GameMaker Ditches Subscription for Indies, Embraces One-Time Fee Post Unity's Turbulence

GameMaker's shaking up the game development scene with a bold move. Kicking the subscription model to the curb, GameMaker's now free for non-commercial use on all non-console platforms. And for those looking to go commercial, it's just a one-time $100 fee. This pivot seems to be a direct response to Unity's controversial pay-per-install fee plan that got indie devs up in arms​​.

Russell Kay's Bold Vision

GameMaker's head honcho, Russell Kay, isn't just sitting back. He's making moves! "Other platforms are making awkward moves with pricing and terms, so why not do the opposite? Something actually good for developers," he says. This big shift in GameMaker's approach went live yesterday, and there's even chatter about the platform going open-source. Talk about stirring the pot!​​.

Godot: The New Indie Darling?

As Unity faces backlash, Godot is stepping up as a popular alternative for indie devs. Take Mega Crit's "Dancing Duelists," for example – a funky, free deck-builder game. Unity isn't sitting quietly, though; they've got a new engine lined up for 2024 with "responsibly sourced" AI tools. The game dev landscape is changing, folks!​​.

In the ever-evolving world of game development, it's clear that indie voices matter. With GameMaker's latest move and the ongoing shifts in the industry, it's an exciting time for indie game creators. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!