Copyright
by
The
Goodheart-Willcox
Co.,
Inc.
40 Introduction to Video Game Design
Room for Expansion
You have reached a milestone of design. Milestones of design are key points in the
process of creating a game that represent significant events, such as the first playable level. The
first playable level is the prototype version of the game that actually allows someone to play
and test all of the interactions in the game. The Click Ball game has reached the first playable
level milestone. It could use a little improvement, but it is a solid game.
To add another level is very easy since most of the programming is already done. You can
simply copy the first level and then edit it to require more skill to win. To better tell the player
that a different level is being played, you will change the background. For the second level, you
will add a picture background.
118. In the resource tree, right-click on room0 and select Duplicate from the shortcut menu.
Ta-da, level 2 (room1) ready to go!
119. Click the Create a Background button on the toolbar. The Background Properties
dialog box is displayed, Figure 3-14.
120. In the Name: text box, enter BCK_Level_2. This follows the naming convention, which
calls for all background assets to begin with BCK_.
121. Click the Load Background button. A standard Windows “open” dialog box is displayed.
122. Navigate to the Game Maker Backgrounds folder. Your instructor may specify a different
folder.
123. Select the wood.png fi le and click the Open button.
124. Close the Background Properties dialog box.
125. If the Room Properties dialog box for room1 is not open, double-click room1 in the
resource tree to open it.
126. Click the Backgrounds tab.
127. Click the selection button to the right of the display box in the middle of the tab. Then,
select BCK_Wood from the menu that is displayed.
Create a
Background
Click to
assign a
background
Assigned
background
Adjust the
background
position
Figure 3-14