History Main / GameMaker

Not to be confused with ''[[https://gamemaker.io GameMaker]]'', which is sufficiently complex to be considered a full-fledged 2D UsefulNotes/GameEngine, or for that matter [[http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=3072 Garry Kitchen's GameMaker]], a UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}} application released in 1985.

** A SpiritualSuccessor, ''VideoGame/MacadamBumper,'' was released three years later for the UsefulNotes/AmstradCPC, UsefulNotes/ZXSpectrum, UsefulNotes/{{MSX}}, and UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}}. It was later renamed ''Pinball Wizard'' and released for the UsefulNotes/AtariST and UsefulNotes/IBMPersonalComputer.
* Another of the earliest was ''Adventure Construction Set'', released by Electronic Arts for UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}} and UsefulNotes/AppleII in 1985.

* ''VideoGame/GameBuilderGarage'' is a game for UsefulNotes/NintendoSwitch actually made ''by'' Creator/{{Nintendo}} that teaches the player how to develop games of their own and also includes the ability to share creations.

** This is not a new idea either. There were at least two products released for the UsefulNotes/ColorComputer which allowed a user to specify vocabulary, rooms, items, and characters and then generated a BASIC program that implemented the game.

* World Builder was a popular graphic adventure game maker in the black-and-white [[UsefulNotes/AppleMacintosh Macintosh]] era, and was best known for the commercial game ''VideoGame/EnchantedScepters'' (among amateur authors, Ray Dunakin and Louise Hope are probably the most noted). Its creator went on to found Cyberflix Interactive and develop an [[FullMotionVideo FMV Game]] engine called Dream Factory.

* ''[[UsefulNotes/OpenBOR [=OpenBOR=]]]'' is an engine for BeatEmUp, in which you can make your own version of your favourite games as well making new ones, being known as the ''VideoGame/{{MUGEN}}'' of this genre. The engine is based on the GameMod ''Beats of Rage'', a mixture of ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage'' with ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters'' with its own story. After the success of the game, the engine was released and after that a lot of games were made under diverse franchises and with compatibility with UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast and UsefulNotes/PlayStation2.

* UsefulNotes/RPGMaker is, obviously, for {{Role Playing Game}}s. The latest version is [=RPG Maker=] MZ. For the Japanese, a demo of RPG Maker VX Ace with caps on how many items of each type you can use is available, and it is assumed that they can be changed into fully-featured "registered versions" after the actual release. The English version has full functionality for 30 days before it expires and you'd have to buy it. The previous versions, RPG Maker VX and RPG Maker XP, were released similarly. Older and once widely pirated versions RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 were finally officially released in English in 2015. As for the oldest versions, ''RPG Maker 95'' and ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98'' (''98'' being a reference to the UsefulNotes/PC88 it ran on, the software actually dates all the way back to 1992), they were never officially translated into English.

* [[http://www.src-srpg.jpn.org/ SRC ~Simulation RPG Construction~]] is a C++-based program that lets the user create their own StrategyRPG games; it's clearly intended mainly for ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars''-style games[[note]]As seen by the fact that it has rules for mechs that imitate all kinds of ''SRW'' standards, one can code Seishin[=/=]Spirit Command-type "spells", and even the cut-in animations implemented later resemble the [[UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance GBA]] and [[UsefulNotes/NintendoDS DS]]-era games[[/note]], but is robust enough that one can still be used to create games more in line with ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'' and other traditional fantasy fare. Its biggest flaws are the fact that it's exclusively in Japanese, creating character stats can be pretty time-consuming, and it hasn't been updated since 2011.

* Also on the UsefulNotes/AppleII were ''ArcadeMachine'', which used a positively Byzantine system to create shoot-em-up games.

Contrast with UsefulNotes/GameEngine. The main distinction between a UsefulNotes/GameEngine and a Game Maker is that Game Makers are very focused on a specific genre or style of game. RPG Maker will [[http://www.hbgames.org/forums/index.php?topic=45267.0 rarely]] make anything other than {{Role Playing Game}}s, whereas a real UsefulNotes/GameEngine can make a wide variety of styles of game. Game Makers are a step up from [[LevelEditor level editing]], but not enough to be full-fledged UsefulNotes/{{game engine}}s.

* [[http://www.headcannon.com/HCGE/ HCGE (Headcannon Game Engine)]] is a game engine developed by Simon "Stealth" Thomley, and while it has many other uses, it is often used to near-perfectly replicate the game play engines used in ''VideoGame/MegaMan7'', as well as the ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog'' series.

* ''VideoGame/WarioWare DIY'' is a Game Maker that offers an easy-but-effective game making engine, though the games are limited to the four- to eight-second duration the series is known for. A [[GameMod hack]], however, can be used to create "boss-type" games, which have no time limit.

