GameMaker: Difference between revisions

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| developer = [[YoYo Games]]
| developer = [[YoYo Games]]
| released = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|11|15}}
| released = {{start date and age|df=yes|1999|11|15}}
| latest release version = v2024.13.0
| latest release version = v2024.14.2
| latest release date = {{Nowrap|{{start date and age|df=yes|2025|04|08}}}}
| latest release date = {{Nowrap|{{start date and age|df=yes|2025|12|18}}}}
| programming language = {{hlist|[[C++]] ([[Runtime system|runtime]])|[[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] ([[Integrated development environment|IDE]])}}
| programming language = {{hlist|[[C++]] ([[Runtime system|runtime]])|[[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] ([[Integrated development environment|IDE]])}}
| operating system = {{hlist|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]}}
| operating system = {{hlist|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Linux]]}}
| platform = {{hlist|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]|[[HTML5]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Amazon Fire TV]]|[[Android TV]]|[[Universal Windows Platform]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| platform = {{hlist|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[macOS]]|[[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]|[[HTML5]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[iOS]]|[[Amazon Fire TV]]|[[Android TV]]|[[Universal Windows Platform]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Nintendo Switch 2]]}}
| language = {{hlist|[[English language|English]]|[[French language|French]]|[[Spanish language|Spanish]]|[[German language|German]]|[[Brazilian Portuguese]]|[[Russian language|Russian]]|[[Chinese language|Chinese (Simplified)]]|[[Polish language|Polish]]|[[Italian language|Italian]]|[[Korean language|Korean]]|[[Japanese language|Japanese]]}}
| language = {{hlist|[[English language|English]]|[[French language|French]]|[[Spanish language|Spanish]]|[[German language|German]]|[[Brazilian Portuguese]]|[[Russian language|Russian]]|[[Chinese language|Chinese (Simplified)]]|[[Polish language|Polish]]|[[Italian language|Italian]]|[[Korean language|Korean]]|[[Japanese language|Japanese]]}}
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]]
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'''GameMaker''' (originally '''Animo''', '''Game Maker''' (until 2011) and '''GameMaker Studio''') is a series of [[cross-platform]] [[game engine]]s created by [[Mark Overmars]] in 1999 and developed by [[YoYo Games]] since 2007. The latest iteration of ''GameMaker'' was released in 2022.
'''GameMaker''' (originally '''Animo''', '''Game Maker''' (until 2011) and '''GameMaker Studio''') is a series of [[cross-platform]] [[game engine]]s created by [[Mark Overmars]] in 1999 and developed by [[YoYo Games]] since 2007. The latest iteration of ''GameMaker'' was released in 2022.


GameMaker accommodates the creation of [[cross-platform]] and multi-genre [[video game]]s using a custom drag-and-drop [[visual programming language]] or a [[scripting language]] known as Game Maker Language (GML), which can be used to develop more advanced games. GameMaker was originally designed to allow novice [[computer programmers]] to be able to make computer games without much programming knowledge by use of these actions. Recent versions of software also focus on appealing to advanced developers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dM-9CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|title=The GameMaker Standard |last1=Vinciguerra |first1=David |last2=Howell |first2=Andrew |date=16 October 2015 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-317-51469-5}}</ref>
GameMaker accommodates the creation of [[cross-platform]] and multi-genre [[video game]]s using a custom drag-and-drop [[visual programming language]] or a [[scripting language]] known as Game Maker Language (GML), which can be used to develop more advanced games. GameMaker was originally designed to allow novice [[programmers]] to be able to make computer games without much programming knowledge by use of these actions. Recent versions of software also focus on appealing to advanced developers.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dM-9CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA3|title=The GameMaker Standard |last1=Vinciguerra |first1=David |last2=Howell |first2=Andrew |date=16 October 2015 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-317-51469-5}}</ref>


== Overview ==
== Overview ==
GameMaker is primarily intended for making games with [[2D computer graphics|2D]] graphics, allowing [[Out of the box (feature)|out-of-box]] use of [[raster graphics]], [[vector graphics]] (via [[SWF]]),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gamemaker-studio-2-gets-new-low-cost-creators-edition- |title=GameMaker Studio 2 gets new low-cost 'Creators Edition' |last=Kerr |first=Chris|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> and 2D [[skeletal animation]]s (via Esoteric Software's Spine)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.brokenjoysticks.net/2017/03/12/game-maker-studio-takes-on-titans/|title=GDC17: GameMaker Studios 2.0 Takes On Industry Titans {{!}} Broken Joysticks|date=12 March 2017|work=Broken Joysticks|access-date=9 May 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907195535/https://www.brokenjoysticks.net/2017/03/12/game-maker-studio-takes-on-titans/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/43/skeletal-animation-sprites-using-spine|title=Skeletal Animation Sprites Using Spine {{!}} Blog {{!}} YoYo Games|website=Yoyo Games|language=en|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=1 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601133948/https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/43/skeletal-animation-sprites-using-spine|url-status=dead}}</ref> along with a large standard library for drawing graphics and 2D [[Primitives (computer graphics)|primitives]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/index.html |title=Drawing |website=docs2.yoyogames.com |access-date=9 May 2018 |archive-date=23 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823100510/http://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> While the software allows for limited use of [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]], this is in form of [[Vertex Buffer|vertex buffer]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/primitives/index.html |title=Drawing And Creating Primitives |website=docs2.yoyogames.com|access-date=9 May 2018}}</ref> and [[Transformation matrix|matrix]] functions, and as such not intended for novice users.
GameMaker is primarily intended for making games with [[2D computer graphics|2D]] graphics, allowing [[Out of the box (feature)|out-of-box]] use of [[raster graphics]], [[vector graphics]] (via [[SWF]]),<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/gamemaker-studio-2-gets-new-low-cost-creators-edition- |title=GameMaker Studio 2 gets new low-cost 'Creators Edition' |last=Kerr |first=Chris|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> and 2D [[skeletal animation]]s (via Esoteric Software's Spine)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.brokenjoysticks.net/2017/03/12/game-maker-studio-takes-on-titans/|title=GDC17: GameMaker Studios 2.0 Takes On Industry Titans {{!}} Broken Joysticks|date=12 March 2017|work=Broken Joysticks|access-date=9 May 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=7 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907195535/https://www.brokenjoysticks.net/2017/03/12/game-maker-studio-takes-on-titans/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/43/skeletal-animation-sprites-using-spine|title=Skeletal Animation Sprites Using Spine {{!}} Blog {{!}} YoYo Games|website=Yoyo Games|language=en|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=1 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601133948/https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/43/skeletal-animation-sprites-using-spine|url-status=dead}}</ref> along with a large standard library for drawing graphics and 2D [[Primitives (computer graphics)|primitives]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/index.html |title=Drawing |website=docs2.yoyogames.com |access-date=9 May 2018 |archive-date=23 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823100510/http://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> While the software allows for limited use of [[3D computer graphics|3D graphics]], this is in form of [[Vertex Buffer|vertex buffer]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/primitives/index.html |title=Drawing And Creating Primitives |website=docs2.yoyogames.com |access-date=9 May 2018 |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614002243/https://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/3_scripting/4_gml_reference/drawing/primitives/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Transformation matrix|matrix]] functions, and as such not intended for novice users.


The engine uses [[Direct3D]] on Windows, UWP, and Xbox One; [[OpenGL]] on macOS and Linux; [[OpenGL ES]] on Android and iOS, [[WebGL]] or [[Canvas element|2d canvas]] on HTML5, and proprietary APIs on [[Video game console|consoles]].
The engine uses [[Direct3D]] on Windows, UWP, and Xbox One; [[OpenGL]] on macOS and Linux; [[OpenGL ES]] on Android and iOS, [[WebGL]] or [[Canvas element|2d canvas]] on HTML5, and proprietary APIs on [[Video game console|consoles]].


The engine's primary element is an IDE with built-in editors for raster graphics, [[level design]], scripting, [[Path (graph theory)|paths]], and [[shader]]s ([[Glsl|GLSL]] or [[High-Level Shading Language|HLSL]]).<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/02/gamemaker-studio-2-debuts-on-macos/ |title=2D Game Development Engine 'GameMaker Studio 2' Debuts on macOS|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Additional functionality can be implemented in software's scripting language or platform-specific native extensions.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/23/gamemaker-studio-2-gets-an-education-edition/ |title=GameMaker Studio 2 gets an education edition |date=23 May 2017 |work=VentureBeat|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> In GameMaker Studio 2, users can choose whether to export the game as an [[Nullsoft Scriptable Install System|NSIS]] installer, or a [[.zip]] file containing the game, the data.win file, and any files added under the "Included Files" tab in the editor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/1_overview/2_quick_start/6_compiling.html|title=Compiling|website=docs2.yoyogames.com|access-date=2019-02-20|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109183609/https://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/1_overview/2_quick_start/6_compiling.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The engine's primary element is an IDE with built-in editors for raster graphics, [[level design]], scripting, [[Path (graph theory)|paths]], and [[shader]]s ([[Glsl|GLSL]] or [[High-Level Shading Language|HLSL]]).<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/02/gamemaker-studio-2-debuts-on-macos/ |title=2D Game Development Engine 'GameMaker Studio 2' Debuts on macOS|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Additional functionality can be implemented in software's scripting language or platform-specific native extensions.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/23/gamemaker-studio-2-gets-an-education-edition/ |title=GameMaker Studio 2 gets an education edition |date=23 May 2017 |work=VentureBeat |access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322144957/https://venturebeat.com/2017/05/23/gamemaker-studio-2-gets-an-education-edition/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In GameMaker Studio 2, users can choose whether to export the game as an [[Nullsoft Scriptable Install System|NSIS]] installer, or a [[.zip]] file containing the game, the data.win file, and any files added under the "Included Files" tab in the editor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/1_overview/2_quick_start/6_compiling.html|title=Compiling|website=docs2.yoyogames.com|access-date=2019-02-20|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109183609/https://docs2.yoyogames.com/source/_build/1_overview/2_quick_start/6_compiling.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Supported platforms ===
=== Supported platforms ===
GameMaker supports building for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]], [[HTML5]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[Amazon Fire TV]], [[Android TV]], [[Raspberry Pi]],<ref>{{cite web |title=YoYo Games expand their Linux support in GameMaker Studio 2 to the Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2020/12/yoyo-games-expand-their-linux-support-in-gamemaker-studio-2-to-the-raspberry-pi |website=GamingOnLinux |date=21 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> [[Universal Windows Platform apps|Microsoft UWP]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Nintendo Switch]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/9/17100548/gamemaker-studio-2-nintendo-switch-undertale |title=Undertale coming to Switch brings indie games' GameMaker Studio engine with it |last=Good |first=Owen |date=9 March 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> and [[Xbox One]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/11/learn_how_to_make_your_own_games_with_gamemaker_studio_at_retrogamecon.html |title=Learn how to make your own video games with GameMaker: Studio at RetroGameCon |author=Evan Lewis |date=6 November 2014 |publisher=Syracuse Media Group |access-date=2 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/22/5333982/this-will-let-you-say-happy-birthday-get-well-soon-with-a-video-game |title=This will let you say 'Happy Birthday,' 'Get Well Soon' with a video game |date=22 January 2014 |publisher=Alexa Ray Corriea |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/no-coding-required-how-new-designers-are-using-gamemaker-to-create-indie-smash-hits/ |title=No coding required: How new designers are using GameMaker to create indie smash hits |work=PC Gamer |date=31 July 2014 |access-date=15 January 2015 |last1=Moore |first1=Bo }}</ref> support for [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X|S]] was announced in February 2021<ref>{{cite magazine |title=GameMaker Studio 2 launches support for PS5 and Xbox Series X{{!}}S {{!}} Development News |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/gamemaker-studio-2-launches-support-for-ps5-and-xbox-series-xs/ |magazine=MCV/DEVELOP |date=25 February 2021}}</ref> though an "Enterprise" license is needed to build games for these consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameMaker Runtime Licence - Enterprise |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/legal/gamemaker-runtime-licence-enterprise |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref>
GameMaker supports building for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[macOS]], [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]], [[HTML5]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]], [[Amazon Fire TV]], [[Android TV]], [[Raspberry Pi]],<ref>{{cite web |title=YoYo Games expand their Linux support in GameMaker Studio 2 to the Raspberry Pi |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2020/12/yoyo-games-expand-their-linux-support-in-gamemaker-studio-2-to-the-raspberry-pi |website=GamingOnLinux |date=21 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> [[Universal Windows Platform apps|Microsoft UWP]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[Nintendo Switch]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/3/9/17100548/gamemaker-studio-2-nintendo-switch-undertale |title=Undertale coming to Switch brings indie games' GameMaker Studio engine with it |last=Good |first=Owen |date=9 March 2018 |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |access-date=9 March 2018}}</ref> and [[Xbox One]];<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.syracuse.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/11/learn_how_to_make_your_own_games_with_gamemaker_studio_at_retrogamecon.html |title=Learn how to make your own video games with GameMaker: Studio at RetroGameCon |author=Evan Lewis |date=6 November 2014 |publisher=Syracuse Media Group |access-date=2 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/1/22/5333982/this-will-let-you-say-happy-birthday-get-well-soon-with-a-video-game |title=This will let you say 'Happy Birthday,' 'Get Well Soon' with a video game |date=22 January 2014 |publisher=Alexa Ray Corriea |access-date=23 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/no-coding-required-how-new-designers-are-using-gamemaker-to-create-indie-smash-hits/ |title=No coding required: How new designers are using GameMaker to create indie smash hits |work=PC Gamer |date=31 July 2014 |access-date=15 January 2015 |last1=Moore |first1=Bo }}</ref> support for [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X|S]] was announced in February 2021<ref>{{cite magazine |title=GameMaker Studio 2 launches support for PS5 and Xbox Series X{{!}}S {{!}} Development News |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/gamemaker-studio-2-launches-support-for-ps5-and-xbox-series-xs/ |magazine=MCV/DEVELOP |date=25 February 2021}}</ref> though an "Enterprise" license is needed to build games for these consoles.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameMaker Runtime Licence - Enterprise |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/legal/gamemaker-runtime-licence-enterprise |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref> In past, GameMaker supported building for [[Windows Phone]] (deprecated in favor of UWP), [[Tizen]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[PlayStation Vita]] (not supported in GMS2 "largely for business reasons").<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/gamemaker/comments/5d2y93/we_are_yoyogames_we_recently_announced_gamemaker/da1dytt/ |title=We are YoYoGames, we recently announced GameMaker Studio 2. Ask us anything. • r/gamemaker |website=reddit |date=15 November 2016 |language=en|access-date=9 May 2018}}</ref> [[PlayStation Portable]] support was demonstrated in May 2010,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/Game+Maker+Runner/news.asp?c=20401 |title=Create games for your PSP with Game Maker |work=Pocket Gamer|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> but never made publicly available (with only a small selection of titles using it).<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/They+Need+To+Be+Fed/news.asp?c=20574 |title=Indie platformer They Need To Be Fed coming to PSP |work=Pocket Gamer|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>
 
