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Dr. Tim "Dr. T" Chamillard
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fqd220/getting
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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
Read more
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
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
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Reviews summary
Beginner-friendly introduction to gamemaker development
According to students, this course is a highly recommended introduction to GameMaker for absolute beginners in game development. Learners consistently praise the instructor's clear, concise, and engaging teaching style, which makes complex topics easy to understand. The course provides a solid foundation in core GameMaker concepts like sprites, objects, events, and actions, effectively balancing GML Visual and GML Code. While it excels as a starting point, some students with prior programming experience found the pace a bit slow or the content too basic, indicating it may not delve into more advanced GML concepts. Recent reviews suggest the course has been updated and remains relevant with the latest GameMaker versions.
Recent improvements ensure content is relevant and addresses past feedback.
"Good course, though it seems to have been updated recently. Some earlier reviews mention outdated content, but I found everything relevant and functional with the latest GameMaker version."
"I found everything relevant and functional with the latest GameMaker version."
"The pace is slow enough for beginners, which is a plus, and the material feels current."
Builds strong core GameMaker skills from scratch with practical examples.
"A solid introduction to GameMaker. It covers the basics well, especially sprites and simple movement."
"The hands-on examples were very helpful. I learned a lot about GameMaker's interface and basic functionalities."
"I finally understand how GameMaker works under the hood. The section on randomness was particularly interesting."
The instructor's teaching style is highly effective and easy to follow.
"The instructor is clear, concise, and explains complex topics in an easy-to-understand way."
"Excellent course! The instructor's pace was perfect, and the modules on events and actions made so much sense."
"The lectures are clear and easy to follow. I gained a solid understanding of core GameMaker functionalities."
Provides a gentle and accessible entry point for those new to game development.
"This course is absolutely fantastic for beginners! I had no prior game development experience, and now I feel confident enough to start my own small projects."
"Perfect for someone with no game dev background. I loved the hands-on approach and how everything was explained step-by-step."
"I had no idea where to start, and this course walked me through everything. I now have a solid understanding of events, actions, and objects."
May be too simplistic or slow-paced for learners with prior programming knowledge.
"Good for absolute beginners, but if you have any prior programming experience, it might feel a bit slow or too basic."
"I was hoping for a bit more challenge or deeper dives into scripting. It definitely achieves what it sets out to do."
"It's truly for absolute beginners, but sometimes felt a little too simplistic for my background."
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
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
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.
Game Designer
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.
Game Artist
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.
Game Programmer
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.
Game Tester
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.
Game Producer
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.
Indie Game Developer
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.
Game Writer
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.
Game Animator
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fqd220/getting
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Getting Started with GameMaker.
Comprehensive guide to Game Maker. It covers everything from the basics of the software to advanced techniques. It would be a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about Game Maker.
Provides a collection of sound techniques that can be used to create more immersive and engaging games. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to create games with sound.
Provides a deep dive into the architecture of game engines. It's a valuable resource for learning how game engines work and how to design your own.
Save
While not specific to GameMaker, this book offers a broader perspective on game design principles and methodologies. It provides valuable insights into the creative process and can help learners develop a stronger foundation for designing engaging and effective games.
Provides a comprehensive overview of game design concepts and theories. It explores various perspectives and approaches to game design and can help learners develop a deeper understanding of the field.
Discusses design patterns and techniques commonly used in game programming. While it is not specific to GameMaker, it offers valuable insights into software design principles and can help learners write more efficient and maintainable code in GameMaker.
Good overview of the entire game development process, from concept to release. It's a great resource for beginners who want to learn more about the industry.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics engines used in games. It's a valuable resource for learning how to write realistic and engaging physics simulations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fqd220/getting
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Effort
3 hours per week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructor
Dr. Tim "Dr. T" Chamillard
Language
English
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