Game Maker - Design and Uses

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 primary 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.