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awesome-gamemaker

A curated list of awesome libraries, snippets, guides, and projects for GameMaker.
https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker

Last synced: 1 day ago
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  • Getting Started

    • Recommendations

      • GameMaker Manual
      • GameMaker Release Notes
      • GameMaker Marketplace
      • Beginner GameMaker Tutorials - Tutorials from Shaun Spalding. A comprehensive introduction to basic features of the IDE. Highly recommended to check out the full playlist if you're a complete beginner. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Advanced GameMaker Tutorials - Tutorials from DragoniteSpam that dive into more advanced topics related to the GML language. They also have comprehensive 3D and shader introduction videos. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Beginner GameMaker Tutorials - Tutorials from Shaun Spalding. A comprehensive introduction to basic features of the IDE. Highly recommended to check out the full playlist if you're a complete beginner. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Advanced GameMaker Tutorials - Tutorials from DragoniteSpam that dive into more advanced topics related to the GML language. They also have comprehensive 3D and shader introduction videos. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
  • Utilities

    • Recommendations

      • gm-core - Foundational utility suite and a great starting point for new GameMaker projects. Comes with quality of life methods, networking tools, testing framework, delta timing, and more.
      • Stitch - Pipeline Development Kit. Includes cross-project imports, batch-creating/updating sprites and sounds, texture page management, and more. Tested on Windows only.
      • wTimer - Robust alternative for alarms.
      • EventGML - Lightweight and fast Node.js style Events Library.
      • Twerp - Easing function similar to lerp().
      • Trixscript - Juices up your game with useful functions.
      • Motion Scripts - Provides replacement methods for built-in motion variables.
      • zlib functions - Simple compression/decompression functions.
      • Window Taskbar - Windows only. Flash the game window border and/or its taskbar button.
      • Extension Collection - A suite of various extensions.
      • YYP Maker - Makes `.yyp` files for you.
      • FAST - Flexible Assistant Toolkit. Similar to gm-core but comes with input and resolution handling.
      • DDDEditor - General purpose game editor.
      • handytools - A collection of Juju's libraries in one convenient project.
      • GameMaker Scaffolding - Another cool all-encompassing template with a focus on building low-res, tile-based games.
      • Iota - Lightweight timestep library.
      • Stopwatch - GameMaker alarm replacement.
      • FrogAlarm - Another easy alternative to GameMaker alarms.
      • fuwafuwa - Easy-to-use timer system.
      • Timer - Timer methods based on setTimeout and setInterval from JS.
      • Broadcast - Event handling library.
      • Polarca - Interpolation functions.
      • Coroutines - Asynchronous functions for GameMaker.
      • GML-OOP - A constructor library for operating the primary functionalities of GameMaker.
      • GML-Classes - Another project that adds OOP functionality to GameMaker.
      • Map - Hash table implementations.
      • Matrices - A collection of matrix handling scripts.
      • gm-stream - Data structure manipulation.
      • Promises - An adaptation of JavaScript Promises.
      • Destructors - Allows you to use ds_* types such as lists and maps inside of structs.
      • SNAP - Easy data format saving and loading. Please note that newer versions of GameMaker contain `json_parse` and `json_stringify`. However, if you are converting csv, ini, xml, etc, you may find this very useful.
      • Dynamo - Dynamic data loader.
      • LWO - Lightweight objects using structs.
      • Gumshoe - Simple deep file search function.
      • Lock And Key - String and file encryption.
      • Mathematical Scripts - A collection of math scripts.
      • Seedpod - A collection of scripts to improve the GML programming experience.
      • CoreExtension - A collection of CC0 programming libraries. (archived)
      • Voxeledphoton's FreeGMScripts - Additional GML helper functions. Some may be out of date with 2.3+ syntax.
      • ForEach - Adds a foreach implementation for arrays, ds_lists, ds_maps, ds_stacks, ds_queues, ds_priorities and structs.
      • DeepCopy - Deep clone class instances / constructed structs, anonymous structs and arrays nested in any order!
      • Cottonwool - Safe surfaces without memory leaks.
      • Canvas - Another great solution for surface management.
      • GMSDLL - A template project for building DLLs for GameMaker.
      • GMLodash - Functional programming in GML.
      • Autoframer - Automatically handles resizing the game view across different display and window sizes.
      • gameframe - Custom window caption and border for Windows.
      • GMEdit - Code editor to use in conjunction with GameMaker.
      • Rubber - Compile GameMaker projects via the command line. Here's a [great guide](https://www.patreon.com/posts/how-to-build-36556955) on how to use it.
      • gml-highscorer - Highscore and trophy system.
      • SSave - Simple file saving system.
      • GMD3D11 - A DLL for interfacing with Windows Direct3D.
      • GMTimeLine - A pure code alternative to GameMaker timelines.
      • Catspeak - Cross-platform programming language for modding support.
      • GMBenchmark - A tool to benchmark GML code.
      • Agenda - Schedule and delay the execution of callbacks.
      • Airkiver - Game file archive tool.
      • OKColor - An okay color manager for implementing OKLab/OKLCH colors.
      • Exception - A base class for custom exceptions.
      • ArrayList - The most complete list class. Garbage collected, fast sort function, [] accessor and referencing as an array.
      • GM Sysinfo - Cross-platform extension for getting system information and resource usage.
      • GML+ - A script collection with a goal to "fill the gaps" in GML. 💸
      • GMSnip - Experimental tool to define unlimited code snippets in the IDE.
      • handytools - A collection of Juju's libraries in one convenient project.
      • FrogAlarm - Another easy alternative to GameMaker alarms.
      • GMLive - Livecoding / interactive programming. 💸
  • Debugging

