After criticism a couple of months back over app submission costs and revenue share models, GameSalad, the developer of its eponymous Mac-based visual game creation tool has significantly tweaked its subscription offers.

The entry level for GameSalad Creator is now called Free to Make and provides a basic service at no cost to users.

This replaces the previous Express account, which cost $99. It enables anyone to publish iOS games without incurring any additional costs.

The Professional account is now available for $499 annually (previously $1,999).

As well as offering official support, it includes new monetisation features such as iAD integration and promotional URL links. Other features such as support for custom networking, advanced analytics, and framework support will be forthcoming.

Lowering the barriers

And more good news comes as current Express and Pro users will have the option of upgrading to the new Professional membership for $99 for the first year, via a legacy user upgrade offer that expires Dec 31, 2010.

GameSalad enables people to create games and publish them on the Apple App Store, as well as for web and Mac. Developers publish games under their personal Apple iPhone Developer accounts.

In addition to these changes, GameSalad 0.9.0 Beta, including a new version of GameSalad Creator, which features a redesigned Dashboard and Publishing Wizard, is available for download.

This enables users to more quickly and easily manage their online portfolios, get the latest GameSalad news, and submit their games to the App Store.

Welcome everyone

"By introducing the Free to Make model, we're holding true to what really sets GameSalad apart from everyone else," said Steve Felter, recently named CEO of GameSalad.

"Making game design accessible to everyone is our top priority. GameSalad 0.9.0 is our biggest and best update ever - and it's just the beginning. This is the foundation for building the ultimate game creation tool."

You can find out more from the GameSalad website.