I can't say that I just found out about this, because I have actually known about it for years. I finally downloaded a copy last Thursday however, and I have been having a ball with it since then.

The program is called Game Maker, and it is available here.

If you have ever wanted to make your own game, but couldn't, because you have absolutely no idea how to program, then Game Maker is the program for you. Without knowing any programming at all, you can import graphics, sprites, and sounds, define events, and have an actual game up and running within minutes. There are plenty of examples and tutorials available to help you get started.

Once you have played with it for a while, you can get into more advanced features, including a scripting language, which is kind of like programming. :P

In just a couple of days, I took a cheap and simple example version of Pac-Man that came with Game Maker ...



... and modified it into a near perfect clone of the original arcade version of Pac-Man ...



... and I didn't need any programming knowledge at all!

(I know there are a lot of lives there. I need them to do the testing.)

I am pretty sure a few of you guys can cause some great havok with this program.

The next thing I plan on doing with this program is a quick and dirty version of space invaders using the monsters from DooM. I know that sounds silly, but it was an idea I came up with way back in the days of Team DeiM, and I thought I would give it a try. Most likely, I will try to do the same thing with Chex Quest sprites.

The current version of Game Maker is 6.1, but version 7.0 is expected to come out some time over the next month. Game Maker can be used for free, but not all of the features are available in the free version. A 15€ registration fee is required to unlock the remaining features. These extra features are not really needed though.

Give Game Maker a try, and let's see what each of us can come up with.

If I ever get around to it, yes I will download it to see what it's all about.

I think there is an easier program... I use Multimedia Fusion 2, and I find it very easy to make my own games. I find gamemaker alot harder because there is some scripting involved... There is no scripting for MMF 2, and all it takes is a click to program your own game.

Eeh, I'd stick with Doom Builder to make my levels.

Well, for doom games of course.

I have GM6 Reg. IT'S AWESOME.

hate to revive this, but i was wondering if multimedia fusion 2 is free to download?

I thought they had a free trial, but the full thing isn't.

Game Maker is pretty cool. I used it to make Return of the Chex Warrior (that was a long time ago).

i hope its easier than u guys make it sound

My older brother toys around with it.

I'm glad you revived this. I might have some fun with this "Game Maker"

I remember testing that app our last year, actually wasn't that bad...if you like pac man. I personally go for RPGM2K. Does anyone else use this? Great program even today. I made a good sized game for it before too. And MoN don't even say anything about bumping, or your going to get it.

Necro is bad. You shouldn't do that. :rolleyes:

And RPGM sucks.

Geez rrppo, there you go again! Stop throwing around suck. I don't think I would normally care, but I spent so many weeks working with that program, I just have to cite you as ignorant.
I take it then you also think games like Chrono Trigger, Secret of Mana, and Final Fantasy 6 (III to us) sucked too?

I occur the wrath of Magus on you.

Oi you two.... keep it friendly....

On the toolkit front...

RPGM2K is a'right, but I prefer RPGTOOLKIT, but mainly just because I like the interface a biiiit better.... It's fun, but making a good RPG takes more time than I have to devote to it. Also I are teh suxx0rz at making sprites.

you don't really need to make any....well at least not with RPGM2K, there are so many pre/fan made ones you wouldn't need too. Unless you have some V83r |-|/\XXi|\|g skills.