GDevelop
No-code game engine with an MIT-licensed core, operated by GDevelop Ltd with a French subsidiary
Quick Overview
| Company | GDevelop Ltd (with GDevelop France SAS) |
|---|---|
| Category | Game Engines |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2021 |
| EU Presence | Yes - United Kingdom (Europe, non-EU); French subsidiary |
| Data Location | Not stated on the pages checked |
| Open Source | MIT (editor and engine) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Open-source editor can be run locally; cloud services run by GDevelop |
| Main Features | Event-based no-code logic, JavaScript extensions, 2D and 3D, cloud projects, mobile app, AI credits, Steam and app store publishing, multiplayer lobbies and leaderboards |
| Pricing | Free plan; Silver, Gold and Pro memberships billed in USD (see website) |
| Best For | Beginners, educators and small studios who want to build without code |
| Replaces | Unity |
Detailed Review
GDevelop builds game logic from events rather than code, and lets you extend the engine with JavaScript. The homepage promotes publishing to Steam and the app stores and lists built-in multiplayer lobbies, leaderboards and player accounts.
The terms state that the service is operated by GDevelop Ltd and/or subsidiaries such as GDevelop France SAS, governed by French law. Companies House lists GDevelop Ltd in London, incorporated on 23 April 2021.
Open core, paid services
The terms say GDevelop Ltd develops MIT-licensed technology available on GitHub, while the app, trademarks and online services belong to the company. The memberships add cloud projects, AI credits and publishing services.
Plans and limits
The pricing page lists Free, Silver, Gold and Pro. Cloud project allowances rise from 3 to 50, 100 and unlimited across those plans, and a company with more than $50,000 USD revenue per year must use the Pro membership.
Education
A GDevelop for Education subscription exists, with anonymised student accounts where no personally identifiable information is collected, according to the privacy policy.
Limitations to Consider
Prices are shown in USD and business use above $50,000 USD revenue per year requires the Pro plan. Cloud project counts are capped on lower plans. Complex 3D projects may suit a code-first engine such as Godot better.
Who Should Use GDevelop
Beginners, teachers and small studios who want to ship 2D and 3D games without writing code and prefer a UK/French-operated vendor.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No-code events with JavaScript extensions
- MIT-licensed editor and engine
- Education plan with anonymous student accounts
- Built-in multiplayer and player services
- Free plan available
Cons
- Pricing in USD
- Pro plan required above $50,000 USD company revenue
- Cloud project limits on lower plans
- Data hosting location not stated on pages checked
Alternatives to GDevelop
Other European game engines worth comparing before you decide:
Godot Engine
Netherlands · MIT-licensed 2D and 3D engine run by a Dutch foundation
Defold
Sweden · Lightweight cross-platform engine owned by a Swedish foundation
Flax Engine
Poland · C# and C++ 3D engine with full source on GitHub
Construct
United Kingdom · Subscription 2D game maker from Scirra in London
See all European game engines or compare them directly against Unity on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
GDevelop Ltd is registered in London according to Companies House, and the terms name GDevelop France SAS as a subsidiary under French governing law.
There is a Free plan; Silver, Gold and Pro are paid memberships. The MIT-licensed editor and engine are available on GitHub.
Yes, but a company with more than $50,000 USD revenue per year must use the Pro membership.