RocketWerkz releases open source BRUTAL framework for all developers
The C# framework is free for commercial use with no royalties, but the licence requires attribution and a logo before gameplay.
RocketWerkz and Ahwoo have released the BRUTAL game development framework as open source to all developers, the companies announced on October 19, 2026. BRUTAL is a C#-based framework that combines C# and .NET with C++ libraries and low-level graphics access.
The framework is free to use in commercial games with no royalty requirements. Its open source licence does require developers to provide attribution and display a logo before gameplay.
RocketWerkz has used BRUTAL in the development of Kitten Space Agency. Studio founder Dean Hall said developers should have the option to build their own game engine.
Hall added that he would prefer other developers create their own simpler frameworks rather than making BRUTAL an industry standard. In 2025, Hall and Felipe Falanghe told Game Developer that large language model advancements made working with BRUTAL much easier.
Last week, Ludeon Studios announced it had ported RimWorld off Unity onto a new engine called Waylith. In 2025, Hall accused Unity of threatening to terminate RocketWerkz' license over what he said were false accusations of violating its terms of service.
Quick answers
Is BRUTAL free to use in commercial games?
Yes. BRUTAL is free to use in commercial games with no royalty requirements, though the licence requires attribution and a logo before gameplay.
What is BRUTAL built on?
BRUTAL is a C#-based framework that combines C# and .NET with C++ libraries and low-level graphics access.
Which game has used BRUTAL?
RocketWerkz has used BRUTAL in developing Kitten Space Agency.