* [[http://hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce/index.php/Main_Page.html OHRRPGCE]] (''[[LongTitle Official Hamster Republic Role-Playing Game Construction Engine]]'') is a freeware, open-source editor that was originally a DOS application, but has now been ported to [=FreeBASIC=] for support with new Operating Systems. It boasts flexibility and a powerful scripting engine, though has strict limitations that still exist from the DOS versions. The games made use a ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV''-style or turn-by-turn battle engine, with potential for complex attacks. Graphics must be drawn by the user, but this has encouraged creativity. The engine is suited for any style of game, though as it's name suggests it was originally developed for creating {{Eastern RPG}}s. It has a library of both high quality titles and quick fun distractions.

[[JustForFun/IThoughtItMeant Not to be]] [[ExactWords confused with]] ''[[https://gamemaker.io GameMaker]]'', which is sufficiently complex to be considered a full-fledged 2D UsefulNotes/GameEngine, or for that matter [[http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=3072 Garry Kitchen's GameMaker]], a UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}} application released in 1985.

[[JustForFun/IThoughtItMeant Not to be]] [[ExactWords confused with]] ''[[http://www.yoyogames.com GameMaker]]'', which is sufficiently complex to be considered a full-fledged 2D UsefulNotes/GameEngine, or for that matter [[http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=3072 Garry Kitchen's GameMaker]], a UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}} application released in 1985.

[[JustForFun/IThoughtItMeant Not to be confused with]] ''[[http://www.yoyogames.com GameMaker Studio]]'', formerly known as ''[[ExactWords GameMaker]]'', which is sufficiently complex to be considered a full-fledged 2D UsefulNotes/GameEngine, or for that matter [[http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=3072 Garry Kitchen's GameMaker]], a UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}} application released in 1985.

* ''[[VideoGame/OpenBOR [=OpenBOR=]]]'' is an engine for BeatEmUp, in which you can make your own version of your favourite games as well making new ones, being known as the ''VideoGame/{{MUGEN}}'' of this genre. The engine is based on the GameMod ''Beats of Rage'', a mixture of ''VideoGame/StreetsOfRage'' with ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFighters'' with its own story. After the success of the game, the engine was released and after that a lot of games were made under diverse franchises and with compatibility with UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast and UsefulNotes/PlayStation2.

* [[http://www.rpg-paper-maker.com/ RPG Paper Maker]] is another RPG Maker, but designed to make TwoAndAHalfD games (think the visual style of ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'') with nothing but sprite work and maybe some simple polygon objects. It aims to be friendly enough for the programmer novice to make something, but is capable of being expanded upon to those savvy in Java. It's currently in active development, and can be used to make action [=RPGs=] ala ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'', with Tactical RPG capabilities in the works.

* [[http://www.rpg-paper-maker.com/ RPG Paper Maker]] is another RPG Maker designed to make TwoAndAHalfD games (think the visual style of ''VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite'') with nothing but sprite work and maybe some simple polygon objects. It aims to be friendly enough for the programmer novice to make something, but is capable of being expanded upon to those savvy in Java. It's currently in active development, and can be used to make action [=RPGs=] ala ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkToThePast'', with Tactical RPG capabilities in the works.

* [[http://hamsterrepublic.com/ohrrpgce/index.php/Main_Page.html OHRRPGCE]] (''[[OverlyLongName Official Hamster Republic Role-Playing Game Construction Engine]]'') is a freeware, open-source editor that was originally a DOS application, but has now been ported to [=FreeBASIC=] for support with new Operating Systems. It boasts flexibility and a powerful scripting engine, though has strict limitations that still exist from the DOS versions. The games made use a ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyIV''-style or turn-by-turn battle engine, with potential for complex attacks. Graphics must be drawn by the user, but this has encouraged creativity. The engine is suited for any style of game, though as it's name suggests it was originally developed for creating {{Eastern RPG}}s. It has a library of both high quality titles and quick fun distractions.

* ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}} Danmakufu'', a tool for making ''VideoGame/{{Touhou}}''-like {{Shoot Em Up}}s.

* ''VideoGame/UnlimitedAdventures'' allows to create VideoGame/GoldBox-style RPGs.

[[JustForFun/IThoughtItMeant Not to be confused with]] [[http://www.yoyogames.com Mark Overmars' GameMaker]] which is sufficiently complex to be considered a full-fledged 2D UsefulNotes/GameEngine, or for that matter [[http://www.gb64.com/game.php?id=3072 Garry Kitchen's GameMaker]], a UsefulNotes/{{Commodore 64}} application released in 1985.

