YoYo Games has launched a new low-cost version of its 2D game development engine, GameMaker Studio 2.

The new "Creator Edition" gives devs full access to the entire GameMaker toolset, letting them hone their skills without any limitations.

That means budding game makers can play around with expert features including shaders, integrate source control, texture groups, SWF support, extensions, and external resources.

The $39 package even lets creators publish games on Windows or Mac, although those keen to launch on other platforms will have to splash out on the pricer $99 Desktop license.

"The Creator edition delivers this to developers, enabling them to build sophisticated PC and Mac games, and launch them on digital marketplaces such as Steam,” said YoYo's general manager, James Cox.

"With the Creator edition, we’ve listened to community feedback and introduced a low cost 12-month license model, which gives budding developers the opportunity to progress beyond our 'first game' tutorial, and use all our game design features.

"If they get bitten by the game making bug, they can take the next step up to a high performance Desktop license, saving 30 percent on the upgrade cost."

Interested developers can grab a 12-month Creator Edition license right now over on the YoYo Games website.