In past, GameMaker supported building for [[Windows Phone]] (deprecated in favor of UWP), [[Tizen]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[PlayStation Vita]] (not supported in GMS2 "largely for business reasons").<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/gamemaker/comments/5d2y93/we_are_yoyogames_we_recently_announced_gamemaker/da1dytt/ |title=We are YoYoGames, we recently announced GameMaker Studio 2. Ask us anything. • r/gamemaker |website=reddit |date=15 November 2016 |language=en|access-date=9 May 2018}}</ref>
 
[[PlayStation Portable]] support was demonstrated in May 2010,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/Game+Maker+Runner/news.asp?c=20401 |title=Create games for your PSP with Game Maker |work=Pocket Gamer|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> but never made publicly available (with only a small selection of titles using it).<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/PSP/They+Need+To+Be+Fed/news.asp?c=20574 |title=Indie platformer They Need To Be Fed coming to PSP |work=Pocket Gamer|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>


Between 2007 and 2011, YoYo Games maintained a custom web player plugin for GameMaker games<ref>{{cite web|title=GMking's MarkUp Magazine - Issue 12|url=https://archive.org/stream/GmkingsMarkupMagazine-Issue12/MarkUp_12#page/n42/mode/1up|language=en}}</ref> before releasing it as open-source mid-2011<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/152/yoyo-website-plans|title=YoYo Website plans {{!}} Blog {{!}} YoYo Games|website=Yoyo Games|language=en|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630024711/https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/152/yoyo-website-plans|url-status=dead}}</ref> and finally deprecating in favor of HTML5 export.
Between 2007 and 2011, YoYo Games maintained a custom web player plugin for GameMaker games<ref>{{cite web|title=GMking's MarkUp Magazine - Issue 12|url=https://archive.org/stream/GmkingsMarkupMagazine-Issue12/MarkUp_12#page/n42/mode/1up|language=en}}</ref> before releasing it as open-source mid-2011<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/152/yoyo-website-plans|title=YoYo Website plans {{!}} Blog {{!}} YoYo Games|website=Yoyo Games|language=en|access-date=9 May 2018|archive-date=30 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630024711/https://www.yoyogames.com/blog/152/yoyo-website-plans|url-status=dead}}</ref> and finally deprecating in favor of HTML5 export.
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== GameMaker Language ==
== GameMaker Language ==
GameMaker Language (GML) is GameMaker's scripting language. It is an [[Imperative programming|imperative]], [[dynamically typed]] language commonly likened to [[JavaScript]] and C-like languages.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eDzlCwAAQBAJ&pg=PR6|title=GameMaker Programming By Example |last1=Christian |first1=Brian |last2=Isaacs |first2=Steven |date=28 December 2015 |publisher=Packt Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-78588-847-2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5OFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA9 |title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |date=1 June 2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1435455214 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLdsEjKnt5AC&pg=PA225|title=The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners |last1=Habgood |first1=Jacob |last2=Overmars |first2=Mark |date=31 December 2006 |publisher=Apress |isbn=978-1-4302-0159-5}}</ref>
GameMaker Language (GML) is GameMaker's scripting language. It is an [[Imperative programming|imperative]], [[dynamically typed]] language commonly likened to [[JavaScript]] and C-like languages.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eDzlCwAAQBAJ&pg=PR6|title=GameMaker Programming By Example |last1=Christian |first1=Brian |last2=Isaacs |first2=Steven |date=28 December 2015 |publisher=Packt Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-78588-847-2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5OFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA9 |title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |date=1 June 2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1435455214 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLdsEjKnt5AC&pg=PA225|title=The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners |last1=Habgood |first1=Jacob |last2=Overmars |first2=Mark |date=31 December 2006 |publisher=Apress |isbn=978-1-4302-0159-5}}</ref> The language's default mode of operation on native platforms is via a [[stack machine]]; it can also be [[Source-to-source compiler|source-to-source compiled]] to C++ via [[LLVM]] for higher performance.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/gamemaker-studio-introduces-yoyo-compiler-and-cross-platform-shader-support/ |title=GameMaker: Studio introduces YoYo Compiler and cross-platform Shader support|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> On HTML5, GML is source-to-source compiled to JavaScript with optimizations and [[Minification (programming)|minification]] applied in non-debug builds.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uDWG1gYWxokC|title=HTML5 Game Development with GameMaker |last=Elliott |first=Jason Lee |date=22 April 2013 |publisher=Packt Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-84969-411-7}}</ref>
 
