Getting Started with GameMaker from Coursera

This course is all about starting to learn 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 start learning how to develop games in a more "gentle" way, this is a great starting point.

This course doesn't assume you have any game development experience. Don't worry if you've never developed games before; we'll start at the very beginning and start building your game development skills from scratch. Throughout the course you'll develop core GameMaker skills to help you develop games.

Module 1: Learn about sprites and sprite strips

Module 2: Learn how to implement functionality using events, actions, and code

Module 3: Learn how to add sound effects and implement NPC movement

Module 4: Learn how to add randomness to your games

* 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

Getting Started

In this module, you'll learn about the course and get GameMaker and Paint.NET installed. You'll learn about sprites and sprite strips in GameMaker and get some practice creating and editing sprites in Paint.NET

Do Something!

In this module, you'll learn how to create objects and instances in GameMaker. You'll also learn how to give objects behavior using events and actions, using both GML Visual and GML Code.

Sound Effects and NPC Movement

In this module, you'll learn how to add sound effects to your GameMaker games and edit audio files using Audacity. You'll also learn some fundamental ideas for implementing NPC movement.

Randomness

In this module, you'll learn how random number generators work in computers, and you'll also learn how to add object-level and game-level randomness to your GameMaker games.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces beginners to video game development using GameMaker, making it accessible for individuals without prior programming experience

Emphasizes a gentle and gradual approach to learning game development

Provides a foundation for building game development skills from scratch

Covers essential GameMaker concepts, including sprites, events, actions, and sound effects

Utilizes industry-standard software and techniques, enhancing the relevance of skills learned

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 Getting Started with GameMaker with these activities:

Review basic coding concepts

Show steps

Solidifies your understanding of core programming concepts like variables, data types, and functions, making it easier to delve into GameMaker-specific topics.

Browse courses on C#

Show steps

Brush up on data types, variables, and operators
Practice writing simple functions
Review basic control flow (if-else, loops)

Develop a simple game prototype

Show steps

Encourages you to apply your GameMaker skills to create a tangible project, fostering a deeper understanding of game development principles.

Browse courses on Game Prototyping

Show steps

Brainstorm game ideas and choose one
Design the game's mechanics and levels
Implement the game using GameMaker
Test and refine your game

Contribute to open-source GameMaker projects

Show steps

Expands your knowledge by working on real-world GameMaker projects, contributing to the community while gaining valuable experience.

Show steps

Find open-source GameMaker projects that interest you
Review the project's code and documentation
Identify areas where you can contribute
Submit your contributions and work with the project maintainers

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Getting Started with GameMaker will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Developer

In this role, you will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of video games. Game Developers create the core gameplay, art assets, and storylines of video games. This course is an excellent way to build a strong foundation for a career as a Game Developer, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to create engaging and immersive games. You will learn about sprites, sound effects, NPC movement, and randomness, all of which are essential components of game development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Game Designer

Game Designers are responsible for the overall design and vision of a video game. They work with programmers, artists, and other team members to bring their ideas to life. This course can help you build a foundation in game design by teaching you about core game development concepts such as sprites, sound effects, NPC movement, and randomness. With this knowledge, you can create more engaging and immersive game experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Game Artist

Game Artists are responsible for creating the visual assets of a video game, including characters, environments, and objects. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful Game Artist, by teaching you about sprites and sprite strips, as well as how to use Paint.NET to create and edit your own game art.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Artist

Game Programmer

Game Programmers are responsible for the coding and programming of video games. In this role, you will be responsible for bringing the game's design and art assets to life. This course can help you build a solid foundation in game programming by teaching you about events, actions, and code. With this knowledge, you can start developing your own games and bring your ideas to life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Programmer

Game Tester

Game Testers are responsible for testing video games to ensure that they are free of bugs and errors. In this role, you will play through the game and look for any issues that need to be fixed. This course can be helpful for Game Testers by providing you with a better understanding of game development and how games are made. With this knowledge, you can be more effective in your role and help to ensure that games are released in a high-quality state.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Tester

Game Producer

Game Producers are responsible for the overall production of a video game. They work with the development team to ensure that the game is completed on time and within budget. This course can help you build the skills you need to be a successful Game Producer by teaching you about the different aspects of game development. With this knowledge, you can be more effective in your role and help to ensure that your games are successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Producer

Indie Game Developer

Indie Game Developers are independent video game developers who create their own games without the backing of a publisher. In this role, you will be responsible for all aspects of game development, from design to programming to marketing. This course can help you build the skills you need to be a successful Indie Game Developer by teaching you about the different aspects of game development. With this knowledge, you can create your own games and bring your ideas to life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Indie Game Developer

Game Writer

Game Writers are responsible for writing the story and dialogue for video games. In this role, you will be responsible for creating engaging and immersive storylines that players will enjoy. This course can help you build the skills you need to be a successful Game Writer by teaching you about the different aspects of game development. With this knowledge, you can create more engaging and immersive game experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Writer

Game Animator

Game Animators are responsible for creating the animations for video games. In this role, you will be responsible for bringing the game's characters and environments to life. This course can help you build the skills you need to be a successful Game Animator by teaching you about the different aspects of game development. With this knowledge, you can create more engaging and immersive game experiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Animator

Getting Started with GameMaker

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses