Defold vs GameMaker

Defold is a game engine for building cross-platform 2D and 3D games. Its toolchain combines an editor, runtime, scripting workflow, build pipeline, and deployment flow. Game logic is written in Lua; native extensions can use C, C++, Objective-C, Java, or JavaScript. Visual editors, a debugger, profiler, particle effects, animation, and integrated 2D and 3D physics are included. Target platforms listed are Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Integrations include Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, push notifications, Google Play services, Nakama, and PlayFab. The Asset Portal offers reusable components and extensions. Live Update can provide additional game content after the initial download, with customizable content verification. Source code for the engine, editor, and build tools is available on GitHub under a developer-friendly license derived from Apache 2.0. Defold costs nothing, with no licensing fees, royalties, or runtime fees. Community help is available through a forum, and technical support contracts are available if needed.

GameMaker is game-development software with visual scripting, multiplayer tools, and export options for mobile and consoles. Projects can use GML Code or GML Visual. Listed targets include GX.games, Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, HTML5, Android, iOS, tvOS, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. The free plan costs nothing and is limited to non-commercial use, without console exports. Professional is listed at $99.99 a month, with a commercial licence and desktop, web, and mobile exports; its billing note says one-time purchase. Enterprise is listed at $79.99 a month, billed monthly, and includes a commercial licence, console exports, and source code access. The pricing note says paid plans start at $79.99/mo. GameMaker’s source code model is listed as source available, and the maker is headquartered in Dundee, Scotland. The platform list also includes Linux, macOS, and Windows. Plan details distinguish non-commercial use from commercial licensing and specify export access, so intended use and target platforms are relevant when selecting a tier.