GameMaker Studio 2
The 2D Game Engine for Indies
GameMaker Studio 2 is the engine powering thousands of indie games—from bedroom projects to commercial hits like Undertale and Hotline Miami.
Learn GameMaker through hands-on practice in the gm(48), a quarterly 48-hour game jam where you'll build complete games, master GML, and connect with a passionate community of GameMaker developers.
What is GameMaker Studio 2?
GameMaker Studio 2 is a complete 2D game development engine that empowers creators of all skill levels to bring their game ideas to life. Whether you're a programmer who loves code, an artist who loves visuals, or someone completely new to game development, GameMaker provides the tools to build, test, and ship real games.
With its drag-and-drop visual scripting alongside powerful GML (GameMaker Language) programming, the engine scales with your skills. Start simple with built-in physics, sprite editors, and animation tools—then grow into advanced systems like shaders, networking, and procedural generation.
GameMaker Studio 2 has powered beloved indie titles like Undertale, Hyper Light Drifter, Hotline Miami, and countless other commercial successes. It's trusted by solo developers and small teams worldwide because it removes technical barriers while keeping creative control.
The gm(48) game jam celebrates this engine and its passionate community by hosting quarterly 48-hour competitions where GameMaker developers push their creativity, learn new techniques, and share their work with fellow creators.
Flexible Development
Use drag-and-drop for quick prototypes or dive deep into GML for complete control over your game logic
Rapid Prototyping
Built-in tools for sprites, animations, physics, and more let you iterate quickly and test ideas fast
Multi-Platform Export
Deploy your games to Windows, macOS, Linux, HTML5, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
Thriving Community
Access thousands of tutorials, asset packs, forums, and passionate developers ready to help
Learn GameMaker Studio 2 Through Game Jams
The gm(48) provides the perfect opportunity to master GameMaker Studio 2 through hands-on practice. Join quarterly 48-hour game jams designed exclusively for GameMaker developers.
Master GML Through Practice
Build complete games in 48 hours and rapidly improve your GameMaker Language skills. Learn by doing, with immediate feedback from experienced developers.
GameMaker-Specific Community
Everyone uses GameMaker Studio 2, so you'll get engine-specific help, share GML techniques, and learn from developers who understand your exact workflow.
Perfect Learning Environment
GameMaker's rapid prototyping tools and built-in features make it ideal for 48-hour jams. You'll learn what the engine excels at by pushing it to the limit.
GameMaker Resources Library
Access our library of GameMaker tutorials, GML code snippets, and extensions shared by the community to accelerate your learning.
What is a Game Jam?
A game jam is a time-limited event where developers create a complete game from scratch—typically in 48 hours. It's about rapid prototyping, creative problem-solving, and finishing something playable.
Time-Boxed Challenge
Work within strict time constraints to scope, build, and polish a playable game
Theme-Based Creativity
A surprise theme is revealed at the start, inspiring unique interpretations and ideas
Community Learning
Share techniques, get feedback, and learn from other developers in real-time
Friendly Competition
Games are rated by participants, with prizes and recognition for outstanding entries
Why GameMaker Studio 2 is Perfect for Game Jams
Discover how participating in gm(48) game jams accelerates your GameMaker learning and helps you become a better game developer
Master GameMaker
Improve your GML skills, learn new techniques, and become a better GameMaker developer through hands-on practice
Finish Games
Complete and ship real games that people can play. Build a portfolio of finished projects
Get Real Feedback
Receive constructive criticism from experienced GameMaker developers who understand your workflow
Build Your Network
Connect with other GameMaker developers, find teammates, and join a supportive community
Learn to Scope
Master the crucial skill of scoping projects appropriately—knowing what to build and what to cut
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