Game Maker
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Game Maker is a game development software application written by Mark Overmars in the Delphi programming language. It is designed to allow its users to easily develop computer games without having to learn a complex programming language such as C++ or Pascal. For experienced users, Game Maker contains a built-in programming language called "GML", or "Game Maker Language". Games can be distrubted either free, or for profit, as ".GM6" or ".gmd" source files, or as non-editable ".exe" files.
The Game Maker source code is written 98-99 percent by Mark Overmars. The code is written in the Delphi (version 7 at the moment).
To extend the Drag and Drop functionality of Game Maker, you can use files called Libraries to add new drag and drop items to the lists. These can be created by members with a special library builder, only available via the Game Maker Community (http://forums.gamemaker.nl).
The official Game Maker Community (http://forums.gamemaker.nl) has over 15,000 members.
Gamemakergame.jpg
Current Version
Game Maker is currently at version 6.1 as of June 8 2005. It incorporates the use of Direct3D, allowing the usage of limited 3D graphics. Version 6.1 adds limited support for simple 3d models.
In its current version, it is able to use DLL's to perform other advanced actions that GM cannot do on its own. Game Maker 4.3 and up provides this functionality also. Several popular DLL's include:
- GMSock - Allows GM to use sockets to perform basic network functions; such as making an IRC client or file downloader.
- GMSQL - Enables MySQL connectivity.
- Xtreme3D - Incorporates true 3D functions into GM to make 3D games, including animation and lighting effects. Though this is not needed in the latest version of Game Maker, the Game Maker 5 users may use this to create 3D games.
- GmIrrLicht - Incorporates Real 3D functions into GM, Ultrarealistic physics, particle systems and other useful tools for making a 3D game. In part a wrapper for Irrlicht.
- Text2Speech - Enables GM to use Text to Speech functions, allowing the creator's games or programs to 'speak'.
- SXMS(2.x) - A wrapper dll which allows Game Maker to use Fmod and WinAmp plugin support. Adds extended / advanced audio abilites such as DirectX 8.1 FX, Visualization, Channel management, Streaming audio (local or online source) and supports a large variety of audio formats
How to Get Game Maker
Game Maker is available in a free version and a registered version. The registered version, which costs €15 (about $20), has more features than the free version. Some of these features include the ability to incorporate DLLs, create multiplayer games, create First Person Shooter and other 3D games, use particles, utilize great drawing functions, manipulate text dynamically and more. To get Game Maker, just click on the link to the Game Maker official home page below. Also by doing it, you support the development of Game Maker. These features include the beautiful particle system, 3D capabilites, and a handful of other nifty stuff.
External links
- Game Maker official home page (http://www.gamemaker.nl)
- Game Maker discussion forums (http://forums.gamemaker.nl)
- GameMakerGames - Archive for games made using Game Maker (http://www.gamemakergames.com)nl:Game Maker