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GameMaker

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This article is about the game development application for Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS. For the television show, see Game Makers.

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Game Maker
Developer(s)YoYo Games
Initial release15 November 1999
Written inDelphi For Versions Up To GM8.1, GM Studio IDE is C#, runners for games are built with appropriate languages for each target device
Operating systemIDE for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
Available inEnglish
TypeGame creation system
LicenseProprietary
WebsiteYoYo Games

GameMaker (originally named Game Maker and often abbreviated to GM) is a Windows and Mac IDE originally developed by Mark Overmars in the Delphi programming language. It is currently developed and published by YoYo Games, a software company in which Overmars is involved. GameMaker allows users to create video games without any prior knowledge of programming languages. GameMaker allows users to create games much faster, so it is sometimes used as prototyping engine.

The latest stable Windows release is GameMaker:Studio As of May 2012 and version 7 on Mac OS X as of 11 August 2010. Game Maker Studio was released on the 22nd May 2012,[1] with the latest GameMaker Standard release being GameMaker 8.1. Since its initial release in 1999, GameMaker gained many new features, notably 3D graphics support, cross-platform support, as well as a significant user base, with YoYo Games providing free hosting for user-created games.

YoYo Games has just[when?] undertaken a serious overhaul of the GameMaker software in the form GameMaker Studio. GameMaker Studio allows development for platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, Macintosh, HTML5, Ubuntu, Windows 8, Windows 8 Phone and more platform options are planned.[2] The main difference between GameMaker Studio and the other GameMaker releases (GameMaker Standard and GameMaker Mac) is the fact that it is possible to export to other platforms. There are also other changes, including the look of the default skin (and the option to change the skin), as well as the removal of some statements in the GameMaker language for ensured compatibility.

Development history

Game Maker was originally titled Animo,[3] a program specializing in 2D animation. Overmars released the first public version (version 1.1) on November 15, 1999. While this version of Game Maker had a built-in scripting language, which was not as complex as in more recent versions, it and the next few versions of Game Maker did not have DirectX support, a separate runner to run games independently from Game Maker, or the ability to compile games into executable files.[3]

Each major release added substantial new features and improved stability, while gaining steadily in popularity. In 2001, version 3.0 implemented DirectX for the first time,[4] while version 4.0 (released July 2001) was rewritten from scratch, changing the interface significantly. Version 5.0 was released in April 2003, adding support for external data files and time lines.[5] In version 6.0, released October 2004, Game Maker's graphics engine was rewritten using Direct3D as a base, allowing for more complex operations such as easier alpha transparency and sprite rotation, as well as introducing 3D graphics functions.[6] Overmars began work on version 7.0, which introduced the ability to extend its functionality, around the summer of 2006,[7] and released it on 28 February 2007, through YoYo Games.[8] Version 7 RC2 also introduced data encryption for executables created with the software[citation needed] due to concerns about program decompilation. Game Maker 8 was released on 22 December 2009,[9] adding new features such as a revamped script editor window, improved image editor, and the ability to import and export resources from game source files.[10]

Design and uses

GameMaker is designed to allow its users to easily develop computer games without having to learn a complex programming language such as C++ or Java. It is also possible to create add-ons for the games created with Game Maker. Such extensions, as they are known to Game Maker users, provide features such as advanced 3D (via an Ogre Rendering Engine port) and better sound. Extensions to the main IDE are limited to the creation of new scripted drag and drop actions (see below).

GameMaker's development interface uses a drag-and-drop system, allowing users unfamiliar with traditional programming to intuitively create games by visually organizing icons on the screen. These icons represent actions that would occur in a game, such as movement, basic drawing, and simple control structures. Users also have the ability to create their own "action libraries" using the Library Maker.

For advanced users or those with computer programming experience, GameMaker contains a built-in scripting programming language called the Game Maker Language (GML), allowing more complex games to be made with the program.

GameMaker aids in the creation of many types of games, including platform games, first-person shooters, third-person shooters, massively multiplayer online games and construction and management simulation games.

Educational use

With its ease of use and steady learning curve, Game Maker appeals to first-time computer programmers and is quickly gaining exposure in secondary and tertiary schooling curriculum[11] as well as being described as a "kid-friendly" programming tool[12]


As a professor of the University of Utrecht, Mark Overmars developed GameMaker partly as a teaching aid for his students.

Features

Lite and Standard editions

File:Game Maker License Check.png
Game Maker 7 (Mac) DRM

Two versions of the GameMaker software are offered on Windows and Mac. The Lite versions are free to use, while the Standard editions require purchase. Lite locks out several advanced features and functions which are available in Standard, including the ability to use DLLs, particle systems, advanced drawing functions, 3D graphics, and networking multiplayer.[13] On Windows, the Lite version contains most of the functionality that allows users to create games and share them either by creating stand-alone Windows executable files, or publishing them on YoYo Games' website. Games created with the Lite version display a small GameMaker advertisement during the loading of the game, while games made with the Standard version remove this.

