GameMaker makes GMRT runtime free for all developers from 2027
PC, mobile, browser and GX Games releases will be free under the new runtime, but console launches still need an enterprise license.
GameMaker will make its GMRT runtime free to use for all developers starting January 1, 2027, the engine's team announced on October 23, 2026. Under the change, developers will be able to ship games at no cost on PC, mobile, browser and GX Games.
Console releases remain outside the free tier. Shipping a game on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch 2 will still require an enterprise license, according to gamedeveloper.com.
GameMaker, which is owned by Opera, said the decision is part of a strategy to make indie game development on the engine more accessible.
Existing licenses keep GMS2 path
Developers holding an existing professional license can still distribute games using the GMS2 runtime, and will also receive access to the GMS2 runtime source code. Previously, a professional license was required to ship games on either GMRT or GMS2.
GameMaker announced GMRT in April 2026, adding tooling that included support for AI-based programming on Claude Code.
Quick answers
When does the GMRT runtime become free?
From January 1, 2027, for all developers.
Do console releases need a license?
Yes. Shipping on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch 2 still requires an enterprise license.
Will existing professional license holders keep GMS2 access?
Yes, they can still distribute games using the GMS2 runtime and get access to its source code.