GameMaker is the popular 2D engine behind titles like Hyper Light Drifter, Chicory: A Colourful Tale, and Blazing Chrome.
In a blog post announcing the pivot, GameMaker said it wants to provide developers with "more flexibility in how the work" by simplifying its licensing model.
"The streamlined licensing model will enable developers to build and commercially distribute their games using GMRT without having to purchase a Professional license. In addition, they will have source code access across every tier," reads the post.
"Developers who currently own the Professional license will still be able to commercially distribute games made on the existing GMS2 runtime, and will additionally benefit from access to GMS2 runtime source code."
Regardless of runtime, GameMaker users will still need to purchase an Enterprise license and become an approved developer to export to consoles.
There will be no changes to existing tier pricing. Professional and Enterprise options will still cost £83.99 (one-time purchase) and £629.99 per year (a monthly option is also available for £62.99).
Chris is an award-winning reporter with over a decade of experience covering the video game industry. He was formerly news editor at Game Developer and is currently the founder and editor of this resplendent website.
