What is Game Maker?

What is Game Maker? Game Maker is software package created by YoYo Games which allows

users to create simple 2D and 3D games. Game Maker is available for both Windows and Mac. Game Maker does not require background programming knowledge. Game Maker has it’s own scripting language called GML (Game Maker

Language). GML is an event based programming language – it requires events (e.g.

Keyboard input) to trigger actions. Games can be created without any scripting using drag and drop

functions.

GamesGames are produced in with a mixture of

sprites, objects and roomsSprites are graphics and/or images for an

objectObjects are coded (literally or with blocks) to

interact with other objects and build how the game functions

Objects are placed in the room (which can also be known as a level)

Some objects do nothingSome objects react to user input (keyboard and

mouse) and to other objects (e.g. collisions)

SpritesA sprite is a two-dimensional graphic that can

be used in multiple ways.Sprites in Game Maker can be created by

students in a MS Paint style editor.Sprites are attached to objects to give them

an image.

ObjectsAn object is an entity that can be programmed to

perform certain functions.Objects in Game Maker can be programmed using

both code and drag and drop blocks.Objects contain events and actions to make them

function or interact with other computers (e.g. collisions)

Events and ActionsCertain events allow certain actions to occur. Some examples

are: Create

Sets initial behaviour of an object at instantiation Useful for setting initial values and motion of an object – especially if AI

(Computer Controlled) Collision

When objects collide this event triggers the action that should occur (e.g. ball hits bat – it must bounce)

Useful for walls, enemies, bullets, etc Step

In all computer games there are frames that allow animation to occur. These usually operate at about 30 frames per second (FPS). In Game Maker Frames are called “Steps”

Each step is 1/30 of a second (30steps/sec) Useful for updating a games state, having infinite conditional checks (if

statements) in a loop, etc.

RoomsRooms can be used as levels in a game.Objects are placed in rooms.Rooms can have backgrounds which students

design.You can place multiple instances of the same

object in a room (e.g. 1 player character and multiple enemies).

Let’s build a game!Build a game – simple demonstration if

software is available.Show examples of games created in Game

Maker.