Introduction
GameMaker is a series of cross-platform game engines. GameMaker accommodates the creation of cross-platform and multi-genre video games using a custom drag-and-drop visual programming language or a scripting language known as Game Maker Language, which can be used to develop more advanced games that could not be created just by using the drag and drop features. GameMaker was originally designed to allow novice computer programmers to be able to make computer games without much programming knowledge by use of these actions. Recent versions of software also focus on appealing to advanced developers.
Capabilities, Benefits, and Key Features
GameMaker is primarily intended for making games with 2D graphics, allowing out-of-box use of raster graphics, vector graphics (via SWF), and 2D skeletal animations (via Esoteric Software's Spine) along with a large standard library for drawing graphics and 2D primitives. While the software allows for limited use of 3D graphics, this is in form of vertex buffer and matrix functions, and as such not intended for novice users.
The engine uses Direct3D on Windows, UWP, and Xbox One; OpenGL on macOS and Linux; OpenGL ES on Android and iOS, WebGL or 2d canvas on HTML5, and proprietary APIs on consoles.
The engine's primary element is an IDE with built-in editors for raster graphics, level design, scripting, paths, and shaders (GLSL or HLSL). Additional functionality can be implemented in software's scripting language or platform-specific native extensions. In GameMaker Studio 2, you can choose whether to export the game as an NSIS installer, or a .zip file containing the game, the data.win file, and any files added under the "Included Files" tab in the editor.
Limitations / Technology Requirements
GameMaker can be installed and used on Microsoft Windows and macOS.
What can I expect?
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Support Tier: Tier 2 - Sponsor Support: If students were to contact IT Help, they refer the user to an individual sponsor, typically an instructor of a given course. The sponsor would work directly with the vendor on any unresolved issues.
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Acquisition Model: Direct Download: Software is downloaded to a local computer and installed to run from that specific device.
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Licensing Model: Registered User License: The license is included with online registration.
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Authentication Model: Independent Registration: The user is required to create an account individually with the application vendor.
Who may use it?
Girls Who Code's club members during their meetings in BEN 001.
How do I get started?
Select the version that fits your need here and then fill in the information to sign up.
Is there a charge to me or my department?
There is a free version. Other versions' prices vary depending on the users' needs.