Introducing Developers to GameMaker

GameMaker, a game engine specializing in 2D graphics, has been around for nearly 25 years. Unlike major engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, GameMaker focuses on simplicity with its drag-and-drop visual scripting tool. This approach has enabled small teams to create notable games such as Hyper Light Drifter, Hotline Miami, and Undertale. Recently, GameMaker made its technology free for non-commercial use, which has contributed to its growing popularity. We spoke with Gurpreet Singh Matharoo, a lead technical writer at GameMaker, about the company's plans to attract developers. Matharoo emphasized the importance of creating documentation that is easy to understand for new users while still being informative for experienced developers. He explained that his team uses simple language and short paragraphs to make the documentation accessible. The gaming industry has been experiencing layoffs, and nurturing new talent is becoming increasingly important. GameMaker is well-positioned to support this goal, as it allows developers to export games to various platforms for free, including desktop, web, Android, and iOS, for non-commercial use. Commercial exports are available for a one-time purchase of $100. Matharoo noted that regional pricing can make a significant difference, particularly in countries that are embracing game subscriptions and digital purchases. GameMaker's parent company, Opera, is collaborating with OpenAI to implement AI in the game engine, which could assist novices in building their first game. However, the implementation of AI warrants close scrutiny due to concerns about malpractice and talent theft. Matharoo emphasized the importance of effective documentation, stating that it should be transparent and easy to understand. He uses a dissection approach to break down complex technical concepts into manageable sections. By focusing on crucial steps and beginner-friendly guides, Matharoo aims to create documentation that benefits both new and experienced users. GameMaker's 2D focus has made it an attractive option for developers in emerging markets, where the time and financial costs of 3D game development can be prohibitive. Matharoo remains optimistic about the gaming industry, believing that game development is a fun and viable career path that can teach valuable skills such as problem-solving, programming, and art.