GAME MAKER version 6.1

Writing computer games normally is a lot of work and requires skill in programming. So wouldn't it be nice if you could make your own games in an easy way? Game Maker was written to do just that. It allows you to make all sorts of 2-dimensional games using some simple clicking and drag-and-drop with your mouse. But even though it is simple to use, Game Maker allows you to make appealing games, with animated graphics, backgrounds, sounds, etc. And with its built-in programming language the possibilities are infinite.

Game Maker comes with a collection of freeware images and sounds to get you started. Also there are a number of example games, in particular versions of popular games like Pacman and 1945.

System Requirements

A modern PC (Pentium or higher) running Windows 98SE, ME, XP, 2000 is required. After installation the program uses about 5 MB disk space. The program requires at least 65000 colors (high color, 16-bit). It requires at least 800x600 screen resolution. A 3D graphics card compatible with DirectX 8 or higher and with at least 16 MB of video memory is required (preferable 32 MB). Also a DirectX 8 compatible sound card is required. Make sure all graphics and sound card drivers are up to date. DirectX 8 or higher is required (not included).

Installing the program

To install Game Maker simply run gmaker.exe. Installation creates an entry in the Start menu from which you can run the program or read the documentation. You can uninstall the program in the Configuation panel.

If you are currently using version 4 ot 5 of Game Maker, this version will remain available and can be used for your old games. Version 6 can read files created with version 5 but they most likely require adaptation as version 6 is in a number of respects incompatible with version 5. If you are using version 6.0 you are strongly recommended to uninstall it first. For a complete set of changes, see the changes document.

Using and distributing the program

Game Maker cannot be distributed without a prior agreement with the creator. See the enclosed license agreement for information on distributing the games you create with it.

Registration

Developing Game Maker does cost time and money. You are strongly encouraged to register the program. Registration will unlock a number of additional features and remove pop-up messages. See the item Registration in the Help menu for details.

After installation you should have the following files in the directory C:\Program Files\Game_Maker6

Game_Maker.exe    the Game Maker
rundata           a file used for creating stand-alone games
dxdata            a file needed to run the games
gm_readme.html    this file
gm_license.html   license information
gm_changes.html   changes with the previous versions
Game_Maker.chm    game maker help file
fnames            file containing function names
lib               folder that contains the action libraries
Examples          folder that contains some example games
Sprites           folder containing freeware sprites
Backgrounds       folder containing freeware backgrounds
Sounds            folder containing freeware sounds

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