Game Development Software
Ongoing coverage on Game Development Software.
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The GameMaker engine series behind Undertale, Hotline Miami and Spelunky is going free for commercial use on PC
Starting January 1, 2027, YoYo Games will make its GameMaker engine free for commercial PC game development, a significant shift from its previous licensing model. While console releases will still require an Enterprise license, this change aims to broaden accessibility for indie developers who have used the tool for titles like Undertale and Hotline Miami.
State of Indie 2026 Part 3: Finance and Tech
Independent game development faces significant financial challenges, with publishers reducing funding and venture capital primarily flowing into development tools rather than games themselves. The increasing use of AI tools by developers is controversial, impacting player perception and leading to shorter production cycles as teams aim for efficiency in a crowded market.
Capcom announces plans to transform its RE Engine into an 'AI-generation game engine'
Capcom has announced plans to evolve its proprietary RE Engine into an 'AI-generation game engine' through a project named REX. This initiative involves integrating AI and machine-learning technologies to enhance development efficiency, streamline workflows, and improve data management, rather than generating game assets directly. The company aims to make the engine more universally understandable for its growing user base.
Meta unveils AI-powered game tools for mobile devices and browsers; announces VR Glasses with day-one Unity support
Meta has unveiled two AI-powered game development tools, Horizon Create for mobile and Horizon Studio for browsers, that allow users to generate 2D and 3D games from text prompts. The company also announced new VR Glasses, lighter than the Meta Quest 3, featuring a 5K display and day-one Unity support, set to launch in Spring 2027 for $1,299.99.
Roblox will allow devs to release games as standalone apps on other stores
Roblox Corporation is enabling developers to release their games as standalone applications on external platforms like Steam, the App Store, and Google Play. This initiative, announced at the Roblox Developers Conference, aims to provide developers with new tools and audiences, while maintaining similar revenue-share economics to the Roblox app. The company is also introducing new engine capabilities, AI tools, and financial offerings for creators.
Nvidia DLSS 5 is launching on September 3: Here's everything I learned about it from a private Gamescom demo
Nvidia's DLSS 5, launching September 3rd, utilizes a generative AI layer for "true photorealism" rather than traditional upscaling, a controversial approach that has drawn criticism for potentially standardizing game art styles. While Nvidia offers developer tools to control the AI's impact, gamers will have limited options, and the technology is primarily targeted at photorealistic titles like NBA 2K27.
The Sandbox bets on AI: Robby Yung on the studio tools reshaping its future
The Sandbox is preparing to launch Sandbox Studio, an AI-focused toolset designed for experienced game developers, with a tentative release window in October. CEO Robby Yung explained that the new tools aim to streamline production by automating repetitive tasks and will allow creators to export their games to platforms like Steam and mobile app stores, expanding beyond The Sandbox's own virtual world.
The Sandbox Sets October Studio Debut After Engine v14 Rollout
The Sandbox is targeting October for the public release of its Studio game creation toolkit, following the August 12 debut of Studio Beta and Engine v14. Engine v14 introduces a unified SceneNode system for organizing game elements and promotes prefabs to first-class building blocks. A Game Jam with a $7,500 prize pool, judged by Larry Hryb, is also underway with submissions due September 11.
The Sandbox gives Studio-built community games their own spotlight on sandbox.game
The Sandbox has launched a new featured section on its website to showcase games created by the community using its AI-native creation tool, The Sandbox Studio. The Studio, currently in beta with a public launch targeted for October, allows creators to build and distribute games directly through the browser. This initiative aims to highlight community talent and provide a platform for emerging titles ahead of the tool's full release.
Portal opens Shop, letting Shards buy game top-ups and gift cards
Portal has launched the Portal Shop, a new storefront where users can spend 'Shards,' the platform's reward currency, on game top-ups and gift cards. The shop aims to incentivize creation within Portal's ecosystem of AI-native game development tools. Purchases can be made using Shards or a payment card, with Shards offering better value, and the shop supports a wide range of regions including the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Portal opens Gen8 early access to 20 hand-picked creators
Portal is launching an early access program for its Gen8 game engine, inviting 20 creators to develop games alongside the team and help refine the tools. Gen8 is the third product in Portal's 2.0 roadmap, following Studio and Nexus, and aims to allow users to describe a game and have the engine orchestrate its creation. The company, led by CEO Benjamin Charbit, is backed by Animoca Brands Corporation Ltd.
The Sandbox invites LAND holders to Discord talks ahead of Studio’s public debut
The Sandbox co-founder Sebastien Borget is engaging LAND and SAND holders on Discord for feedback on the upcoming public release of The Sandbox Studio. This AI-native game engine, which converts text prompts into playable games, has attracted over 12,000 applications since its alpha launch, with a public debut planned for October. The company is seeking input from its community to refine the toolset before its wider availability.
Unity 7 Roadmap: Public API, CLI and a Free MCP Bring the Editor to Non-Users and Coding Agents
Unity has announced its Unity 7 roadmap, introducing a public API and a command-line interface to allow asset validation and build shipping without needing the full Editor. A free MCP will integrate coding agents like Claude Code and Cursor directly into Unity projects. An early beta is planned for December 2026, with a full launch in Q1 2027, aiming to make the Unity Editor accessible to a wider range of users and automated agents.
The Sandbox Studio Draws More Than 12,000 Applicants to Its AI Alpha
The Sandbox Studio's AI-powered game development environment has received over 12,000 applications for its alpha program, with only 30 creators selected so far. The company is prioritizing rapid feedback and iterative development by keeping the initial group small. Weekly admissions will continue, alongside a closed alpha Game Jam to test the production workflow.
Aura 15.0 Releases with New Features and Unlimited Usage for Unreal Engine and Unity
Ramen has released Aura 15.0, an update to its AI assistant for Unreal Engine and Unity game development, introducing features like Sandbox Mode, Aura Skills, and unlimited usage. The company also announced the acquisition of Flopperam, further enhancing its Unreal Engine capabilities, with Flopperam's co-founder Chris Gong joining Ramen as Senior AI Engineer.
Fortnite Will Let You Make The Simpsons Games, And You Can Bet Someone Will Make Hit & Run
Epic Games and Disney are enabling Fortnite players to create their own games based on The Simpsons using the UEFN program, featuring officially licensed characters and settings. This initiative follows a successful Star Wars IP toolkit and a popular Fortnite x The Simpsons crossover event. Players are expected to leverage these tools to recreate games like The Simpsons: Hit & Run, with Disney expressing excitement for the creative possibilities.
Ludo.ai upgrades Sprite Generator with Pose Generator, Sequence and Transition tools and updated export options
AI tools platform Ludo.ai has released significant updates to its Sprite Generator, introducing new features like a revamped Pose Generator, Sequence and Transition tools, and updated export options. These enhancements aim to streamline the creation of 2D animation sets for indie developers and small studios, reducing manual work and improving workflow efficiency.
RPG Maker forums are closing, nearly 15 years of knowledge and online culture are at risk of being wiped
The official RPG Maker forums are set to close on December 11, with a new forum, RPG Maker Guild, launching as a replacement. However, there are no plans for an official archive of the existing forums, risking the loss of approximately 1.4 million posts containing valuable community knowledge, tutorials, and bug fixes. Internet Archive's Archive Team is reportedly working on a backup.
RPG Maker U2U Features HD-2D Style Maps
Gotcha Gotcha Games has revealed RPG Maker U2U, a new PC game development software that features a Perspective 2D approach for creating HD-2D style maps. The software will allow users to combine new and old assets, and will be available for testing at BitSummit Punch in May 2026. The company also previously released Action Game Maker.
Opinion: RPG Maker devs hurt the most by Steam tag changes
Valve's recent changes to Steam's tagging system, which removed engine-specific tags like RPG Maker, are detrimental to developers and fans of games made with these tools. While some tag removals are understandable, eliminating RPG Maker hinders discoverability for niche titles and creative uses of the engine beyond traditional JRPGs. Despite a workaround via SteamDB, the change negatively impacts enthusiasts seeking to find games made with specific development tools.
