Quick Answer
gamemaker-exe is safe. It's the GameMaker Studio 2 IDE executable from YoYo Games used to create, test, and export projects.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\GameMaker Studio 2\ or C:\Program Files\GameMaker Studio 2\
Warning
Multiple processes
IDE may launch helper processes for builds, previews, and extensions
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the IDE; prevent startup via Windows startup settings if desired
What is GameMakerStudio2.exe?
gamemaker-exe is the executable for the YoYo Games GameMaker Studio 2 integrated development environment (IDE). It starts the editor, project compiler, and runtime previews, and may spawn auxiliary processes for builds, assets, and previews.
GameMaker Studio 2 uses a modular architecture with a main IDE process and several helper processes for compilation, resource import, and previews. This design keeps the editor responsive while isolating build tasks, but results in multiple active processes.
Quick Fact: GameMaker Studio 2 compiles to platform-specific code; the IDE coordinates this via separate subprocesses to keep the UI responsive.
Types of GameMaker Processes
- IDE Process: Main GameMaker Studio 2 editor window and UI (1+ instances)
- Compiler Process: Builds projects to target platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, HTML5)
- Preview/Launcher Process: Launches game previews for testing inside the IDE or external runtimes
- Resource Import Process: Imports assets like sprites, sounds, and tiles into the project
- Extension/Plugin Process: Runs optional extensions for extra functionality
- Utility Process: Background tasks like project exporting and asset packaging
Is gamemaker-exe Safe?
Yes, gamemaker-exe is safe when it originates from YoYo Games and is installed from official sources or reputable distributors.
Is gamemaker-exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gamemaker-exe is NOT a virus. Malicious software may masquerade as legitimate files; verify publisher and location.
How to Tell if gamemaker-exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\GameMaker Studio 2\GameMakerStudio2.exe or C:\Program Files\GameMaker Studio 2\GameMakerStudio2.exe. Any gamemaker-exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click GameMakerStudio2.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "YoYo Games Ltd".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per build task, 100-500 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: The IDE should not launch outside a user-initiated session unless background checks are enabled.
Red Flags: If gamemaker-exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when you haven't opened GameMaker, has no digital signature, or uses unusual resources constantly, scan for malware immediately. Be wary of similarly-named files.
Why Is gamemaker-exe Running on My PC?
gamemaker-exe runs when you open GameMaker Studio 2 or when the IDE is performing background tasks like builds, previews, or asset imports.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Project Build/Preview: You are compiling or previewing a project; the compiler/launcher runs to build target platforms.
- Background Asset Import: Assets imported or updated in the IDE trigger background import and packaging processes.
- IDE Extensions/Plugins: Extensions loaded in the IDE may run separate processes for added functionality.
- Auto-Save/Crash Recovery: The IDE may spawn processes for autosave and crash recovery tasks.
- Platform Export/Deployment: Exporting or deploying to Windows, Android, iOS may launch helper processes for packaging.
Can I Disable or Remove gamemaker-exe?
Yes, you can disable gamemaker-exe. Close GameMaker Studio 2 when not in use and adjust startup and background settings as needed.
How to Stop gamemaker-exe
- Close the IDE: Click the X or use Alt+F4 to close the GameMaker Studio 2 IDE
- End Background Tasks: In Task Manager, end any lingering GameMaker processes
- Prevent Startup: Disable GameMaker Studio 2 from automatic startup in Windows Startup tab
- Disable Background Features: In the IDE, disable background asset import or auto-build options if available
How to Uninstall GameMaker Studio 2
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> GameMaker Studio 2 -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> GameMaker Studio 2 -> Uninstall
- ✔ Backup projects before uninstall; reinstall from YoYo Games if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If gamemaker-exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large or complex projects: Builds and previews can spike CPU; try smaller scenes or optimize assets
- Background asset processing: Disable non-essential background tasks in the IDE; close unused projects
- Outdated GameMaker Studio 2: Update to the latest version from YoYo Games
- Extensions or plugins: Disable or remove problematic extensions
- Antivirus interaction: Ensure antivirus isn’t scanning GameMaker files during builds; exclude the IDE folder
- GPU acceleration: Try disabling hardware acceleration in IDE settings
Quick Fixes:
1. Close large previews and reduce asset load
2. Update GameMaker Studio 2 to latest version
3. Disable unnecessary extensions in the IDE
4. Run a clean build and clear caches
5. Check Task Manager for rogue processes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gamemaker-exe a virus?
No, the legitimate gamemaker-exe from YoYo Games is not a virus. Verify the location is in C:\Program Files (x86)\GameMaker Studio 2\ and the publisher is YoYo Games Ltd.
Why is gamemaker-exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by extensive builds, large previews, or heavy asset processing. Use the IDE's task manager and reduce assets or disable non-critical features during a build.
Can I delete gamemaker-exe?
You can uninstall GameMaker Studio 2 via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your projects are separate; back them up before uninstalling.
Can I disable gamemaker-exe from starting at startup?
Yes, disable the IDE from Windows startup. In the IDE, you can disable auto-start tasks; in Windows, use Task Manager -> Startup to disable GameMaker Studio 2.
Where is GameMaker Studio 2 installed on Windows?
Typical installation paths include C:\Program Files (x86)\GameMaker Studio 2\ or C:\Program Files\GameMaker Studio 2\; the exact path depends on your installer and OS architecture.
Why are there multiple GameMaker processes?
GameMaker Studio 2 uses separate processes for IDE, compiling, previews, and assets to keep the UI responsive and isolate tasks.