What is Game Maker?

2. What is Game Maker? • Game Maker is software package created by YoYoGames 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.

3. Games • Games are produced in with a mixture of sprites, objects and rooms • Sprites are graphics and/or images for an object • Objects 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 nothing • Some objects react to user input (keyboard and mouse) and to other objects (e.g. collisions)

4. Sprites • A 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.

5. Objects • An 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)

6. Events and Actions • Certain 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.

7. Rooms • Rooms 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).

8. Let’s build a game! • Build a game – simple demonstration if software is available. • Show examples of games created in Game Maker.