On the original Game Maker for Mac, a trial version with all features unlocked could be used for ten hours before it required activation; there was no "Lite" version. However, on 8 December 2010, Game Maker for Mac Lite was released as a free download. The Mac Lite utility contains most of the Mac Standard version's functionality, but it prevents users from creating stand-alone Mac executables. (Therefore, in order to share games for free, a user would need to give the GMK source file to other users who have downloaded and installed Game Maker for Mac.)

The renaming from "Pro" to "Standard", which occurred with the release of GM version 8.1, caused a lot of discussion about whether or not the company is releasing another tier. This hypothesis was backed up with the company's 2011 "easter egg," showing the possibility to export games to multiple different platforms, including Apple's iPhone and HTML5.

Graphics capabilities

GameMaker primarily runs games that use 2D graphics. GameMaker's graphics capabilities underwent significant improvements with each major release version, allowing for additional functionality including more efficient alpha adjustments and blending settings for sprites and other shapes. By version 6.0 (Windows), Game Maker incorporated DirectX, allowing more advanced graphics functions. Version 7.0 (Mac OS X) uses OpenGL to render sprites.

Starting with version 6.0 (Windows), Game Maker added Direct3D, allowing the use of limited 3D graphics. For versions 7.0 (Macintosh) and up, OpenGL is used for 3D graphics and also allows limited support for simple 3D models. Converters make it possible to use more popular 3D formats such as .3ds, and .obj for use in a 3D project. Extension packages such as OGRE can expand Game Maker's basic functionality. It also supports the ability to create particle effects such as rain, snow and clouds, however not natively in 3D except through use of Dynamic Link Library. Support for the editing of 32-bit .png files was added in the 8.0 version of the software which has also enabled users to use images with alpha channels.

Game Maker Language

Main article: Game Maker Language

Game Maker Language (GML) is the primary scripting language used in GameMaker. It allows users to further enhance and control the design of their game through conventional programming, as opposed to the drag-and-drop system. The syntax of GML borrows aspects from other languages such as C, C++ and Java, effectively making use of Object-oriented programming.

Originally, GML was designed to supplement the drag-and-drop interface, allowing advanced users to add greater functionality to their games or programs. Newer versions of GameMaker actually use GML as their base, with all drag-and-drop functions as pre-written GML scripts.[citation needed]

GML is an interpreted programming language instead of a compiled language. When GameMaker creates a stand-alone game, all GML (including drag and drop functions) is packed into the game executable. Every time the generated program is executed, an included interpreter carries out the commands indicated by the GML code; this makes GameMaker-created games able to be easily decompiled and reverse engineered. (Game makers wishing to limit this must use encryption.) Being an interpreted language, GML is usually significantly slower than compiled languages such as C++ or Delphi.

GML also includes support for loading and using DLLs. This allows functions and routines to be written in other programming languages such as C++, Delphi, Pascal and others.

Extension packages

GameMaker itself is not limited to the functions and abilities included in the Game Maker Language. GameMaker games can load and use DLLs for additional functionality. The community has developed a variety of DLLs to extend GameMaker with things such as socket support and MySQL connectivity. As of version 7, the new extension mechanism allows users to include DLLs, GML scripts and action libraries in pre-built extension packages.

System requirements

The following specifications reflect the system requirements of GameMaker's exported executable files. The GameMaker tool has unspecified, but significantly lower, requirements.[14]

System requirements for Game Maker Studio:

System requirements for Game Maker 8.x:

System requirements for Game Maker 7.x:

System requirements for Game Maker 6.x:

Versions 6.x and the .exe files from those versions do not work with the Microsoft Windows Vista or the Windows 7 operating system, due to an incompatible compression implementation in its creation of executable files. Version 7 of the program, however, works correctly with Vista, as well as most supported functions in versions 5.x and prior. On 24 June 2007, Mark Overmars released a program to convert .exe files created with version 6 to work on Windows Vista.[15]

Ports and other versions

Mac OS X version

In 2008, Sandy Duncan announced a port of Game Maker for Mac OS X was being developed. The port had undergone many delays due to technical reasons. A version[16] was made available for private beta testing.

On 4 December 2009, YoYo Games' Mac Developer resigned;[17] however, work resumed on 27 January 2010.[18]

On 14 April 2010, a release candidate for the Mac version was released.[19]

On 11 August 2010, YoYo Games released Game Maker 7 for Mac alongside a new Macintosh games hub entitled the YoYo Games AppStore.[20]

GameMaker: Studio

GameMaker: Studio
Developer(s)YoYo Games
Stable release
v1.0.411.18400
Preview release
v1.1.805
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, Mac OS X
Available inEnglish
TypeGame creation system
LicenseProprietary
WebsiteGameMaker: Studio

In May 22, 2012, YoYo Games released GM:Studio. After the release, GM:HTML5 is no longer supported. As of May 18, 2012, they announced that the Free GM:Studio Beta Version is no longer supported. People who purchased GM:HTML5 when it was available received GM:Studio for free along with its Windows, Mac OS X and HTML5 exporters.

