Oh, it’s been a trying time for developers, especially those who’ve been hurt byUnity’s recent new controversial fees. As a result, many have been hightailing it outta there, looking for alternatives. In the midst of all this, one company has decided to engage in some savvy business acumen.
GameMaker has decided to go in the opposite direction and make itself free. A recent post on thecompany’s websiteis celebrating Thanksgiving by offering a free-to-use license for non-commercial purposes. On top of this, there’s also a new “one-time fee” for a commercial license, replacing its Creator/Indie subscriptions, while Enterprise remains the same.
📢 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
While it can’t be assumed that this is in direct response to Unity’s “Runtime Fee,” GameMaker head Russell Kay says the team has seen “other platforms making awkward moves with their pricing and terms,” so saw fit to go in the other direction. Mum’s the word, Kay. Mum’s the word.
If you haven’t heard of it, you soon will
Offering support for all kinds of platforms, including Android, iOS, Amazon TV, Raspberry Pi, as well as Windows and modern consoles, GameMaker is one more alternative for developers to use.
If you’ve ever playedHotline MiamiorUndertale(or both), then you’ve played a GameMaker title before. And with free usage for non-commercial endeavors being offered, there’s probably going to be a few more people eager to jump ship.
As for what’s going on with Unity at the moment, alongside the carnage it’s created, the company may also belaying off staff. You know, that thing that’s been a plague on the industry this year and is almost certainly going to make people dislike Unity even more? Yeah, that thing.
