GameMaker's GMRT runtime to be free for commercial use from January 1, 2027
GameMaker has announced that its GMRT runtime will be free to use for all developers from January 1, 2027. Console shipping still requires an enterprise license.
Digital Developer Desk, 6h ago, 2 min read
GameMaker has announced that GMRT, its newer runtime, will be free to use for all developers starting January 1, 2027. Until then, shipping on GMRT or the older GMS2 runtime requires a professional license. The change is announced, not yet in effect.
Once it applies, developers will be able to release games made with GMRT on PC, mobile, browser and GX Games without paying for that license. GameMaker announced GMRT in April 2026. According to Game Developer, it added new tooling, including support for workflows that use AI-based programming with Claude Code.
A company spokesperson said the move is meant to make indie development on GameMaker "more accessible." The spokesperson also said the community will be able to explore GameMaker's technology, adapt it to project needs and potentially contribute to it. The report does not say how that contribution would work.
Existing professional license holders are not left out. They can still distribute games on the GMS2 runtime and will "benefit" from access to the GMS2 runtime source code, per the company's statement.
Console is the main exception. Teams targeting PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch 2 will still need to buy an enterprise license. If you are planning a new GameMaker project for 2027, check which of your target platforms fall under the free tier and which need the enterprise license before you budget.
Sources
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