Planning, HUDs, and Spawners in GameMaker from Coursera

This course is the third 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 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.

Module 1: Learn how to have NPCs plan their actions

Module 2: Learn how to add HUDs (Heads-Up Displays) to your games

Module 3: Learn how to implement spawners in your games

Module 4: Learn how to implement a menu system

* 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

Planning

In this module, you'll learn how to have NPCs execute plans and you'll learn how to define macros

HUDs

In this module, you'll learn how to add a HUD (heads-up display) to your games and how to add a delay in your games

Spawners

In this module, you'll learn how to add spawners to your game

Menus

In this module, you'll learn how to add menus to your game

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners who want to learn the basics of game development with GameMaker

Teaches basic game development skills, such as planning, HUDs, spawners, and menus, which are fundamental for creating games

Uses GameMaker, which is a user-friendly game development engine suitable for beginners

Requires prerequisite knowledge, which may not be suitable for absolute beginners

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 Planning, HUDs, and Spawners in GameMaker with these activities:

Review GameMaker Basics

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Refresh your knowledge of the core concepts and tools of GameMaker to ensure a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on GameMaker

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Review GameMaker documentation
Create a simple test game

NPC Behavior Practice

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Practice implementing various NPC behaviors and using macros to enhance their functionality.

Browse courses on Macros

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Create NPCs with different movement patterns
Implement basic AI for NPC interactions
Utilize macros to simplify and optimize code

HUD Development Tutorial

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Follow a guided tutorial to create a custom HUD for your game and learn techniques for implementing delays.

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Find a suitable tutorial
Follow the tutorial steps carefully
Experiment with different HUD designs

Four other activities

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Spawn System Design

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Design and implement a spawn system for your game to control the generation and placement of objects.

Browse courses on Game Design

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Plan the spawn system's behavior
Implement the spawn system in GameMaker
Test and refine the spawn system

Menu System Prototype

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Create a prototype of a menu system for your game, including navigation, button functionality, and visuals.

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Get feedback on the menu system
Sketch out the menu design
Implement the menu system in GameMaker

Game Design Patterns by Robert Nyström

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Expand your knowledge of game design patterns to enhance the quality and efficiency of your development process.

View Crafting Interpreters on Amazon

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Read the book carefully
Take notes and summarize key concepts
Apply patterns to your own game development projects

Course Materials Compilation

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Organize and review notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams to enhance retention and understanding.

Browse courses on Game Development

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Gather all course materials
Review and summarize key concepts
Create a study guide or mind map

Career center

Learners who complete Planning, HUDs, and Spawners in GameMaker will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. The programming and planning aspects of this course, especially those using macros, can be a strong entry point into software engineering.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and design new computing technologies and systems. This course's focus on programming, especially using macros and in creating menus, can provide a useful foundation for computer scientists.

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Level Designer

Level Designers create the game's levels and environment, including layout, obstacles, and interactive elements. This course's focus on planning and spawners can be a strong starting point for learning to structure and create game levels.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Game Producer

Game Producers manage the development and production of video games. The planning and project management aspects of this course can be useful for those interested in game production and management.

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AI Engineer

AI Engineers research, design, and implement artificial intelligence systems and algorithms. This course can provide a useful introduction to some fundamental programming and planning concepts for those interested in AI engineering, particularly its modules on NPCs and spawners.

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Game Developer

Game Developers work on video games' design, programming, art, and production. This course's topics in planning, HUDs, and spawners can help build a foundation for the programming aspects of game development. Learning to implement a menu system, in particular, can be helpful for those new to the field of game development.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation to help users understand and use software and products. The planning and project management elements of this course can be useful for those interested in technical writing.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of products and services. The planning and project management elements of this course can be useful for those interested in product management in the gaming industry.

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Technical Artist

Technical Artists work with both art and programming teams to create the game's visual assets and effects. This course's focus on HUDs can provide an entry point to the visual aspects of game development.

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Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers design, implement, and maintain the audio components of software and games. This course can be a useful starting point for those interested in game audio, especially its modules on HUDs and spawners.

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Quality Assurance Tester

Quality Assurance Testers evaluate software functionality and user experience to ensure products meet the expected design and functionality. This course can provide a solid foundation for these testing elements, particularly in its sections on planning and spawners.

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UX Designer

UX Designers design the user experience of software and websites, focusing on the user's interaction with the product. This course's focus on HUDs can provide a basic understanding of how to design user interfaces for software.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course's focus on planning and HUDs can be helpful for understanding some techniques used in data analysis.

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Game Writer

Game Writers create the story and dialogue for video games. While this course does not directly focus on writing, its modules on planning and menus can be helpful for understanding how game elements are connected and can help shape a game's narrative.

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Game Designer

Game Designers conceptualize the game's story, mechanics, and overall gameplay. This course can be useful, especially in its modules on spawners and menus, for helping to build an initial understanding of how these elements come together in a game.

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Planning, HUDs, and Spawners in GameMaker

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