> Looks like my only alternative is GameMaker.
>
No, it's not. Other non-subscription options are Godot and Fusion for 2d games.
I opted for Godot, and it's more capable than either GameMaker or Fusion. I've been having a great time with it so far: the scripting is easy, the built-in 'animate all' animation timeline a gods-end, and since it is open source: free.
Godot is used and developed by an actual game studio, and you can tell. It's very efficient and organized to work with. Exporters for all major platforms, including consoles (by request and if you have a developer's license).
So if you dislike rental business models for your software, there are choices.
If you want a drag and drop / Event Based system GoDot is not an equivalent or alternative to Construct.
They are building a flowgraph system but it looks even more complicated than the code. If you want this type of thing + 3D then both Unreal and Unity + GameFlow or Unity + Playmaker is much better imho. I've used both and got some gameplay demos out how I wanted it with realistic amounts of effort. a day or two's work with some tutorials etc.
If you want to code GameMaker is really great. You can drag and drop and code. Native export, fast etc although even the new editor is not fantastic. Mac editor on the way. You have to learn the GML language though since the drag and drop is not as good and frankly, being neglected.
Fusion 2.5 and upcoming Fusion 3 is really the only good alternative. Gdevelop is there but lacking at the moment.
Fusion's editor is not as good as Constructs at all and the event system although powerful is not as easy to use.
I'm not at all experienced with Construct (I used GameMaker before), but it's a LOT easier to just figure stuff out vs other engines for me. - I can code a bit (PHP,GML) but wont call myself a coder.
GameMaker and Construct 2 is on par with Manuals I'd say, maybe Gamemaker edges out there since every command etc has an example, but you still need to figure it out.
Construct's forums with all the How Do I links and general tutorials on the site etc are really good.
Don't under estimate this.
GoDot's resources in this area pales in comparison when I last checked.
I've used all these tools and I really think Construct 2 and 3 will save you a TON of time imho. Time = Money right?
Unless you are just learning or making games as a hobby then that counts for a lot.
I'm not liking the sub either but im sure that Scira will add more to it quickly and make it worthwhile. I am hoping.
The ease of use and the "flow" of the editor makes up for the Renting model I think. Esp since they did say they will let people possible pay monthly after the first year.
Who is to say the Gamemaker or Fusion or whomever adds a Sub/Rental model themselves down the line?
If Scirra adds the things people really want as listed in the Feature requests I reckon the renting model could work.
Reasons for the other engines might be because you want native or performance in C3 is lacking. Something that I have not encountered - yet.
I suppose the ease of use does come with some trade-offs, but looking at a game like The Next Penelope for instance, it's running well and is a really fast paced game that looks good.
Maybe I'll eat my words but, although probably not as fast C++ based engines, I think Construct 3 will be capable of more than people give it credit for esp when the re-write of the runtime happens.
I almost see it as the days when people used Flash for making and running games in the .exe or .swf.
I was bigtime into flash, people kept saying it wasn't professional, it's slow, its not this or that, yet, tons of things where done with that tool - games that still exist today started out in Flash but just took some creative thinking.
I'm rambling....
I'm ok with the Rent for now...I use a Mac and it's better to open it in browser than to launch a Parallels session every time in Windows. I REALLY dislike using Windows. I am really HOPING Ashley and Co doesn't disappoint those that are going to sign up for rent and adds some great behaviors and some cool features.