How is Game Maker?

[Dog--]

http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/

I want to start making some simple little online games, but I don't want to put in hundreds of hours learning java/flash (I have flash (full), and don't use it, for lack on knowledge in it) and all that, and Game Maker seems like it could be easy to use. I've played a few games made by it, and they played just like regular flash games (check out Jumper 2).

I know a fair amount about the things you do in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Construction Set, and that includes the scripting, but I've been told the Morrowind scripting is in a class on it's own, not similar to any other thing like actionscript (java) or flash. I do mod alot for Morrowind, so I know about world building and all that crap, but only in Morrowind Construction Set.

I will be getting the full version of it (if ya know what I mean), and I'll be doing the tutorials listed on the site first thing. But would it be good for a wannabe game-maker like me? Or should I stick to modding?

I'm pretty sure that it works mostly on certain triggers you place (like Starcraft editor), so take that into account, too. I'm not 100% on this though, it might not work on triggers.


One last question: When designing an online game like this, do people usually do the planning and stuff that regular devs do before they make a game? Or do they just 'do it'?


EDIT: You guys should know, that there are more advanced features, including scripting and stuff, and it gets pretty "professional" if you have the skills to use those advanced features.

 

[Kyorisu]

Design doc, write one.

 

[StardogChampion]

It's one of the better 2d game makers, although it does have some 3d features but nothing great. To do anything major you will need to learn the more complex code.

Bear in mind it's not flash so you won't be able to embed them on websites.

 

[Rapstah]

It creates EXE files easily. I use it to create these stupid little games for time spending purposes :naughty:

 

[-Psy-]

You need a design document. You can't just make-up a game as you go along.

 

[KagePrototype]

You need a design document. You can't just make-up a game as you go along.

Sure you can, just don't expect it to be very good or finished quickly.

 

[Rapstah]

I made a lot of crappy good games in two minutes.

 

[Yorick]

GameMaker is pretty cool, but it can be a bit limited. Online Play is pretty advanced for it so you should check out their forums to see that it can do the things you want. It's a great little engine for top-down, perspecitve, isometric, or side-scrolling games, but beyond that you'd be better off with a "real" engine.

 

[HunterSeeker]

It took me like 6 hours to reach game making capability in flash, if you have any previous scripting/programming experience mastering new languages even if they are very different is not very hard.

 

[DEATH eVADER]

Wait till Crysis comes out, and that with CryEngine2

 

[Dog--]

I just want to create little side-scrollers or those little games you find (like the ones where you destroy your desktop with a bunch of weapons, those are cool). If I really want to release them, I'll just put them up for download somewhere..

So.. Yay or Nay?

 

[Acepilotf14]

Wait. I can destroy my desktop?
Link. Now.
I think it would be cool. If I have more time I'll dl the free version.

 

[Vegeta897]

I've known about game maker and have used it occasionally for like 4 or 5 years. It's pretty fun and very easy to do stuff without knowing a lot, or any, code. I've made just random fun stuff with it. Depends how advanced of a game you want, though I've seen plenty of very advanced games made with it.

 

[Dog--]

Yes, on their forums go to the release thread, there are TONS of good games there. People also make little programs, too. It's a pretty versatile little thing (I've been reading on the forums alot since I started this thread). People make mini-engines and stuff for it, too.

I'm not sure how advanced a game I want, I don't even know what game I want.. I'd rather start it in flash or this, the reason I'm asking which one, is because I suck at flash and it'll take me an extra week or so to learn it. This should take me only a few hours to learn. I don't even want to start with ideas until I know what I should use.



So... YAY or NAY?

 

[Vegeta897]

Do eet.

 

[StardogChampion]

There's a little community that make Zelda games using it too - http://www.zfgc.com/index.php?board=6.0. I think you can download the "engines" for making those types of games.

 

[Stingey]

Game Maker is great for learning the basics behind game making and design in general, you learn alot while you're working with it. As for finished products, don't expect too much of it

 

[Dog--]

Holy crap, I thought game maker only made little side-scrollers and crap like that, but check out this game: http://www.getmagi.com/

That's pretty damn cool.

 

[<RJMC>]

this look interesting but

do you need to be a expert in computer stuff? cuz I suck big time
but still I want to try this out
though it looks complicated

 

[Stingey]

Give it a go, you can learn alot by messing around with the example games

 

[Dog--]

There are tutorials at the site, too.

 

[theotherguy]

don't waste your time. learn a language.

 

[Mutley]

I tried this years ago, it isn't really worth the time.

It's cool for really basic games but if you want to make something decent it takes ages - by the time you could of learnt a coding language and done something much more advanced/dynamic.

 

[Iced_Eagle]

don't waste your time. learn a language.

That's what I think as well.

It will take time, but then you have unlimited possibilities over anything you create, and you make the engine exactly how you want it since you are creating it. I suggest going to 3DBuzz.com and ordering their C++ VTM's. Nice intro to C++ and focuses completely on game dev. Either that or www.gameinstitute.com if you want a bit more formal training (more expensive).

Oh, and perhaps write down your ideas for your game basically so you don't forget them, but no need to write a professional design doc. Those are pretty much only useful if you have multiple people working on a project so you can refer people back to the doc and such.