GameMaker has announced that its next-generation runtime, GMRT, will become free for commercial use from 1 January 2027. The change is intended to make it easier for developers to build and distribute games across desktop, mobile, web and GX Games without purchasing a Professional licence for GMRT.
A more accessible route to commercial game development
Announced on 23 October 2026, the change expands access to GameMaker’s next-generation runtime. Developers will be able to create and commercially distribute games using GMRT without paying for a Professional licence. The company also confirmed source-code access across all tiers, giving developers more opportunities to explore the technology, adapt it to their needs and potentially contribute to its development.
What happens to existing licences?
The announcement distinguishes between GMRT and the older GameMaker Studio 2 runtime. Existing Professional licence holders will retain commercial distribution rights for games made using the older runtime. They will also gain access to the GMS2 runtime source code. GameMaker says there will be no changes to existing tier pricing as part of this announcement.
Console publishing still has requirements
The change does not mean every publishing route becomes completely free. Developers who want to export games to consoles will still need an Enterprise licence and approved-developer status. This distinction matters when choosing an engine: developers targeting desktop or mobile may have different licensing considerations from studios planning a console release.
What indie developers should do next
Developers considering GameMaker should review which runtime their project uses, the platforms they intend to target and the applicable licence conditions. The January 2027 change could make GMRT a more attractive option for new projects, but teams should check the latest official documentation before making business or production decisions.
Official source: GameMaker — GMRT Update: Free for Commercial Use and Source Access
Additional coverage: Opera Newsroom announcement
