MonoGame vs GameMaker: One Engine to Rule Them All

Navigating the MonoGame vs GameMaker debate? For those hunting multi-platform support and detail-oriented control, MonoGame stands tall. However, GameMaker shines for beginners craving simplicity in 2D game production. Choose wisely based on your coding capacity and game-development ambition.

Key Differences Between MonoGame and GameMaker

• Coding: MonoGame demands solid C# knowledge whereas GameMaker provides a simpler environment for beginners.
• Control: MonoGame gives more control, ideal for comprehensive, multi-platform games whereas GameMaker focuses on simplifying 2D game creation.
• Support: Both have vibrant communities, but MonoGame is community-maintained, encouraging contribution. GameMaker emphasizes on customer feedback for updates.
• Price: MonoGame is free, GameMaker offers various pricing tiers for different needs.
• Tools: MonoGame’s toolset is leaner, primarily C#/XNA-based. GameMaker has extensive tools and plans for modding and AI support.

What Is MonoGame and Who’s It For?

MonoGame is a free, open-source C# framework that was designed primarily for game developers. This framework facilitates game-making for multiple platforms inclusive of iOS, Android, macOS, tvOS, and more. Launched in September 2009, it has been employed for prominent games like Bastion and Celeste. MonoGame is ideally tailored for game developers striving to blend creativity across multiple platforms, requiring basic programming knowledge in C#.

Pros of MonoGame

• Free and open-source
• Comprehensive platform support
• Active community contribution
• Fast execution speed
• Offers high control over the game development process

Cons of MonoGame

• Not suitable for WYSIWYG activities or integrated game editor
• Requires knowledge in C#
• High-level programming and support for iOS and Android is paid.

What Is GameMaker and Who’s It For?

GameMaker is a celebrated 2D game engine, known for its simplicity and user-friendly design, which is perfect for beginners and experienced developers. Games like Undertale and Chicory: A Colorful Tale were crafted using this engine. With multiple payment tiers from free to enterprise, GameMaker is an affordable and flexible software suitable for solo developers and larger game studios.

Pros of GameMaker

• Highly intuitive and easy to use
• Multifarious tools and features
• Various payment tiers, including a free option
• Notable games created using this engine

Cons of GameMaker

• Predominant focus on 2D games
• More complex projects may require knowledge of GML(GameMaker’s proprietary coding language)
• Extra cost for exporting to major consoles

MonoGame vs GameMaker: Pricing

While MonoGame positions itself as an open-source and free tool for game developers, GameMaker differentiates with a tiered pricing model suited to varied needs, including a free version and professional tiers.

MonoGame

MonoGame is available free of charge. As an open-source project, it invites independent software developers to contribute towards its improvement. This pricing arrangement is particularly beneficial for developers wanting to experiment with multiple platforms without incurring financial commitment. However, game developers may face costs related to acquiring knowledge in C# and geometry, although some educational resources are offered by MonoGame.

GameMaker

GameMaker has an organized tiered pricing structure catering to different requirements: Free (basic access), Creator (geared towards prospective game developers for desktop stores), Indie (offers several export options for game release), and Enterprise (structured for studio releases on major consoles). The tiered pricing system ensures that both novices and experienced developers find a package suiting their needs and budget. The exact pricing for Creator, Indie, and Enterprise tiers are not specified in the provided information.

Code Examples for MonoGame & GameMaker

MonoGame

This code snippet demonstrates the creation of a simple 2D bouncing ball with MonoGame. This code requires MonoGame Framework and uses a sprite for the ball image. Replace `ballSprite.png` with the path to your sprite.

using Microsoft.Xna.Framework;
using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Graphics;
using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Input;

public class Game1: Game
{
    GraphicsDeviceManager graphics;
    SpriteBatch spriteBatch;
    Texture2D ballSprite;
    Vector2 ballPosition = Vector2.Zero;
    Vector2 ballSpeed = new Vector2(150.0f, 150.0f);

    public Game1()
    {
        graphics = new GraphicsDeviceManager(this);
        Content.RootDirectory = "Content";
    }

    protected override void LoadContent()
    {
        spriteBatch = new SpriteBatch(GraphicsDevice);
        ballSprite = Content.Load<Texture2D>("ballSprite.png");
    }

    protected override void Update(GameTime gameTime)
    {
        ballPosition += ballSpeed * (float)gameTime.ElapsedGameTime.TotalSeconds;
        
        int MaxX = graphics.GraphicsDevice.Viewport.Width - ballSprite.Width;
        int MinX = 0;
        int MaxY = graphics.GraphicsDevice.Viewport.Height - ballSprite.Height;
        int MinY = 0;

        if (ballPosition.X > MaxX)
        {
            ballSpeed.X *= -1;
            ballPosition.X = MaxX;
        }

        else if (ballPosition.X < MinX)
        {
            ballSpeed.X *= -1;
            ballPosition.X = MinX;
        }

        if (ballPosition.Y > MaxY)
        {
            ballSpeed.Y *= -1;
            ballPosition.Y = MaxY;
        }
        
        else if (ballPosition.Y < MinY)
        {
            ballSpeed.Y *= -1;
            ballPosition.Y = MinY;
        }

        base.Update(gameTime);
    }

    protected override void Draw(GameTime gameTime)
    {
        GraphicsDevice.Clear(Color.CornflowerBlue);
        spriteBatch.Begin();
        spriteBatch.Draw(ballSprite, ballPosition, Color.White);
        spriteBatch.End();
        base.Draw(gameTime);
    }
}
    

GameMaker

This is a simple AI chase algorithm for a GameMaker enemy character. Ensure you have defined both the player and enemy objects within GameMaker.

var target, distance;

// Search for instances of object
target = instance_nearest(x, y, obj_player);  
distance = point_distance(x, y, target.x, target.y);

// If a target exists and is within a specific range
if (instance_exists(target) && distance < 200) 
{
    speed = 3; // Set chasing speed
    move_towards_point(target.x, target.y, speed); // Initiate the chase
} 
else 
{
    speed = 0; // Stop movement when target is out of range
}
    

The Conclusive Verdict: MonoGame vs GameMaker

The boiling platform discourse comes to a head. MonoGame or GameMaker, which technology should you ride?

Highly Versatile Developers

MonoGame comes steaming for you. It’s your trusted partner across iOS, Android, macOS, tvOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch platforms. The catch? You need a firm grasp on C# programming. If you enjoy lower-level programming and absolute control over the game development process, MonoGame fits the bill.

Innovative Game Architecture Enthusiasts

Go for GameMaker. Its simplicity and scalability score high for developers designing 2D games. The praise from Gabriel Gonçalves to Carl Pilon consolidates its value. Need user-generated content for your game? The anticipated integration of Mod.io extension in 2023, will blaze the trail. If you crave a technology with regular engine updates balancing new features and basic maintenance, GameMaker it is.

Platform-focused Developers

Choose your weapon based on the platform. For Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo wizards, MonoGame should win your favor. For desktop games, and those wishing to explore major consoles, GameMaker stands tall. However, always factor the cost against the intended platform(s).

Your choice of technology rides on your priorities. MonoGame thrives on versatile platform sup-port, lower-level programming, and total development control – ideal for the versed in C# program-ming. GameMaker simplifies game design without compromising on innovation or platform coverage, making it ideal for platform-focused developers and 2D-game architects. Choose wisely.+