GM:Studio allows users to publish their games to Windows, Mac OS X, Ubuntu, Android, iOS and HTML5. It is also 'App-Store ready', meaning that users can publish their games into Mac App-Store, Android Play Store and iOS App-Store. Windows 8 App-Store will be supported as well.

There is a "free" version of GameMaker:Studio which limits you from using more than 10 types of any resource, and excludes features from the other versions, which you must pay for. [16]

PlayStation Portable (PSP) version

On 10 March 2010, YoYo Games CEO Sandy Duncan announced a new version of GameMaker that would be coming to the PlayStation Portable system.[21][22] YoYo Games recently held a competition (Competition 05)[23] in which the restrictions resembled those of a PlayStation Portable, and many rumors arose. Eventually, after over three months, an official announcement was made. YoYo Games also has begun a new competition (Competition 06)[24] with restrictions similar to those of a PlayStation Portable.

On January 26 YoYo Games announced that they had finished development of their first PSP game.[25]

However due to violation of the PSP development environment licence agreement this feature has now been scrapped.

iOS version and controversy

On September 24, 2010, YoYo Games announced they were making an iOS version, compatible with Apple iPod, iPhone, and iPad.[26] On 20 October, they submitted Skydiver Mach II, their first app to the iTunes Store.[27] As of 8 February 2012, the iOS version is not yet available for public use, however, YoYo Games has released information regarding the requirements for Game Maker games running on the platform.

On January 5, 2011, YoYo Games posted their interpretation of a formal cease and desist letter to their blog. The post scolded the creators of a decompilation software which would allow users to bypass YoYo Games and independently publish their iOS apps, posing as a financial threat.

Android version

GameMaker: Studio now allows users to port to Google Android.

HTML5 version

YoYo Games also announced the runner also works with HTML5.[28] This version was put into beta testing during September 2011. During the beta, it only cost $100, but afterwards, the price rose to $200.[29][30]

Linux version

Screenshots have been released of Game Maker 7 running on Fedora 15, though the main target seems to be Raspberry Pi.[31] In 13 March 2013, YoYo Games announced support for publishing to Linux by adding an export tool for the Ubuntu operating system.[32]

Windows Phone 8 version

GameMaker: Studio Professional + WinPhone8 module or Master Collection users can create games for Windows Phone 8. GM: Studio is Windows Phone App-Store ready.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.yoyogames.com/news/105
  2. ^ a b http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/studio
  3. ^ a b YoYo Games. "History of Game Maker, 1999". YoYo Games Wiki. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  4. ^ YoYo Games. "History of Game Maker, 2001". YoYo Games Wiki. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  5. ^ YoYo Games. "History of Game Maker, 2003". YoYoGames Wiki. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  6. ^ YoYo Games. "History of Game Maker, 2004". YoYo Games Wiki. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  7. ^ YoYo Games. "History of Game Maker, 2006". YoYo Games Wiki. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  8. ^ YoYo Games. "History of Game Maker, 2007". YoYoGames Wiki. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  9. ^ YoYo Games. "Game Maker 8 is Here!". YoYo Games Glog. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
  10. ^ YoYo Games. "Game Maker 8.0 Features". YoYo Games Glog. Retrieved 2009-12-24.
  11. ^ "Chrisholm Certificate 3 in IT (Games Creation)".
  12. ^ "Science Buddies list of Kid-Friendly Programming Languages".
  13. ^ Game Maker for Mac Lite description
  14. ^ The official Game Maker documentation
  15. ^ The topic where Mark Overmars released the converter
  16. ^ a b YoYo Games. "Game Maker 4 [[Apple Inc.|Apple]] Mac Update". YoYo Games Glog. Retrieved 2008-11-10. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  17. ^ YoYo Games. "Mac Version of Game Maker Delayed Indefinitely". YoYo Games Glog. Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  18. ^ YoYo Games. "GM4Mac….work has restarted !". YoYo Games Glog. Retrieved 2010-04-08.
  19. ^ final release candidate http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?showtopic=478405
  20. ^ Mac Game Maker & YoYo Games AppStore release http://glog.yoyogames.com/?p=1398
  21. ^ Sandy Duncan. "Game Maker for PSP". YoYo Games Glog. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
  22. ^ YoYo Games. "Game Maker for PSP Demonstration". YoYo Games YouTube Channel. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
  23. ^ "Competition 05". YoYo Games Glog.
  24. ^ "Competition 06". YoYo Games Glog.
  25. ^ "Announced PSP game". YoYo Games Glog.
  26. ^ "GameMaker now running on iPad!!". glog.yoyogames.com. Retrieved 21 October 2010.
  27. ^ "YoYo Games Glog". glog.yoyogames.com. Retrieved 21 October 2010.
  28. ^ "HTML5 Announcement".
  29. ^ "HTML5 Price Announcement".
  30. ^ "YoYo Games".
  31. ^ "All this talk of Pi has got Scott hungry..."
  32. ^ "GameMaker: Studio Supports Linux Publishing -- Ubuntu Export Available Now!". YoYo Games. March 13, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2013.
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