* UsefulNotes/RPGMaker is, obviously, for {{Role Playing Game}}s. The latest version is [=RPG Maker=] MZ. For the Japanese, a demo of RPG Maker VX Ace with caps on how many items of each type you can use is available, and it is assumed that they can be changed into fully-featured "registered versions" after the actual release. The English version has full functionality for 30 days before it expires and you'd have to buy it. The previous versions, RPG Maker VX and RPG Maker XP, were released similarly. Older and once-widely pirated versions RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 were finally officially released in English in 2015. As for the oldest versions, ''RPG Maker 95'' and ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98'' (''98'' being a reference to the UsefulNotes/PC88 it ran on, the software actually dates all the way back to 1992) , they were never officially translated into English.

* UsefulNotes/RPGMaker is, obviously, for {{Role Playing Game}}s. The latest version is [=RPG Maker=] MZ. For the Japanese, a demo of RPG Maker VX Ace with caps on how many items of each type you can use is available, and it is assumed that they can be changed into fully-featured "registered versions" after the actual release. The English version has full functionality for 30 days before it expires and you'd have to buy it. The previous versions, RPG Maker VX and RPG Maker XP, were released similarly. Older and once-widely pirated versions RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 were finally officially released in English in 2015. As for the oldest versions, ''RPG Maker 95'' and ''RPG Tsukūru Dante 98'' (where ''98'' is a reference to the PC-98, the software actually dates all the way back to 1992) , they were never officially translated into English.

* UsefulNotes/RPGMaker is, obviously, for {{Role Playing Game}}s. The latest version is [=RPG Maker=] MZ. For the Japanese, a demo of RPG Maker VX Ace with caps on how many items of each type you can use is available, and it is assumed that they can be changed into fully-featured "registered versions" after the actual release. The English version has full functionality for 30 days before it expires and you'd have to buy it. The previous versions, RPG Maker VX and RPG Maker XP, were released similarly. Prior versions, including RPG Maker 95 (97?) were never officially translated into English. RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 weren't officially released in English until ''2015''.

* Similar to RPG Maker is WolfRPGEditor (website [[http://www.silversecond.com/WolfRPGEditor/ link]]). It's not as beginner-friendly to create with, but unlike RPG Maker, it's a completely free download. It comes with a sample game that presents the basic functionality of the program. An English-translated version can be downloaded [[https://widderune.wixsite.com/widderune/wolf-rpg-editor-english here]] if you want to check it out.

* Similar to RPG Maker is [[http://www.silversecond.com/WolfRPGEditor/ Wolf RPG Editor]]. It's not as beginner-friendly to create with, but unlike RPG Maker, it's a completely free download. It comes with a sample game that presents the basic functionality of the program. An English-translated version can be downloaded [[https://widderune.wixsite.com/widderune/wolf-rpg-editor-english here]] if you want to check it out.

* [[http://www.clickteam.com/ Clickteam]] has made a number of Windows-based game maker programs since the mid-90's. The first version of this program was ''Klik and Play'', which allowed game makers to make simple one-panel stages. It was obviously meant for younger players, but much more advanced versions were released over the years - ''The Games Factory'', ''Click and Create/Multimedia Fusion Express'', ''Multimedia Fusion'' and it's current incarnation ''Clickteam Fusion 2.5''. A number of very popular indie games have been made via ''Clickteam Fusion 2.5'', including ''VideoGame/FreedomPlanet'', ''VideoGame/TheAngryVideoGameNerdAdventures'' and the ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddys'' saga.

* ''VideoGame/UnlimitedAdventures'' allows to create VideoGame/GoldBox-style RPG games.

** And then there was ''MazeCraze,'' which essentially just allowed you to create new boards and sprites for ''VideoGame/PacMan.''

* ''VideoGame/MegaMaker'' is a freeware game that allows players to make their own ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' levels.

* UsefulNotes/RPGMaker is, obviously, for {{Role Playing Game}}s. The latest version is [=RPG Maker=] MV. For the Japanese, a demo of RPG Maker VX Ace with caps on how many items of each type you can use is available, and it is assumed that they can be changed into fully-featured "registered versions" after the actual release. The English version has full functionality for 30 days before it expires and you'd have to buy it. The previous versions, RPG Maker VX and RPG Maker XP, were released similarly. Prior versions, including RPG Maker 95 (97?) were never officially translated into English. RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 weren't officially released in English until ''2015''.

** The three most recent entries in the series; XP, VX and VX Ace; come equipped with Ruby scripting that allows people making a game in the maker to drastically alter the in-game engine, which allows for numerous different types of games (a common alteration being changing the front-view turn-based battle system the three of them share and making it a side-view active-time battle system à la the ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'' franchise). The most recent entry in the series, MV, come with Javascript and has the ability to have either side or front view battle.
** There is now a free version, known as [[http://tryace.rpgmakerweb.com/download-lite/ RPGMaker VX Ace Lite]], which has no time limit (previous trials locked you out 30 days after downloading them). The major changes are that it puts a cap on how many characters and items you can have, but there's still enough for a good game.