GameMaker: Studio

GameMaker: Studio

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Selecting your edition of Game Maker Studio
By Alek
A simple guide to help you decide wht edition of Game Maker Studio is right for you!
   
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Choosing an edition.
So, with Studio they added many "modules" of the whole program. Here's what they are, why they're different, and which one is right for you.

Note: Prices may not be accurate do to adjustments/sales. If a new feature comes out and is not on the list, let me know!

Free[www.yoyogames.com]
Cost: Free
Good For: Hobby, or just starting out.
The basic edition, very bare-bones in terms of trying to actually publish anything, great if you just want to learn or start out. You can still export your games for other people to use, but they will have a "Made with Game Maker" loading screen and splash screen. Not exactly game breaking, but doesn't look all that professional. It also limits your resources, which is alright for EXTREMELY simple games, makes larger projects a bit difficult. So it's great to start out, and learn the ropes, but if you want to actually do something, I'd plan on buying a higher version. (Frankly, you're better off getting the free version of GM 8.1[www.yoyogames.com])

Standard[www.yoyogames.com]
Cost: $45
Good For: Basic Windows/Mac Development on a budget.
A step up from the basic edition, removes the splash screens and resource limits. This is basically your standard version if you want to work on a free game by yourself, and only want to publish on the desktop. It is full featured, program wise, but it lacks a few of the newer things they added to help make a game more flexible and powerful, as well as some interesting monetization options (in-game ads, ect.)

Professional[www.yoyogames.com]
Cost: $90
Good for: Desktop development, looking to port to other devices. (The "Serious" package)
Basically, this is the full suite for desktop development. If you get really good, and want to start actually publishing games to try to make money, this is the package for you. Includes a lot of extra functionality that makes collaboration easier, as well as makes the engine a bit more flexible. It also has the ability to test builds for mobile, but not publish them. If you make something, and it gets popular enough, you can begin porting it with this edition. They also add a lot of ways to make money in-game, like in game purchases, and advertisements. They are all integrated, so it's much easier to add in.

Now, to the extended export packages:
(Require the professional edition)

HTML5 Export
Cost: $100
Good for: Facebook/web games.
I also got to try this one out. It is a bit more tricky to port, as a few things are dropped, but it's best to start from the ground up with HTML5 in mind. The main use for this is Facebook games and other web content. It includes Facebook money integration, as well as standard web advertisements. Good if you just want to get a game out to as many people as possible, and there's some chance to get a bit of money back as well.

Ubuntu Export
Cost: $100
Good for: Extreme Multi-Platform
Although this a massive step in the right direction for Linux gaming, unless you own a Linux Device, or really need to be able to export to that platform, I would save this until you absolutely need it or have a well established product, if only because of the relatively (right now) small audience.

Android Export
Cost: $200
Good for: Android Development. Duh.
I had some time to try out the android export during the beta, and it definitely is worth that $200 if you have a game ready. It is incredibly easy to export, essentially you usually just have to add touch controls. The Android market is also a great place to publish, as there's a lot of exposure, and a very low publishing fee. (Like $15-30 last time I checked, and its one time just to set up a developer account.)

IOS Export
Cost: $200
Essentially the same as the Android Export. Except there's a much higher development fee, and you must own a Mac. Seeing as how quickly android is growing, any increase in exposure dosen't really offset the price.

Windows Phone 8 Export
Cost: $200
Essentially the same as the other mobile exports, but for the Windows Phone 8. I haven't seen any figures on how big this market is, but I would say, as with the Ubuntu Export, it isn't really a "core" platform- unless you simply want to expand past Android or IOS, or specifically need it, the Android (or IOS) module is a better bet. There is also a $99 annual subscription required for the Windows Phone Dev Center.

So there you have it. All the different modules, broken down into somewhat more manageable bits. When in doubt, just get the free version, try it out, and figure out what you need.
38 Comments
Caleb 15 May, 2024 @ 8:54am 
Hi does anyone know how to view your licenses for old game maker, I have this on my account but don't remember which one I have
Mick Rocc 7 Sep, 2022 @ 10:10pm 
The professional version no longer exists. RIP $90 for anyone who bought it when it existed. I wish I spent that money on something else or saved it had I known they would turn this into a "pay forever" subscription plan and de-list this version in favor of their "version 2" which is financially walled so unless you are AAA, you can't afford the plans.
Chocice75 16 Sep, 2017 @ 8:03am 
Free version is outdated. Standard edition is now free.
Boyaux 10 Aug, 2017 @ 2:46pm 
@D3aD M1c3 V3n0m You need to go to 'Global Game Settings' at the bottom of the resource tree, then go to the 'windows' tab, and there should be an option ticked called 'display splash screen'. You need to untick that option (or you can change the splash screen to your name or something cool, like a dolphin riding an unicorn).
MadmanEpic 8 Sep, 2016 @ 4:48pm 
If you are reading this when it is posted, jsut get the Humble Bundle with all of this stuff.
Boyaux 27 Oct, 2015 @ 6:20pm 
"(Frankly, you're better off getting the free version of GM 8.1[ www.yoyogames.com ])" do you mean we should dl the one on this website instead of the one on steam or are they both the same ? ( sorry for bad english :p )
Kazumi 7 Oct, 2014 @ 5:15pm 
@Reecer9714 IGame Maker is roughly based off of java/javascript. The different modules are designed to ease release/design on different platforms other than a PC.
Crohns Racing 29 Aug, 2014 @ 2:36pm 
lightningman222

no you would not, but if you want to get greenlit and have a profesional looking game, I would say yes.

remember, Hotline Miami was made with a highly outdated free version of this software :)
CALZONES (lightning) 9 Aug, 2014 @ 11:35am 
So would you need to buy the Pro edition to sell your games on steam?
Ganzu 31 Jul, 2014 @ 6:10am 
Thanks for guide