The GameMaker engine series behind Undertale, Hotline Miami and Spelunky is going free for commercial use on PC
GameMaker, the popular game creation engine behind acclaimed indie titles like Undertale, Hotline Miami, and Spelunky, is becoming free for commercial use on PC starting January 1, 2027. Previously, developers needed to purchase a Professional license to monetize games created with GameMaker. This significant policy change will dramatically lower the barrier to entry for indie developers seeking to sell their games on PC and web platforms.
The shift represents a major evolution in GameMaker’s business model. YoYo Games, the current developer of the engine, is removing the licensing requirement for PC, web, and mobile commercial releases, though a paid license remains necessary for console ports. This decision reflects broader trends in game development, where industry leaders are increasingly prioritizing user adoption and ecosystem growth over upfront licensing fees.
GameMaker has remained a go-to engine for independent developers for over two decades. Its accessibility and relatively low learning curve have made it particularly popular for 2D game development, and its track record includes numerous critically acclaimed releases. By eliminating commercial licensing requirements for PC and other platforms, YoYo Games appears to be betting on expansion through increased user adoption and marketplace growth rather than licensing revenue.
The company maintains restrictions on console development, with paid licenses still required for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo releases. This tiered pricing strategy suggests YoYo Games is differentiating its monetization based on distribution platform, while simultaneously removing friction for independent developers targeting PC and digital platforms. The change is expected to accelerate indie game development and democratize access to professional game creation tools.