What is GameMaker?
GameMaker (GM) is the latest and greatest iteration of our software. It provides a powerful yet easy-to-use platform for all your game development needs.
Is there a free/trial available? What other options are there?
Yes, GameMaker is available for free - with the free version, you'll be able to create your games in the GameMaker IDE and upload them to GX.Games or export them for Desktop, Mobile, and Web platforms. You'll also have full access to our catalogue of Asset Bundles.
If you plan to sell your games, you'll need a commercial licence ($99.99 one-off payment) which you can purchase (here).
Console developers, once verified with the relevant vendors, will require an Enterprise subscription.
Will GameMaker import my Studio 1.4 project? Will it run?
Any version of GameMaker (formally Studio 2) will import GameMaker: Studio 1.4 projects just fine. For any obsolete functions, we will generate a compatibility script automatically for you so we can hopefully get your project running straight away - this compatibility script can continue to be used or you can edit your project so the extra script is no longer needed.
Some older resources (e.g., backgrounds and especially the old way of using tiles) will require a bit of manual work to bring them into line with the new functionality.
For more information on importing legacy projects into GameMaker, see here.
Will GameMaker import my legacy GameMaker (7/8/8.1) project? Will it run?
No, GameMaker does not support these old formats.
Can I use GameMaker on my Mac?
Yes, the IDE can be run on macOS, Windows, and Ubuntu Linux computers, provided they run a 64-bit OS.
Does GameMaker require an internet connection?
When you first install GameMaker you will be required to have an internet connection to log into the product and download any additional runtimes. After that, you can use the product offline, although you will be required to connect again approximately every 30 days to verify the account using the product. Note, though, that by not being connected you will not be able to access various features like Account Management or the Marketplace, nor will you receive any updates to the IDE or the runtimes.
IMPORTANT! If you are using the Steam Client, then this MUST be set to online, as GameMaker will not work in offline mode.
Does GameMaker send any data to YoYo Games?
GameMaker sends analytics data to YoYo Games from the IDE. This includes data about the PC running the program (e.g.: monitor size, CPU, GPU, memory, etc.) and this data is being accumulated so that we can better target our services towards the needs of the user.
For further information please refer to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.
How many computers can I install GameMaker on?
You can have GameMaker installed (and be logged in) on 3 concurrent devices. However, these must all be your own personal devices, as you are not allowed to share your GameMaker Account with others.
How much does it cost and is it subscription only?
GameMaker is Free for general use. You may purchase a commercial licence to sell and distribute your games en masse if you like - See the Get page for GameMaker Professional.
Enterprise subscriptions are available for console developers.
Do I have to pay royalty fees or give YoYo Games any of the profits from my game?
A one-off charge of $99.99 for the commercial licence (GameMaker Professional) is required to sell your games. This is the only charge. After you've purchased your commercial licence all monies made are yours to keep.
Where can I get support/help?
Anyone seeking coding help and advice can get assistance at any time from the GameMaker Community forums. Please note we do not offer coding/design support on the Helpdesk or bug-reporting facilities - you will be asked to make yourself a GMC thread and ask there.
Of course, whenever you need them you can see our various installation and platform setup guides right here on the Helpdesk and the Manual is available from inside the IDE - press F1 to open it.
If you believe you have an account issue, please Contact us. You can find this link on the Help menu inside GM.
If you believe you've found a bug with GameMaker or one of YoYo Games extensions, please head over to our Git page to report these (you'll need a free Git account).
Are you stopping support for Studio 1.X?
Support for GameMaker: Studio 1.4 ended on 31 July 2018. For more information, see here.
Is there an education version
Yes. Please see our Education page here.
Where did the Studio 2 go?
The name was simplified from GameMaker Studio 2 to just being GameMaker.
More information can be found in our Blog Post here.
For full branding details please see the Branding Guidelines.