GameMaker vs Godot Engine

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.

Godot Engine is a free, open-source engine for developing 2D and 3D games, cross-platform projects, and XR ideas. Its Node and Scene system organizes game logic through reusable components and hierarchy. The dedicated 2D engine uses pixel coordinates and 2D nodes, while 3D nodes support building, animating, and rendering worlds and characters. Developers can use GDScript, C#/.NET, or C++ through GDExtension, along with community language bindings. Godot includes OpenXR and WebXR support, with other XR SDKs available through plugins. Games can be published on desktop, mobile, and web; console deployment is supported through third-party publishers. The engine uses the MIT license, which permits commercial use and redistribution subject to including its copyright notice and license statement. That license does not apply to content made with Godot, and creators retain copyright ownership of their games. C# is available for desktop and mobile; the listed web option is Godot 3. The latest stable download listed is Godot 4.7.2.