ↗ GameMaker 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.9
Ranking #1 in Game Engine Software #3 in Game Engine Software
Best for Open-source 2D/3D developers 2D creators needing broad publishing
Pricing model Free Free plan + paid
Starting price Free plan $799.99/yr
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Docs, Community Community, Docs, Tickets
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Godot Engine 3/4 · GameMaker 4/4
Visual scripting — ✓ (best)
Multiplayer tools ✓ ✓
Mobile export ✓ ✓
Console export ✓ ✓
Specs
Source code model Open_source Source_available
Target platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, consoles via third-party providers GX.games, Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, HTML5, Android, iOS, tvOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
Scripting languages GDScript, C#, C++ GML Code, GML Visual
Our review
Pros
  • MIT license permits commercial use and provides source-code access
  • Dedicated 2D workflow plus Vulkan, Direct3D 12, and Metal rendering
  • Exports projects to desktop, mobile, and web platforms
  • Free access for non-commercial game development
  • Exports to desktop, web, mobile, and GX.games
  • Supports publishing for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch
Cons
  • No official console export is provided
  • Visual scripting is not available in the Godot 4 codebase
  • Console releases may require third-party porting or publishing services
  • Commercial publishing requires separate licensing
  • Some export targets require separate licensing
  • Its focus is 2D rather than a general-purpose engine
Our verdict

Godot Engine is a free, open-source game engine for developers building 2D and 3D games, cross-platform projects, multiplayer experiences, and XR applications. Its node-and-scene project design supports structured game development, while…

Read the review →

GameMaker is a cross-platform 2D game development environment for indie developers and commercial studios. It provides an integrated environment for creating projects and supports publishing across desktop, web, mobile, GX.games, and…

Read the review →
  1. Godot EngineGame Engine Software 9.2Free plan
  2. GameMakerGame Engine Software 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Godot Engine — where it wins

    • MIT license permits commercial use and provides source-code access
    • Dedicated 2D workflow plus Vulkan, Direct3D 12, and Metal rendering
    • Exports projects to desktop, mobile, and web platforms

    Where it doesn't

    • No official console export is provided
    • Visual scripting is not available in the Godot 4 codebase
    • Console releases may require third-party porting or publishing services

  • GameMaker — where it wins

    • Free access for non-commercial game development
    • Exports to desktop, web, mobile, and GX.games
    • Supports publishing for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch

    Where it doesn't

    • Commercial publishing requires separate licensing
    • Some export targets require separate licensing
    • Its focus is 2D rather than a general-purpose engine

More comparisons

All game engine software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update