Game Maker Language (GML) is a programming language that was developed specifically for the Game Maker Studio game development tool. GML is a powerful yet relatively easy-to-learn language that allows game developers to create complex games with ease. This beginner's guide will introduce you to the basics of GML, how to write code using GML with an example, and the best applications for GML.
Basics of GML:
GML is an object-oriented programming language that is similar to C and Java in terms of syntax. However, GML is specifically designed for game development and provides developers with a wide range of functions and tools that are tailored to game creation. GML is not case sensitive, so you can write your code in uppercase, lowercase, or a mix of both.
Writing GML:
To write GML, you first need to create a new project in Game Maker Studio. Once you have created your project, you can create objects, backgrounds, and sprites using the built-in editors. To write code for your game, you need to open the code editor by selecting the object you want to add code to and clicking the "Add Event" button.
Once you have opened the code editor, you can start writing GML code. For example, if you want to create a sprite and assign it to a variable, you can write:
```
spr_player = sprite_add("player.png", 1, false, false, 0, 0);
```
In this code, "spr_player" is a variable that stores the sprite ID, "player.png" is the name of the sprite file, and "1" is the sprite's sub-image. The "false" values indicate that the sprite is not to be loaded as a texture or preloaded, and "0, 0" are the x and y offsets of the sprite.
Best Applications for GML:
GML is an ideal language for developing 2D games, such as platformers, shooters, and puzzle games. The language is easy to learn and provides developers with a wide range of tools and functions that make it easy to create complex game mechanics.
GML is also used to create 3D games, although it is not as powerful as other 3D game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. However, GML is still a great choice for small-scale 3D games or for adding 3D elements to 2D games.
Conclusion:
Game Maker Language (GML) is a powerful programming language that is specifically designed for game development. GML is easy to learn and provides developers with a wide range of tools and functions that make it easy to create complex games. With this beginner's guide, you should have a solid understanding of the basics of GML, how to write code using GML with an example, and the best applications for GML. With a little practice, you'll be creating your own games in no time!