GameMaker is a game engine that allows both novice and experienced developers to create games without requiring advanced programming skills. The latest version, GameMaker Studio 2, offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features, and allows games to be created on multiple platforms. To begin, developers must download and install the software and choose between creating a new project or modifying an existing one. The interface of GameMaker is composed of several windows and panels that enable the creation and editing of the game. Developing objects and sprites, creating rooms and backgrounds, adding actions and events and using the code editor can all be accomplished in GameMaker. Finally, developers can publish their games over a variety of platforms.

GameMaker: Everything You Need to Know About Developing Games with this Popular Engine

Introduction

GameMaker is a popular game engine that is widely used by both beginner and experienced game developers. It was created by Mark Overmars in 1999 and has since evolved to become one of the most popular game development tools. This article will cover everything you need to know about developing games with GameMaker.

What is GameMaker?

GameMaker is a game engine that allows developers to create games without needing extensive programming knowledge. It provides a user-friendly interface that enables developers to create games by dragging and dropping objects and actions.

GameMaker Studio 2

GameMaker Studio 2 is the latest version of GameMaker and is currently the most popular version. It was released in 2017 and has become the choice of many game developers due to its ease of use and powerful features. Some of its features include the ability to create games for multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and HTML5.

Getting Started with GameMaker

To get started with GameMaker, you need to download and install it on your computer. Once installed, you can choose to create a new project or open an existing one. When you create a new project, you can choose the target platform, the display settings, and the game dimensions.

The GameMaker Interface

The GameMaker interface consists of various windows and panels that allow you to create and edit your game. These include the GameMaker Studio 2 interface, the Resource Tree, the Object Editor, the Room Editor, and the Code Editor.

Creating Objects and Sprites

In GameMaker, objects are the basic building blocks of your game. They can be anything from a player character to a coin. Sprites, on the other hand, are the images that represent your objects. To create objects and sprites, you need to use the appropriate editors in GameMaker.

Creating Rooms and Backgrounds

Rooms are where your game takes place. They can be thought of as levels or stages. To create a room, you need to use the Room Editor. Backgrounds are the images that provide the visual backdrop for your rooms. You can create and edit backgrounds using the Background Editor.

Adding Actions and Events

Actions are the things that happen in your game. For example, when the player jumps, the game registers that action and responds accordingly. To create actions in GameMaker, you need to add events. Events are triggered by certain conditions, such as a key press or a collision between objects.

Using the Code Editor

While GameMaker provides a drag-and-drop interface, it also allows you to write code to customize your game further. The Code Editor is where you can write code using GameMaker’s built-in scripting language, GML. GML is similar to other programming languages, such as C++ and Java.

Publishing Your Game

Once you have finished creating your game, you can publish it to various platforms. GameMaker allows you to export your game to Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and HTML5. To publish your game, you need to purchase a license for the target platform.

Conclusion

GameMaker is an excellent game engine for both beginner and experienced game developers. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, it allows you to create games quickly and easily. Whether you want to develop games for fun or as a profession, GameMaker is an excellent tool to have in your toolbox.