GameMaker makes its GMRT runtime free for commercial use starting January 1, 2027

GameMaker said its next-generation GMRT runtime will be free for commercial use starting January 1, 2027, so developers can build and distribute games free on desktop, mobile, web, and GX Games.

Game Developer reported that Opera owns GameMaker and that GameMaker announced its next-generation runtime, GMRT, in April 2026. The outlet describes GMRT as new tooling for the 2D engine, including support for AI-based programming workflows through Claude Code, an AI coding assistant. GameMaker said the runtime is rolling out in beta across platforms. The company said the announcement follows source-code-access changes earlier this year.

GameMaker said its streamlined licensing model lets developers create GMRT games and sell them commercially without buying a professional license. The company said tier pricing will not change under the new terms, and source code access will be open across every GMRT tier. Game Developer said the change arrives with a new update from the Opera-owned developer and describes the no-cost targets as PC, mobile, browser, and GX Games.

GameMaker said developers who hold a professional license may still sell games created with the existing GMS2 runtime, the runtime for GameMaker’s 2D engine. Those license holders will also receive access to the source code for the GMS2 runtime, an added benefit for those continuing with GMS2 under a professional license. Game Developer reported that, before the change, developers had to buy a professional license to ship games on GMRT or GMS2.

GameMaker said that regardless of which runtime a developer uses, exporting games to consoles still requires an enterprise license and approved developer status. The company said developers whose games target PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, or Nintendo Switch 2 still must buy an enterprise license, even though GMRT will be free for other targets.

GameMaker said the change advances its aim of opening indie development to more people and that the new free commercial terms serve that goal. A company spokesperson said the change fits GameMaker’s plan to make indie development easier to pursue. The spokesperson said developers will gain more flexibility and a simpler commercial model for new projects.

The spokesperson said the community can examine GameMaker’s technology, adapt it to project needs, and possibly contribute to it. Russell Kay, head of GameMaker, said the company has long aimed to make development accessible and flexible for all creators. Kay made the remark in a statement accompanying the announcement, as GameMaker widens what it provides through the GMRT beta. He said GMRT’s beta rollout across platforms shows GameMaker is expanding what it offers developers, and he said he is excited about what the community would create as GameMaker began this fresh chapter.

Game Developer said the announcement follows Unity’s 2023 Runtime Fee fiasco, after which engine platforms charted different courses. The outlet said GameMaker’s decision fits a wider shift among game engine platforms since 2023. Unity and Epic Games announced integration of coding support based on large language models in their next engine versions. Unity is exploring a browser portal that lets developers update builds without launching the full development studio.

Game Developer reported that Epic is phasing out Blueprints support in favor of Verse, a coding language for workflows driven by large language models and often called vibe coding, and that Epic will combine its Unreal Engine products, including UEFN, into one. Indie developers have flocked to Godot, praising its open-source workflow speed. Developer affection for GameMaker remains steady as the engine is still regarded as a strong tool for high-quality 2D games.