Experienced GameMaker user Seth Fulkerson discusses the history of GameMaker, advantages of GML scripting language, and challenges faced in game development. Topics include GameMaker evolution, community engagement, and advice for beginners. Seth's body of work and his project 'Arzette: the Jewel of Faramore' are also highlighted.
GameMaker is beginner-friendly with drag-and-drop features, but limitations may arise in professional projects.
GameMaker's evolution alongside users like Seth Volkerson has shaped a supportive community for talent and innovation.
GameMaker Language (GML) offers a user-friendly scripting environment with pathways to more complex programming concepts.
Deep dives
Advantages and Disadvantages of Game Maker
Game Maker's accessibility and ease of learning make it a great choice for beginners, with features like drag-and-drop functionality that provide a smooth entry point into game development. However, when transitioning to more professional projects, users might encounter limitations, particularly in 3D capabilities and lower-level functionalities. Game Maker's pricing structure can also fluctuate, potentially posing challenges for developers. Despite these drawbacks, the active community, beginner-friendly environment, and upcoming improvements like a new runtime indicate a promising future for Game Maker in balancing accessibility with more advanced features.
Evolution of Game Maker and its Impact on Developers
Game Maker's evolution over its 25-year history has mirrored the growth of users like Seth Volkerson, who started using the platform in their childhood. Versions like Game Maker Studio marked significant milestones, enabling the creation of popular titles like Undertale. The engine's development alongside users' skills has shaped a symbiotic relationship, where advancements in the software's capabilities have empowered developers' creativity and proficiency. This mutual growth dynamic highlights the engine's role in fostering talent and innovation within its dedicated community.
The Role of GML in Game Development
Game Maker Language (GML) serves as a scripting language within Game Maker, offering a user-friendly environment for beginners while providing pathways to more complex programming concepts. GML's simplicity and forgiving nature ease the learning curve for aspiring developers, enabling quick transitions to C-based languages. While GML's forgiving nature can lead to potential coding errors, the engine's documentation and tutorials help bridge the gap between novice and professional programming, offering a versatile toolset for game creation and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Evolution of Game Maker Studio from Hobbyist to Professional Toolset
Game Maker Studio underwent a transformation from a more hobbyist-oriented engine to a toolset catered towards professional game development. The upgrade to Game Maker Studio 2 marked a significant advancement with improved UI, console support, and features that facilitated professional game creation. The introduction of layers, tile layers, and dockable windows in Studio 2 made a substantial difference, enhancing the development capabilities and attracting a broader audience, leading to increased console support and platform compatibility.
Navigating Project Structuring and Scripting in Game Maker
Game Maker provides an efficient approach to project structuring by consolidating functions within GML scripts, streamlining script management. The community-driven support and library extensions in Game Maker contribute to a more cohesive development environment. The integration of scripts with diverse events and the availability of drag-and-drop functionality simplify scripting processes for beginners. While embracing familiarity, Game Maker continues to enhance usability and address user feedback, promoting a supportive ecosystem for developers to create and innovate.
In this Episode Seth Fulkerson joins us in the clubhouse to talk the game engine, GameMaker. Seth is a long time user of GameMaker who's latest project is "Arzette: the Jewel of Faramore." The clubhouse discusses the history of GameMaker, the scripting language GML, and the advantages and disadvantages of the system.
And Stephen learns a bunch of the stuff he wished he knew when he actively using GameMaker.
