Comparison · updated 2026-11-04
GameMaker vs Godot: which 2D game engine should indie developers use? (2026)
Short answer
Both are free to start. Godot is free and open source under the MIT license for everything, including commercial games, with no royalties. GameMaker is free for non-commercial use, but selling a game needs the $99.99 one-time Professional licence, and console exports need the Enterprise subscription. Pick GameMaker if you want a focused, beginner-friendly 2D engine; pick Godot if you want zero cost forever, open source code, or 3D as well as 2D.
GameMaker and Godot are two of the most popular engines for indie 2D games. The facts below come from each engine's official website, read on 4 November 2026. We have not built the same game in both, and licences change, so check the current pages before you commit. How we review tools.
| GameMaker | Godot Engine | |
|---|---|---|
| What it says it does | GameMakerMake a game with GameMaker, the best free video game engine. Perfect for beginners and professionals. Learn to build your own 2D indie games with our simple tutorials. | Godot EngineFree and open source 2D and 3D game engine. Godot provides a huge set of common tools, so you can just focus on making your game without reinventing the wheel. |
| Cost to learn and prototype | GameMakerFree (non-commercial licence). | Godot EngineFree. |
| Cost to sell a game | GameMakerProfessional licence $99.99 one-time. | Godot EngineFree; MIT license, no royalties or fees. |
| Console exports | GameMakerEnterprise subscription (monthly or yearly). | Godot EngineNot included in the free engine; typically done through third-party porting companies. |
| Source code | GameMakerEngine source access on Enterprise only. | Godot EngineFully open source. |
| Scripting | GameMakerGML (GameMaker Language). | Godot EngineGDScript or C#. |
| 2D vs 3D | GameMaker2D focused. | Godot Engine2D and 3D. |
| Pricing | GameMakerFree for non-commercial use (all desktop, web, mobile and GX.games exports, no watermark); Professional $99.99 one-time commercial licence; Enterprise subscription (monthly or yearly) adds console exports and source code access (official) | Godot EngineFree and open source (MIT license); no royalties or fees (official) |
| Website | GameMakerhttps://gamemaker.io/en | Godot Enginehttps://godotengine.org/ |
Which tool for which job
GameMaker wins when you want a beginner-friendly 2D engine and don't mind a one-time $99.99 licence when you sell.
Godot Engine wins when you want an engine that stays free for commercial use, is open source, or also does 3D.
Descriptions in the table come from each vendor's own site. This verdict is a fit call from those official pages as of 4 November 2026, not a shared benchmark or a hands-on score. Prices change, so confirm the pricing row on each tool page. How we review tools.
FAQ
Is GameMaker free?
Yes for non-commercial use, with desktop, web and mobile exports and no watermark. To sell a game you need the $99.99 one-time Professional licence.
Is Godot really free for commercial games?
Yes. Godot is MIT-licensed, so there are no royalties or fees, even for commercial releases.
Which is better for beginners?
GameMaker is often easier for complete beginners thanks to its simple GML language and 2D-only focus. Godot is also approachable and has a larger free community, but covers more ground.
How did you compare them?
We read each engine's official website on 4 November 2026. We have not run hands-on tests, and placements are not for sale.
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