GameMaker, an accessible and popular game development tool, will be officially free for non-commercial use starting today, according to an article posted on the company’s Twitter page:
📢 From today, GameMaker will be free for non-commercial use on all platforms (excluding console). To further meet your needs, we are introducing a one-time licence, replacing our current subscriptions! pic.twitter.com/F2sUYo2SzH
— GameMaker (@GameMakerEngine) November 21, 2023
This change does not include consoles, which will retain their standard Enterprise subscription for exports. However, the old Creative and Independent subscription models have now been replaced by one-time commercial licensing fees.
This is a welcome move that will certainly save developers money in the long run. GameMaker official FAQ page for these changes, the commercial license fee is currently $99, but this may vary depending on your region.
The FAQ also mentions that users with an existing subscription may be eligible for a free commercial license, or at least a discount.
In addition, the Asset Bundles will be free for everyone. This will enhance the flexibility and value of all plans. The new pricing changes present a tremendous learning opportunity that adapts to the amount individuals want to invest.
Surprisingly, GameMaker’s new announcement blog also takes the opportunity to discreetly criticize “other platforms that make awkward changes with their prices and conditions.”
Users will probably assume that this is a reference to Unity, although they have not been named directly. Unity has faced appropriate negative reactions and continues to fight a tough battle to control the damage. But they may never fully regain the shattered trust of their clients.
Services that do the opposite will certainly gain goodwill and new fans thanks to contrast alone.
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