# OpenGMK: reconstructing the GameMaker Classic runner and projects

> OpenGMK reconstructs the GameMaker Classic runner and supplies tools for examining its games. GM8Decompiler extracts game data embedded in GameMaker 8 executables and rebuilds GMK or GM81 project files. Its companion emulator runs Classic games and records or replays TAS input; development remains in progress.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Binary · Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/OpenGMK/OpenGMK>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/OpenGMK/OpenGMK/blob/9e4282e6d19f4dd00961811840ddc3e11da6dd5a/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/opengmk-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/opengmk-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/opengmk-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Requires a GameMaker Classic game executable; GameMaker: Studio games are unsupported.
- **Prerequisites:** Building requires Rust and recursive Git submodules; Windows builds currently support MSVC only.
- **Limits:** The emulator requires OpenGL 3.3 with GLSL 3.30; save states may break between releases.
- **License:** GPL-2.0-only license.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/OpenGMK/OpenGMK/blob/9e4282e6d19f4dd00961811840ddc3e11da6dd5a/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/OpenGMK/OpenGMK/blob/9e4282e6d19f4dd00961811840ddc3e11da6dd5a/gm8decompiler/README.md>

## More in Games

- [OpenGothic: reimplementing the Gothic 2: Night of the Raven client](https://awesomerea.org/resources/opengothic/index.md) · Case study
- [OpenGromada: reconstructing the Sigma Games engine](https://awesomerea.org/resources/opengromada-case/index.md) · Case study
- [OpenGT4: reimplementing Gran Turismo 4 for Windows](https://awesomerea.org/resources/opengt4/index.md) · Case study
- [OpenGTA2: rebuilding GTA2 from its game files](https://awesomerea.org/resources/opengta2-case/index.md) · Case study
- [OpenGuimo: GUIMO gameplay reimplemented in Godot](https://awesomerea.org/resources/openguimo-case/index.md) · Case study
- [openh4: reimplementing the Heroes of Might and Magic IV engine](https://awesomerea.org/resources/openh4-case/index.md) · Case study

## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.
