Introducing GameMaker: A Beginner-Friendly Game Engine

GameMaker, a game engine created by Mark Overmars nearly 25 years ago, has been a staple for 2D game development. Unlike major engines like Unity and Unreal Engine, GameMaker offers a straightforward, drag-and-drop visual scripting tool that has helped small teams create notable games such as Hyper Light Drifter, Hotline Miami, and Undertale. Recently, GameMaker has gained popularity by making its technology free for non-commercial use, attracting developers who were dissatisfied with Unity's pricing controversy. We spoke with Gurpreet Singh Matharoo, a lead technical writer at GameMaker, about the company's plans to attract new developers. Matharoo emphasized the importance of creating accessible documentation, broken down into simple, digestible pieces, to help new users get started with the engine. GameMaker has made its engine more financially accessible, allowing developers to export games to various platforms, including desktop, web, Android, and iOS, for free, with commercial exports available for a one-time purchase of $100. The engine's parent company, Opera, is also exploring the integration of AI, which could potentially aid novice developers. Matharoo highlighted the significance of effective documentation, relying on a dissection approach to break down complex technical concepts into manageable sections. By focusing on crucial steps and beginner-friendly guides, GameMaker aims to make game development more accessible to newcomers and seasoned developers alike. As an engine geared towards 2D development, GameMaker has found a user base in emerging markets, where the lower costs and ease of use make it an attractive option for developers. Matharoo remains optimistic about the gaming industry, believing that game development is a viable and enjoyable career path that can be pursued with the right tools and education.