Today, we're excited to announce that our next-generation runtime, GMRT, will be made free for commercial use starting January 1, 2027, allowing developers to create and distribute their games for free across desktop, mobile, web, and GX Games.
These changes are building upon the source code access for GMRT announced earlier this year, aiming to make indie game development on GameMaker more accessible. As a result, developers will have more flexibility in how they work with GameMaker and a simplified commercial model for their new projects. The community will also be able to explore GameMaker’s technology, tailor it to their specific project needs, and even potentially contribute to it.
Empowering developers to build and distribute
The streamlined licensing model will enable developers to build and commercially distribute their games using GMRT without having to purchase a Professional license. In addition, they will have source code access across every tier.
Developers who currently own the Professional license will still be able to commercially distribute games made on the existing GMS2 runtime, and will additionally benefit from access to GMS2 runtime source code. Regardless of runtime, developers will still need an Enterprise license and to be an approved developer to be able to export to consoles. There will be no changes to existing tier pricing.
“From the very beginning, GameMaker has been committed to making game development more accessible and flexible for every creator out there,” said Russell Kay, Head of GameMaker. “As GMRT continues to roll out in beta across platforms, we are widening the scope of what we provide to developers. We are excited to see what the community comes up with as we embark on this fresh chapter for GameMaker.”
Happy GameMaking!
Ross handles all things community at GameMaker. When he’s not pulling the strings from behind the scenes or organising the next GameMaker community event, he’s diving head first into indie games. Let him know about your upcoming game!