The language's default mode of operation on native platforms is via a [[stack machine]]; it can also be [[Source-to-source compiler|source-to-source compiled]] to C++ via [[LLVM]] for higher performance.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/gamemaker-studio-introduces-yoyo-compiler-and-cross-platform-shader-support/ |title=GameMaker: Studio introduces YoYo Compiler and cross-platform Shader support|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> On HTML5, GML is source-to-source compiled to JavaScript with optimizations and [[Minification (programming)|minification]] applied in non-debug builds.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uDWG1gYWxokC|title=HTML5 Game Development with GameMaker |last=Elliott |first=Jason Lee |date=22 April 2013 |publisher=Packt Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-84969-411-7}}</ref>


=== GML Visual ===
=== GML Visual ===
GML Visual (originally called "Drag and Drop"<ref>{{cite web |title=What New Features Are Included In GameMaker Version 2022.3? |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/blog/release-2022-3 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref>) is GameMaker's visual scripting tool.
GML Visual (originally called "Drag and Drop"<ref>{{cite web |title=What New Features Are Included In GameMaker Version 2022.3? |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/blog/release-2022-3 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref>) is GameMaker's visual scripting tool. GML Visual allows developers to perform common tasks (like instantiating objects, calling functions, or working with files and data structures) without having to write a single line of code. It is largely aimed at novice users.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thisisxbox.com/interview-james-cox-yoyo-games-gamemaker-studio-2/|title=Interview: James Cox of YoYo Games about GameMaker Studio 2 {{!}} This Is Xbox|work=This Is Xbox|access-date=9 May 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=6 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106074455/http://www.thisisxbox.com/interview-james-cox-yoyo-games-gamemaker-studio-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


GML Visual allows developers to perform common tasks (like instantiating objects, calling functions, or working with files and data structures) without having to write a single line of code. It is largely aimed at novice users.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thisisxbox.com/interview-james-cox-yoyo-games-gamemaker-studio-2/|title=Interview: James Cox of YoYo Games about GameMaker Studio 2 {{!}} This Is Xbox|work=This Is Xbox|access-date=9 May 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=6 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106074455/http://www.thisisxbox.com/interview-james-cox-yoyo-games-gamemaker-studio-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
While historically GML Visual remained fairly limited in what can be comfortably done with it,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.packtpub.com/sites/default/files/downloads/4100OT_Appendix_Drag_and_drop_Icons_to_GameMaker_Language_Reference.pdf |title=Drag-and-Drop icons to GameMaker Language reference }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/no-coding-required-how-new-designers-are-using-gamemaker-to-create-indie-smash-hits/ |title=No coding required: How new designers are using GameMaker to create indie smash hits |work=pcgamer|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> GameMaker Studio 2 had seen an overhaul to the system, allowing more tasks to be done with GML Visual, and having it translate directly to code<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/03/gamemaker-studio-creators-look-back-at-17-years-of-development/ |title=GameMaker Studio creators look back at 17 years of development |date=4 September 2017 |work=VentureBeat |access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=8 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908003154/https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/03/gamemaker-studio-creators-look-back-at-17-years-of-development/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> (with an in-IDE preview for users interested in migrating to code).
 
While historically GML Visual remained fairly limited in what can be comfortably done with it,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.packtpub.com/sites/default/files/downloads/4100OT_Appendix_Drag_and_drop_Icons_to_GameMaker_Language_Reference.pdf |title=Drag-and-Drop icons to GameMaker Language reference }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/no-coding-required-how-new-designers-are-using-gamemaker-to-create-indie-smash-hits/ |title=No coding required: How new designers are using GameMaker to create indie smash hits |work=pcgamer|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> GameMaker Studio 2 had seen an overhaul to the system, allowing more tasks to be done with GML Visual, and having it translate directly to code<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/09/03/gamemaker-studio-creators-look-back-at-17-years-of-development/ |title=GameMaker Studio creators look back at 17 years of development |date=4 September 2017 |work=VentureBeat|access-date=9 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> (with an in-IDE preview for users interested in migrating to code).


== History ==
== History ==
GameMaker was originally developed by [[Mark Overmars]]. The program was first released on 15 November 1999 under the name of Animo (at the time, it was just a graphics tool with limited visual scripting capabilities).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5OFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5|title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |date=1 June 2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1435455214 |language=en}}</ref> The first versions of the program were being developed in [[Delphi (software)|Delphi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.desura.com/engines/game-maker |title=Game Maker Studio engine |publisher=Desura |access-date=29 May 2013}}</ref>
GameMaker was originally developed by [[Mark Overmars]]. The program was first released on 15 November 1999 under the name of Animo (at the time, it was just a graphics tool with limited visual scripting capabilities).<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5OFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA5|title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |date=1 June 2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1435455214 |language=en}}</ref> The first versions of the program were being developed in [[Delphi (software)|Delphi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.desura.com/engines/game-maker |title=Game Maker Studio engine |publisher=Desura |access-date=29 May 2013}}</ref> Subsequent releases saw the name changed to Game Maker and software moving towards more general-purpose 2D game development.
 
Subsequent releases saw the name changed to Game Maker and software moving towards more general-purpose 2D game development.
 
Versions 5.0 and below were [[freeware]]; version 5.1 introduced an optional registration fee; version 5.3 (January 2004) introduced a number of new features for registered users, including [[particle system]]s, networking, and possibility to extend games using DLLs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamemaker.nl:80/registration.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040110215821/http://www.gamemaker.nl:80/registration.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2004 |title=Game Maker Pages |date=10 January 2004|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>
 
Version 6.0 (October 2004) introduced limited functionality for use of 3D graphics, as well as migrating the runtime's drawing pipeline from [[Visual Component Library|VCL]] to [[DirectX]].<ref name=":0">{{cite book |title=Getting Started with Game Maker|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0cs4Jv7ik5gC&pg=PA11 |last=Ford |first=Jerry |publisher=Course Technology, a part of Cengage Learning |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-59863-882-0 }}</ref>
 
Growing public interest led Overmars to seek help in expanding the program, which led to partnership with YoYo Games in 2007.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUFIBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA341|title=A Brief History Of Video Games: From Atari to Virtual Reality |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=23 July 2015 |publisher=Little, Brown Book Group |isbn=9781472118813 |language=en}}</ref> From this point onward, development was handled by YoYo Games while Overmars retained a position as one of the company's directors.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLdsEjKnt5AC&pg=PR16|title=The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners |last1=Habgood |first1=Jacob |last2=Overmars |first2=Mark |date=31 December 2006 |publisher=Apress |isbn=978-1-4302-0159-5}}</ref> Version 7.0 was the first to emerge under this partnership.
 
