A new version of GameMaker Studio has been released with level editing and workflow enhancements. The software is designed for creating 2D games, and there's a new closed beta for the Mac version.

The studio can be used either by what the developers say is a !trademarked Drag and Drop system (DnD)" that translates into actual code. There's also a programming environment based on the systems own Game Maker Language (GML) which is based on C. There's a set of tools for exporting and deployment across platforms including mobile, console and desktop. There are versions for Windows and for Mac OS X (via the beta), with deployment targets including Windows Desktop, Mac OS X, Ubuntu, iOS, Android (including Android TV, Amazon Fire and Fire TV), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

The user interface has been completely redesigned, there are new editors, and "enhanced monetization tools". In practical terms, there's support for adverts and in-app purchases so you can make money without having to charge for games up front.

In practical terms there's new support for layer-based level editing that means you can create more complex visuals with backgrounds, tiles, instances, assets and paths. New features also include level inheritance to create multiple levels at once, and an advanced tiling system that automatically selects the right tile for the job.

Workflow enhancements include multiple workspaces, user definable resource views, real-time updates from one editor to another, and cross platform source level debugging.

The IDE can be customised by choosing one of the predefined skins or creating your own, and you can organise your workspace by docking your tool windows where you want them. The Script Editor is tabbed and can be split so you can work with multiple files without having a window for each.

More Information

YoYo Games 

Related Articles

Visual Studio Improves Gaming Tools For Unity

Bablyon.js A JavaScript Framework for 3D Games

Improved Godot Game Engine

Game Engines For Free

To be informed about new articles on I Programmer, sign up for our weekly newsletter, subscribe to the RSS feed and follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin.

Comments

Make a Comment or View Existing Comments Using Disqus

or email your comment to: comments@i-programmer.info