RocketWerkz releases open source game development framework Brutal

New Zealand video game developer RocketWerkz and platform operator Ahwoo have made their game development framework, BRUTAL, available to all developers. Game Developer reported that the C# and .NET framework provides creators with direct low-level graphics access and C++ libraries. It functions as a foundational system for developers who want to create custom development tools instead of using commercial game engines. [1]

The open-source framework was built to power the new original game engine for Rimworld and is used by RocketWerkz on titles such as Kitten Space Agency and Icarus. Game Developer reported that alternative engines have gained interest following policy controversies involving major engines, including Unity's Runtime Fee model. [1]

As FTMQ Gaming reported earlier, development on Brutal began in 2022 as a joint effort between Ahwoo and RocketWerkz. The framework requires no royalty fees from creators and asks only for a copyright credit when used in commercial projects. Prior to its public release, the framework was utilized across six separate projects by three different game studios. [4]

RocketWerkz is an independent game studio based in Auckland, New Zealand, that specializes in simulation and survival games. The studio was founded in December 2014 by game designer Dean Hall, who is best known as the creator of DayZ, according to Wikipedia. [3]