The first macOS compatible version of program was released in 2009,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5OFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PR14|title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |date=1 June 2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1435455214 |language=en}}</ref> allowing games to be made for two operating systems with minimal changes.
 
Version 8.1 (April 2011) saw the name changed to GameMaker (lacking a space) to avoid any confusion<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/original-gamemaker/ |title=The Original Game-Maker |last1=Eric-Jon Rössel |first1=Tairne |date=30 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301005957/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/original-gamemaker/ |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=15 January 2015}}</ref> with the 1991 software ''[[Game-Maker]]''. This version also had the runtime rewritten in C++ to address performance concerns<ref name=":1">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5UAIAAAAQBAJ|title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry |date=2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1133168966 |page=333}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2020}}{{contradictory inline|reason=It's impossible that a 2009 book said what 8.1, which came out in 2011, did.|date=July 2020}} with previous versions.
 
September 2011 saw the initial release of "GameMaker: HTML5" - a new version of software with capability to export games for web browsers along with desktop.<ref name="Rose">{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yoyo-games-releases-gamemaker-html5-tools |title=YoYo Games Releases GameMaker: HTML5 Tools |last=Rose |first=Mike|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
 
GameMaker: Studio entered public beta in March 2012<ref name="Rose"/> and enjoyed a full release in May 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/05/22/yoyo-games-unveils-gamemaker-studio-for-cross-platform-development/ |title=YoYo Games unveils GameMaker: Studio for cross-platform development |date=22 May 2012 |work=VentureBeat|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref> Initial supported platforms included Windows, Mac, HTML5, Android, and iOS. Additional platforms and features were introduced over the years following;<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://csanyk.com/2012/09/game-maker-studio-1-1-released/ |title=Game Maker Studio 1.1 released - csanyk.com |date=6 September 2012 |work=csanyk.com|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/08/27/yoyo-games-updates-its-game-tools-to-speed-development-time/ |title=YoYo Games updates GameMaker: Studio to speed development time |date=27 August 2013 |work=VentureBeat|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://jeux.developpez.com/actu/71823/GameMaker-est-disponible-en-version-1-3-et-apporte-un-nouveau-debogueur-et-le-support-des-consoles-de-Sony/ |title=GameMaker est disponible en version 1.3 et apporte un nouveau débogueur et le support des consoles de Sony |work=Developpez.com|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamemakerblog.net/welcome-to-gamemaker-studio-1-4/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618133327/http://www.gamemakerblog.net/welcome-to-gamemaker-studio-1-4/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 June 2016 |title=Welcome to GameMaker: Studio 1.4 {{!}} GameMaker Blog|date=18 June 2016|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> Late 2012 there was an accident with anti-piracy measures misfiring for some legitimate users.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/42651/GameMaker-fixes-anti-piracy-bug-afflicting-users|title=Gamemaker anti-piracy bug destroys developer assets &#124; Game Development &#124; News by Develop|last=Chapple|first=Craig|date=29 November 2012|website=Develop|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127181539/http://www.develop-online.net/news/42651/GameMaker-fixes-anti-piracy-bug-afflicting-users|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>
 
In February 2015, GameMaker was acquired by [[Playtech]] together with YoYo Games. Announcement reassured that GameMaker will be further improved and states plans to appeal to broader demographic, including more advanced developers.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yoyogames.com/playtech |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326191637/http://www.yoyogames.com/playtech |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2015 |title=YoYo Games is Acquired by Playtech plc {{!}} YoYo Games|date=26 March 2015|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>
 
November 2016 saw the initial release of GameMaker Studio 2 beta,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/gamemaker-studio-2-beta |title=GameMaker Studio 2 enters beta |work=PCGamesN|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> with full release in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamefromscratch.com/post/2017/03/09/GameMaker-Studio-2-Released.aspx |title=GameMaker Studio 2 Released |last=GameFromScratch.com |first=Copyright |website=www.gamefromscratch.com|date=9 March 2017 |access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> This version sports a completely redesigned IDE (rewritten in C#<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamesauce.biz/2017/04/05/gamemaker-studio-2-remade-stay-date/ |title=GameMaker Studio 2: Remade to Stay Up-to-date - Gamesauce: Global Inspiration for Game Developers |website=www.gamesauce.biz |language=en-US|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>) and a number of new editor and runtime features.
 
In August 2020, major update 2.3 was released, bringing a host of new features to IDE, runtime, and the scripting language.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=George |title=YoYo Games launches GameMaker Studio 2 version 2.3 |url=https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2020/08/20/76397/yoyo-games-launches-gamemaker-studio-2-version-2-3/ |website=European Gaming Industry News |date=20 August 2020}}</ref>


In January 2021, [[YoYo Games]] was sold to [[Opera Software]] for roughly 10 million [[USD]]. The development team of GameMaker remains the same, and has not caused any major development changes to GameMaker Studio.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.destructoid.com/stories/opera-bought-the-owner-of-gamemaker-for-its-new-gaming-division-617344.phtml| title = Opera bought the owner of GameMaker for its new gaming division – Destructoid| date = 20 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/20/opera-acquires-yoyo-games-for-10-million-and-launches-opera-gaming-division/| title = Opera acquires YoYo Games for $10 million and launches Opera Gaming division {{!}} VentureBeat| date = 20 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release| url = https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opera-acquires-yoyo-games-launches-opera-gaming-301211728.html| title = Opera Acquires YoYo Games, Launches Opera Gaming}}</ref>
Versions 5.0 and below were [[freeware]]; version 5.1 introduced an optional registration fee; version 5.3 (January 2004) introduced a number of new features for registered users, including [[particle system]]s, networking, and possibility to extend games using DLLs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamemaker.nl/registration.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040110215821/http://www.gamemaker.nl/registration.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2004 |title=Game Maker Pages |date=10 January 2004 |access-date=8 May 2018 }}</ref> Version 6.0 (October 2004) introduced limited functionality for use of 3D graphics, as well as migrating the runtime's drawing pipeline from [[Visual Component Library|VCL]] to [[DirectX]].<ref name=":0">{{cite book |title=Getting Started with Game Maker|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0cs4Jv7ik5gC&pg=PA11 |last=Ford |first=Jerry |publisher=Course Technology, a part of Cengage Learning |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-59863-882-0 }}</ref> Growing public interest led Overmars to seek help in expanding the program, which led to partnership with YoYo Games in 2007.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NUFIBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA341|title=A Brief History Of Video Games: From Atari to Virtual Reality |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=23 July 2015 |publisher=Little, Brown Book Group |isbn=9781472118813 |language=en}}</ref> From this point onward, development was handled by YoYo Games while Overmars retained a position as one of the company's directors.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PLdsEjKnt5AC&pg=PR16|title=The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners |last1=Habgood |first1=Jacob |last2=Overmars |first2=Mark |date=31 December 2006 |publisher=Apress |isbn=978-1-4302-0159-5}}</ref> Version 7.0 was the first to emerge under this partnership. The first macOS compatible version of the program was released in 2009,<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5OFAwAAQBAJ&pg=PR14|title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry Lee Jr. |date=1 June 2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1435455214 |language=en}}</ref> allowing games to be made for two operating systems with minimal changes.


