Parenting and More GameMaker Language Code from Coursera

This course is the fourth course in the specialization about learning how to develop video games using GameMaker on Windows or Mac. Why use GameMaker instead of using C# and Unity or C++ and Unreal*? Learning to develop games with GameMaker is much easier than learning to program in C# or C++ AND learning Unity or Unreal. If you just want to continue learning how to develop games in a more "gentle" way, this is a great starting point.

This course assumes you have the prerequisite knowledge from the previous three courses in the specialization. You should make sure you have that knowledge, either by taking those previous courses or from personal experience, before tackling this course. Throughout this course you'll continue building your foundational GameMaker knowledge by exploring more GameMaker and game development topics.

This course gives you even more tools to help you build great games with GameMaker!

Module 1: Learn about the power of and how to implement parenting in GameMaker

Module 2: Explore the selection control structure in more depth

Module 3: Learn how to implement the iteration control structure in various ways

Module 4: Learn about arrays and explore the optional bonus material

* I do have Coursera Specializations called C# Programming for Unity Game Development and C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development for those more advanced topics.

What's inside

Syllabus

Parenting

In this module, you'll learn about parenting, which is called inheritance in most object-oriented programming languages.

Selection in Code

Iteration in Code

Arrays and Bonus Material

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for beginners who want to develop games with GameMaker

Further strengthens foundational knowledge in GameMaker

Prerequisites are not optional and must be taken first

Assumes learners have experience with GameMaker

Teaches a less advanced approach to game development in comparison to C# and C++

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Parenting and More GameMaker Language Code with these activities:

Review game development concepts

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Strengthen your foundation and prepare for the advanced topics in this course.

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Go over the notes from previous courses
Reread relevant sections of the GameMaker manual
Complete any practice exercises or challenges

Review the GameMaker Manual

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Solidify your understanding of GameMaker's features and functionality.

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Read through the documentation
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Refer back to the manual as needed

Practice coding challenges on GameMaker

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Strengthen your programming skills through repetitive practice.

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Find coding challenges online
Solve the challenges in GameMaker
Analyze your solutions and improve your code

Four other activities

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Create a simple game using the knowledge learned so far

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Reinforce your understanding of the concepts by applying them in a practical setting.

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Identify a simple game idea
Create the game mechanics and objects
Implement the game logic
Test and iterate

Collaborate with peers on a game development project

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Foster collaboration, learn from others, and apply your knowledge in a group setting.

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Find a group of peers
Brainstorm and decide on a game idea
Divide the tasks and work together
Review and provide feedback

Design a prototype for a new GameMaker game

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Enhance your game design skills and bring your ideas to life.

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Brainstorm and sketch out your game idea
Create a playable prototype using GameMaker
Get feedback and iterate on your design

Explore tutorials on advanced GameMaker features

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Enhance your skills and knowledge by exploring additional resources.

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Identify specific areas for improvement
Locate relevant tutorials
Follow the tutorials and practice

Career center

Learners who complete Parenting and More GameMaker Language Code will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Video Game Developer

Video Game Developers plan, design, and create video games. They use their knowledge of programming, art, and design to bring their creations to life. This course teaches the basics of GameMaker, a popular game development platform. It provides a strong foundation for anyone who wants to start developing video games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Video Game Developer

Game Designer

Game Designers create the overall vision and design for video games. They work with programmers and artists to bring their ideas to life. This course provides a good foundation for Game Designers, as it teaches the basics of GameMaker and how to use it to create games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. While this course focuses specifically on game development using GameMaker, the skills you learn can be applied to software development in general. This may be a good option for those who want to work in the software industry but are not interested in game development specifically.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. While this course focuses on game development, the skills you learn can be applied to web development as well. For example, you will learn about programming, which is a fundamental skill for web developers.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course provides a good foundation for Data Analysts, as it teaches the basics of programming and data analysis. You will also learn about using GameMaker to create data visualizations, which can be useful for presenting data to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. This course provides a good foundation for Business Analysts, as it teaches the basics of programming and data analysis. You will also learn about using GameMaker to create simulations, which can be useful for testing different business scenarios.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with stakeholders to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course provides a good foundation for Project Managers, as it teaches the basics of project management and how to use GameMaker to create project plans and schedules.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and other technical products. This course provides a good foundation for Technical Writers, as it teaches the basics of writing and how to use GameMaker to create interactive documentation.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test software and other products to identify defects. This course provides a good foundation for Quality Assurance Analysts, as it teaches the basics of testing and how to use GameMaker to create test cases.

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User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design the user interface and experience for software and other products. This course provides a good foundation for User Experience Designers, as it teaches the basics of user experience design and how to use GameMaker to create prototypes.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials. This course provides a good foundation for Instructional Designers, as it teaches the basics of instructional design and how to use GameMaker to create interactive learning experiences.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. This course provides a good foundation for Graphic Designers who want to work in the video game industry, as it teaches the basics of game art and how to use GameMaker to create game graphics.

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Animator

Animators create movement for characters, objects, and other elements in video games, movies, and other visual media. This course provides a good foundation for Animators who want to work in the video game industry, as it teaches the basics of game animation and how to use GameMaker to create game animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Sound Designer

Sound Designers create and implement sound effects and music for video games, movies, and other visual media. This course provides a good foundation for Sound Designers who want to work in the video game industry, as it teaches the basics of game audio and how to use GameMaker to create game sounds.

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Level Designer

Level Designers create the environments and levels in video games. This course provides a good foundation for Level Designers, as it teaches the basics of game level design and how to use GameMaker to create game levels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer