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Introduction to Video Game Design provides a complete understanding of the technological and
creative aspects of video game design in an easy-to-follow format. You will have the opportunity to learn all
aspects of the creative, business, and technological components required to launch a new video game. You
will develop mastery in the hard skills of art, science, and technology needed to design video games. In the
end, you will be technically proficient and will demonstrate learning by constructing an original game build.
STEM
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is the foundation on which our 21st
century society builds and maintains economic growth. This curriculum integrates the rigor and relevance
of STEM into fun and exciting classroom lessons. Taking rigor from each of the core areas of study and
placing it in the context of video game design allows you to recognize the relevance of study. You will gain
experience in the skills needed for most of the new jobs projected over the next two decades.
Through application and integration of all core areas of applied technology, language arts, science,
mathematics, and social sciences, you will be engaged in learning through doing. Application and synthesis levels
of learning are maintained for a truly unique experience. Through this meaningful engagement in learning, you
will become better in all core subject areas and the foundations of technology as presented in this text.
Game Maker
Game Maker is an object-oriented game design engine. It is easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.
While the builds in this book focus on several arcade-style games, you can use Game Maker to create
many advanced games, including massively multiplayer online (MMO) games and games with 3D assets.
Game Maker has a built-in programming language to allow designers to customize and improve game
designs. However, this builds in this book are created using the basic interface. This allows you to quickly
build a game without the need for scripting.
Game Maker can be downloaded from www.yoyogames.com. The Lite edition of Game Maker is
freeware. There is also a Pro edition of Game Maker that can be purchased. All games in this book can
be designed and built using the freeware version (Lite edition). Every time you launch the Lite edition,
a window will appear asking if you want to upgrade to the Pro edition. Click the Continue Using Lite
Edition button to use the freeware version.
Advanced Mode
Game Maker has two modes, normal and advanced. The instructions in this book are based on using
the advanced mode. To enable advanced mode, launch Game Maker. Then, in the File pull-down menu,
select Advanced. When advanced mode is enabled, a check mark appears in front of the menu item.
When Game Maker is in the normal mode, no check mark appears here.
Extra Resources
There are resource packs that can be downloaded from www.yoyogames.com/make/resources.
These packs contain extra sprites, sounds, and examples that you may use in your game builds. The
instructions in this book do not require downloading any of the resource packs.
Version
Updates to Game Maker are continuously being released. The instructions in this book are based on the most
current release at the time of publication, which is Version 8. If you are using a newer or older version, be aware that
the instruction presented here may need to be adjusted for the version you are using.
Introduction