In August 2021, YoYo Games announced that they would be changing their licenses to offer a free version of the GameMaker engine.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dealessandri |first1=Marie |title=oYo Games streamlines GameMaker licenses, offers new free version |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-08-10-yoyo-games-streamlines-gamemaker-licenses-offers-new-free-version |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=10 August 2021 |publisher=Gamer Network Limited, a ReedPop company}}</ref>
Version 8.1 (April 2011) saw the name changed to GameMaker (lacking a space) to avoid any confusion<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/original-gamemaker/ |title=The Original Game-Maker |last1=Eric-Jon Rössel |first1=Tairne |date=30 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301005957/http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/original-gamemaker/ |archive-date=1 March 2014 |access-date=15 January 2015}}</ref> with the 1991 software ''[[Game-Maker]]''. This version also had the runtime rewritten in C++ to address performance concerns<ref name=":1">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5UAIAAAAQBAJ|title=Getting Started with Game Maker |last=Ford |first=Jerry |date=2009 |publisher=Cengage Learning |isbn=978-1133168966 |page=333}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2020}}{{contradictory inline|reason=It's impossible that a 2009 book said what 8.1, which came out in 2011, did.|date=July 2020}} with previous versions. September 2011 saw the initial release of "GameMaker: HTML5" - a new version of software with capability to export games for web browsers along with desktop.<ref name="Rose">{{Cite news |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/yoyo-games-releases-gamemaker-html5-tools |title=YoYo Games Releases GameMaker: HTML5 Tools |last=Rose |first=Mike|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> GameMaker: Studio entered public beta in March 2012<ref name="Rose" /> and enjoyed a full release in May 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/05/22/yoyo-games-unveils-gamemaker-studio-for-cross-platform-development/ |title=YoYo Games unveils GameMaker: Studio for cross-platform development |date=22 May 2012 |work=VentureBeat |access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324030105/https://venturebeat.com/2012/05/22/yoyo-games-unveils-gamemaker-studio-for-cross-platform-development/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Initial supported platforms included Windows, Mac, HTML5, Android, and iOS. Additional platforms and features were introduced over the years following;<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://csanyk.com/2012/09/game-maker-studio-1-1-released/ |title=Game Maker Studio 1.1 released - csanyk.com |date=6 September 2012 |work=csanyk.com|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/08/27/yoyo-games-updates-its-game-tools-to-speed-development-time/ |title=YoYo Games updates GameMaker: Studio to speed development time |date=27 August 2013 |work=VentureBeat |access-date=8 May 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324030102/https://venturebeat.com/2013/08/27/yoyo-games-updates-its-game-tools-to-speed-development-time/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://jeux.developpez.com/actu/71823/GameMaker-est-disponible-en-version-1-3-et-apporte-un-nouveau-debogueur-et-le-support-des-consoles-de-Sony/ |title=GameMaker est disponible en version 1.3 et apporte un nouveau débogueur et le support des consoles de Sony |work=Developpez.com|access-date=8 May 2018 |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamemakerblog.net/welcome-to-gamemaker-studio-1-4/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618133327/http://www.gamemakerblog.net/welcome-to-gamemaker-studio-1-4/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 June 2016 |title=Welcome to GameMaker: Studio 1.4 {{!}} GameMaker Blog|date=18 June 2016|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> Late 2012 there was an accident with anti-piracy measures misfiring for some legitimate users.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/42651/GameMaker-fixes-anti-piracy-bug-afflicting-users|title=Gamemaker anti-piracy bug destroys developer assets &#124; Game Development &#124; News by Develop|last=Chapple|first=Craig|date=29 November 2012|website=Develop|publisher=Intent Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127181539/http://www.develop-online.net/news/42651/GameMaker-fixes-anti-piracy-bug-afflicting-users|archive-date=27 January 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=28 April 2019}}</ref>


In January 2022, YoYo Games changed GameMaker Studio 2's numbering scheme so the version corresponds to the year and the month it was released (For example, 2022.1 for January 2022).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Version 2022.1 Release & "Feather" Reveal |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/blog/release-2022-1 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref>
In February 2015, GameMaker was acquired by [[Playtech]] together with YoYo Games. Announcement reassured that GameMaker will be further improved and states plans to appeal to broader demographic, including more advanced developers.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yoyogames.com/playtech |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326191637/http://www.yoyogames.com/playtech |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 March 2015 |title=YoYo Games is Acquired by Playtech plc {{!}} YoYo Games|date=26 March 2015|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> November 2016 saw the initial release of GameMaker Studio 2 beta,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/gamemaker-studio-2-beta |title=GameMaker Studio 2 enters beta |work=PCGamesN|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> with full release in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamefromscratch.com/post/2017/03/09/GameMaker-Studio-2-Released.aspx |title=GameMaker Studio 2 Released |last=GameFromScratch.com |first=Copyright |website=www.gamefromscratch.com|date=9 March 2017 |access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref> This version sports a completely redesigned IDE (rewritten in C#<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamesauce.biz/2017/04/05/gamemaker-studio-2-remade-stay-date/ |title=GameMaker Studio 2: Remade to Stay Up-to-date - Gamesauce: Global Inspiration for Game Developers |website=www.gamesauce.biz |language=en-US|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>) and a number of new editor and runtime features.


