GameMaker has recently announced that its software will be available for free for non-commercial use on all non-console platforms, giving aspiring developers access to a game engine to learn how to create games. Additionally, the company is introducing a one-time fee for a commercial license, which will replace the existing Creator/Indie subscription models. For developers using GameMaker for console development or those with an Enterprise subscription, there will be no changes to their current services.
Russell Kay, the Head of GameMaker, detailed the reasons behind these changes in a recent blog post. For starters, the company wants to say “Thank You” to the community. Kay noted that since GameMaker became part of the Opera family, there has been a threefold increase in active users. He also highlighted GameMaker’s new capability to create animated live wallpapers and mentioned that GameMaker’s asset bundles are now free to all users.
Kay did mention that “other platforms” have been making awkward moves, clearly alluding to Unity’s recent policy changes that were not very well received by developers. Existing subscribers should note that they may be eligible for a free commercial license or a discount under the new terms. For more detailed information on these changes, visit GameMaker’s November 2023 Pricing/Terms Change FAQ page.
