Question: What is GameMaker used for?

Answer

GameMaker is a software tool used for game development. It's designed to make the process of creating games relatively easy and accessible, even for those without extensive programming knowledge. With GameMaker, users can design games using a drag-and-drop interface as well as a built-in scripting language known as GameMaker Language (GML) for more complex functions.

Here's an example showcasing how you might create a simple "Hello World" display in GameMaker using GML:

// Create Event for an object

// Draw "Hello World" text at position (100, 100) on the screen
draw_text(100, 100, "Hello World");

In this code snippet, draw_text is a GML function that takes three parameters: the x-coordinate, the y-coordinate, and the string of text to be drawn.

Not only does GameMaker simplify the development process with its user-friendly interface, but it also provides powerful features for advanced users. It supports the development of both 2D and 3D games, although its capabilities are more robust for 2D. The platform allows creators to export their games to various systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, HTML5 platforms, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Additionally, GameMaker has a supportive community and marketplace where developers can share or sell assets, extensions, and tools to help each other enhance their game production.

GameMaker is widely used for indie game development and is known for successful titles such as "Undertale," "Hyper Light Drifter," and "Spelunky."