In April 2022, YoYo Games dropped the ''GameMaker Studio 2'' name in order to match its new version numbering scheme, changing it to simply GameMaker.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameMaker Brand Guidelines {{!}} Download The PDF |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/legal/brand |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref>
In August 2020, major update 2.3 was released, bringing a host of new features to IDE, runtime, and the scripting language.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Miller |first1=George |title=YoYo Games launches GameMaker Studio 2 version 2.3 |url=https://europeangaming.eu/portal/latest-news/2020/08/20/76397/yoyo-games-launches-gamemaker-studio-2-version-2-3/ |website=European Gaming Industry News |date=20 August 2020}}</ref> In January 2021, [[YoYo Games]] was sold to [[Opera Software]] for roughly 10 million [[USD]]. The development team of GameMaker remains the same, and has not caused any major development changes to GameMaker Studio.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.destructoid.com/stories/opera-bought-the-owner-of-gamemaker-for-its-new-gaming-division-617344.phtml| title = Opera bought the owner of GameMaker for its new gaming division – Destructoid| date = 20 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/20/opera-acquires-yoyo-games-for-10-million-and-launches-opera-gaming-division/| title = Opera acquires YoYo Games for $10 million and launches Opera Gaming division {{!}} VentureBeat| date = 20 January 2021| access-date = 21 January 2021| archive-date = 3 March 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210303221354/https://venturebeat.com/2021/01/20/opera-acquires-yoyo-games-for-10-million-and-launches-opera-gaming-division/| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release| url = https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opera-acquires-yoyo-games-launches-opera-gaming-301211728.html| title = Opera Acquires YoYo Games, Launches Opera Gaming}}</ref> In August 2021, YoYo Games announced that they would be changing their licenses to offer a free version of the GameMaker engine.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dealessandri |first1=Marie |title=oYo Games streamlines GameMaker licenses, offers new free version |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-08-10-yoyo-games-streamlines-gamemaker-licenses-offers-new-free-version |website=gamesindustry.biz |date=10 August 2021 |publisher=Gamer Network Limited, a ReedPop company}}</ref> In January 2022, YoYo Games changed GameMaker Studio 2's numbering scheme so the version corresponds to the year and the month it was released (For example, 2022.1 for January 2022).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Version 2022.1 Release & "Feather" Reveal |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/blog/release-2022-1 |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref> In April 2022, YoYo Games dropped the ''GameMaker Studio 2'' name in order to match its new version numbering scheme, changing it to simply GameMaker.<ref>{{Cite web |title=GameMaker Brand Guidelines {{!}} Download The PDF |url=https://gamemaker.io/en/legal/brand |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=GameMaker |language=en}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
Douglas Clements of ''Indie Game Magazine'' wrote that the program "[s]implifies and streamlines game development" and is "easy for beginners yet powerful enough to grow as you develop", though noting that "resource objects have to be gathered if unable to create" and that licensing between [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and the YoYo Games website is "convoluted".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiegamemag.com/gamemaker-studio-lord-over-the-pixels/ |title='GameMaker: Studio' – Lord Over The Pixels |author=Douglas Clements |website=Indie Games Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222224901/http://indiegamemag.com/gamemaker-studio-lord-over-the-pixels/ |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>
Douglas Clements of ''Indie Game Magazine'' wrote that the program "[s]implifies and streamlines game development" and is "easy for beginners yet powerful enough to grow as you develop", though noting that "resource objects have to be gathered if unable to create" and that licensing between [[Steam (service)|Steam]] and the YoYo Games website is "convoluted".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiegamemag.com/gamemaker-studio-lord-over-the-pixels/ |title='GameMaker: Studio' – Lord Over The Pixels |author=Douglas Clements |website=Indie Games Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222224901/http://indiegamemag.com/gamemaker-studio-lord-over-the-pixels/ |archive-date=22 December 2017 |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>
== Educational Use ==
Gamemaker was used in schools because of its drag and drop programming interface. It preceded programming environments which were developed for educational use such as [[Scratch (programming language)|Scratch]] and [[Walter Bender|Walter Bender's]] Turtle Blocks. Its use in schools was preceded by [[Logo (programming language)| Logo]] but Logo was text based rather than drag and drop. For teachers using Game Maker, it shared a [[ Constructionism (learning theory)|Constructionist]] learning theory with Logo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill Kerr |url= https://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2006/06/teaching-programming-skills-using-game.html |website=Bill Kerr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Schoolgamemaker |url= https://www.rupert.id.au/schoolgamemaker/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GAMEMAKER FOR YEARS 3-12 |url= https://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/moodle/attachments/20070515/3bac8d2b/PD_T207_Gamemaker_Geelong_invite-0001.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Game-Making|url=https://simerr.une.edu.au/game-making/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=GameMaker for Education |url= https://gamemaker.io/en/education }}</ref>{{Excessive citations inline|date=December 2025}}


== References ==
== References ==
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{{Video game engines}}
{{Video game engines}}


[[Category:Video game IDE]]
[[Category:Video game engines]]
[[Category:1999 software]]
[[Category:1999 software]]
[[Category:IOS video game engines]]
[[Category:IOS video game engines]]
[[Category:Programming tools for Windows]]
[[Category:Programming tools for Windows]]
[[Category:Proprietary software for Windows]]
[[Category:Proprietary software]]
[[Category:Video game engines]]
[[Category:Video game IDE]]
[[Category:Windows software]]

Latest revision as of 00:17, 30 December 2025

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GameMaker (originally Animo, Game Maker (until 2011) and GameMaker Studio) is a series of cross-platform game engines created by Mark Overmars in 1999 and developed by YoYo Games since 2007. The latest iteration of GameMaker was released in 2022.

GameMaker accommodates the creation of cross-platform and multi-genre video games using a custom drag-and-drop visual programming language or a scripting language known as Game Maker Language (GML), which can be used to develop more advanced games. GameMaker was originally designed to allow novice programmers to be able to make computer games without much programming knowledge by use of these actions. Recent versions of software also focus on appealing to advanced developers.[1]

Overview

GameMaker is primarily intended for making games with 2D graphics, allowing out-of-box use of raster graphics, vector graphics (via SWF),[2] and 2D skeletal animations (via Esoteric Software's Spine)[3][4] along with a large standard library for drawing graphics and 2D primitives.[5] While the software allows for limited use of 3D graphics, this is in form of vertex buffer[6] and matrix functions, and as such not intended for novice users.

The engine uses Direct3D on Windows, UWP, and Xbox One; OpenGL on macOS and Linux; OpenGL ES on Android and iOS, WebGL or 2d canvas on HTML5, and proprietary APIs on consoles.

The engine's primary element is an IDE with built-in editors for raster graphics, level design, scripting, paths, and shaders (GLSL or HLSL).[7] Additional functionality can be implemented in software's scripting language or platform-specific native extensions.[8] In GameMaker Studio 2, users can choose whether to export the game as an NSIS installer, or a .zip file containing the game, the data.win file, and any files added under the "Included Files" tab in the editor.[9]

Supported platforms

GameMaker supports building for Microsoft Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, HTML5, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Raspberry Pi,[10] Microsoft UWP, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch[11] and Xbox One;[12][13][14] support for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S was announced in February 2021[15] though an "Enterprise" license is needed to build games for these consoles.[16] In past, GameMaker supported building for Windows Phone (deprecated in favor of UWP), Tizen, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Vita (not supported in GMS2 "largely for business reasons").[17] PlayStation Portable support was demonstrated in May 2010,[18] but never made publicly available (with only a small selection of titles using it).[19]

Between 2007 and 2011, YoYo Games maintained a custom web player plugin for GameMaker games[20] before releasing it as open-source mid-2011[21] and finally deprecating in favor of HTML5 export.

Prior to August 2021, users had to obtain a single-purchase license for one of five different platforms, excluding consoles, depending on the target platform they wanted to publish on (such as desktop or mobile). An annual license was required to publish for consoles, which was also contained in an all-encompassing annual Ultimate license that covered all supported platforms. Yoyo Games announced a change to the licensing approach in August 2021, allowing GameMaker to be used for free to learn, and eliminating the single-purchase options. Instead, it simplified the license scheme to only two tiers, one that supported publishing on all non-console platforms, and a higher tier that added in console platform publishing support at a lower rate than the prior Ultimate license. These changes were aided by the financial investment of Opera into YoYo Games to help reduce costs for GameMaker users.[22] On 22 November 2023, GameMaker announced that it would be "free for non-commercial use on all platforms (excluding console)," and the current subscription system would be replaced by a one-time license.[23]

GameMaker Language

GameMaker Language (GML) is GameMaker's scripting language. It is an imperative, dynamically typed language commonly likened to JavaScript and C-like languages.[24][25][26] The language's default mode of operation on native platforms is via a stack machine; it can also be source-to-source compiled to C++ via LLVM for higher performance.[27] On HTML5, GML is source-to-source compiled to JavaScript with optimizations and minification applied in non-debug builds.[28]

GML Visual

GML Visual (originally called "Drag and Drop"[29]) is GameMaker's visual scripting tool. GML Visual allows developers to perform common tasks (like instantiating objects, calling functions, or working with files and data structures) without having to write a single line of code. It is largely aimed at novice users.[30]

While historically GML Visual remained fairly limited in what can be comfortably done with it,[31][32] GameMaker Studio 2 had seen an overhaul to the system, allowing more tasks to be done with GML Visual, and having it translate directly to code[33] (with an in-IDE preview for users interested in migrating to code).

History

GameMaker was originally developed by Mark Overmars. The program was first released on 15 November 1999 under the name of Animo (at the time, it was just a graphics tool with limited visual scripting capabilities).[34] The first versions of the program were being developed in Delphi.[35] Subsequent releases saw the name changed to Game Maker and software moving towards more general-purpose 2D game development.

Versions 5.0 and below were freeware; version 5.1 introduced an optional registration fee; version 5.3 (January 2004) introduced a number of new features for registered users, including particle systems, networking, and possibility to extend games using DLLs.[36] Version 6.0 (October 2004) introduced limited functionality for use of 3D graphics, as well as migrating the runtime's drawing pipeline from VCL to DirectX.[37] Growing public interest led Overmars to seek help in expanding the program, which led to partnership with YoYo Games in 2007.[38] From this point onward, development was handled by YoYo Games while Overmars retained a position as one of the company's directors.[39] Version 7.0 was the first to emerge under this partnership. The first macOS compatible version of the program was released in 2009,[40] allowing games to be made for two operating systems with minimal changes.

Version 8.1 (April 2011) saw the name changed to GameMaker (lacking a space) to avoid any confusion[41] with the 1991 software Game-Maker. This version also had the runtime rewritten in C++ to address performance concerns[42]Script error: No such module "Unsubst".Script error: No such module "Unsubst". with previous versions. September 2011 saw the initial release of "GameMaker: HTML5" - a new version of software with capability to export games for web browsers along with desktop.[43] GameMaker: Studio entered public beta in March 2012[43] and enjoyed a full release in May 2012.[44] Initial supported platforms included Windows, Mac, HTML5, Android, and iOS. Additional platforms and features were introduced over the years following;[45][46][47][48] Late 2012 there was an accident with anti-piracy measures misfiring for some legitimate users.[49]

In February 2015, GameMaker was acquired by Playtech together with YoYo Games. Announcement reassured that GameMaker will be further improved and states plans to appeal to broader demographic, including more advanced developers.[1][50] November 2016 saw the initial release of GameMaker Studio 2 beta,[51] with full release in March 2017.[52] This version sports a completely redesigned IDE (rewritten in C#[53]) and a number of new editor and runtime features.

In August 2020, major update 2.3 was released, bringing a host of new features to IDE, runtime, and the scripting language.[54] In January 2021, YoYo Games was sold to Opera Software for roughly 10 million USD. The development team of GameMaker remains the same, and has not caused any major development changes to GameMaker Studio.[55][56][57] In August 2021, YoYo Games announced that they would be changing their licenses to offer a free version of the GameMaker engine.[58] In January 2022, YoYo Games changed GameMaker Studio 2's numbering scheme so the version corresponds to the year and the month it was released (For example, 2022.1 for January 2022).[59] In April 2022, YoYo Games dropped the GameMaker Studio 2 name in order to match its new version numbering scheme, changing it to simply GameMaker.[60]

Reception

Douglas Clements of Indie Game Magazine wrote that the program "[s]implifies and streamlines game development" and is "easy for beginners yet powerful enough to grow as you develop", though noting that "resource objects have to be gathered if unable to create" and that licensing between Steam and the YoYo Games website is "convoluted".[61]

Educational Use

Gamemaker was used in schools because of its drag and drop programming interface. It preceded programming environments which were developed for educational use such as Scratch and Walter Bender's Turtle Blocks. Its use in schools was preceded by Logo but Logo was text based rather than drag and drop. For teachers using Game Maker, it shared a Constructionist learning theory with Logo.[62][63][64][65][66]Template:Excessive citations inline

References

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  1. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  40. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  41. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  42. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  43. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  44. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  45. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  46. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  47. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  48. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  49. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  50. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  51. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  52. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  53. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  54. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  55. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  56. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  57. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  58. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  59. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  60. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  61. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  62. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  63. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  64. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  65. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  66. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:Video game engines

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