    • Recommendations

      • DeerLog - Small log writer.
      • FPS Speedometer - Pretty framerate display.
      • rt-shell - Easy to use in-game shell. Create your own commands, command meta data, command suggestions, history, etc.
      • Olympus - Testing Framework.
      • Crispy - Unit testing in GameMaker.
      • Snitch - Crash and logging system.
      • gms2-test - Unit testing framework.
      • Meta - Runtime asset inspector.
      • Duck - A fast GML analyzer to enforce code styling and detect errors.
      • Gobo - An opinionated code formatter for GML.
      • Inspectron - A fluent API for easily creating GameMaker debug views.
  • Input Handling

    • Recommendations

      • XeroInput - Another library to handle multiple inputs for a single action.
      • Input - No nonsense gamepad/keyboard library.
      • InputCandy - Similar to Input as it acts as a wrapper for SDL, but also provides testing, on-screen diagnostics, and some other UI components related to peripherals.
      • Good Vibes - Device vibration.
      • Mouse Queue - Tracks the Windows mouse pointer with high precision.
      • Native Cursors - System-level custom cursors. 💸
  • User Interface

    • Recommendations

      • Scripture - Another easy to use, highly compatible text renderer.
      • Easy And Fast Menu - Simple implementation to have a menu up and running in seconds. Seems like a great fit if you're not looking for a bigger solution like GMUI.
      • Pause Menu - Another smaller implementation but has a cool animation between menu options.
      • Magpie - Generic Inventory System.
      • ImGuiGML - DLL/GML wrapper of Dear ImGui.
      • GUI Framework - GUI implementation from Niris Games.
      • Menu Tutorial - FriendlyCosmonaut. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Smart Clickable GUI - Pixelated Pope. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • RTS Selection Tool - Mouse dragging feature to select pawns in an real-time strategy game.
      • gooey - Sprite-based UI Library for GameMaker LTS.
      • Menu Tutorial - FriendlyCosmonaut. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Scribble - Efficient multi-effects text renderer.
      • Chatterbox - Narrative scripting tool.
      • Textboxy - Simple textboxes.
      • Crochet - An interactive dialogue editor for writers and programmers.
      • NotificationSystem - Notifications in GameMaker.
      • YUI - A UI system with live reloading, template system, data binding, and a drag and drop feature.
      • Guido - Simple immediate mode GUI framework.
      • GMUI-Framework - A pure GML solution to structure and control your menus, drawing parallels to .NET UI.
      • GMS2-UI-Library - A Library Full of useful scripts for implementing your UI designs in GameMaker.
      • Emu UI - Common UI elements (text input, checkboxes, radio buttons, dialog boxes, etc).
      • zitk - Another interesting, Dear ImGui-inspired GUI toolkit. In development, but worth keeping an eye on.
      • SimpleUI - Minimalistic UI framework.
  • Physics

  • Sprites

    • Recommendations

      • ASESync - Automatically syncs aesprite files in GameMaker.
      • AESnips - A sprite playback system.
      • phgen - Placeholder asset generation.
      • Disarm - A spriter skeletal animation at runtime.
      • PixelUpscaler - Pixel art upscaling shader for awkward resolutions for GameMaker.
      • conveyorbelt - Similar to ASESync. Export Aesprite files to GameMaker sprites.
      • Collage - Texture page builder and image manager. Mimics GameMaker's texture page packing while offering higher flexibility.
      • Spritely - Image correction and cleanup for 2D video game sprites.
  • Audio

    • Recommendations

      • Echo/Delay Effect - Optimized delay effect. 💸
      • FML - GameMaker bindings for the FMOD Studio API.
      • FMODGMS - This doesn't support everything FMOD has to offer and the project itself has been put on-hold.
      • wavload - Demonstrates how to externally load .wav files.
      • audioExt - Sound External Loader/Unloader Manager.
      • ExternalAudio - Load external .wav files at runtime.
      • Phonix - Compact audio system. Great for dynamic music!
      • Vinyl - Live updating audio system.
      • LineAudio - Audio helper functions.
      • Bard - An engine for desiging and implementing good audio in GameMaker. Updated to make use of the more recent GameMaker audio effects.
  • Levels

  • Particles

    • Recommendations

      • Particle Editor - Create particles with an easy UI and export into GML code.
      • Advanced Particles - A particle implementation that comes with it's own delta timing methods.
      • Particles Wrapper - A simplistic particle system wrapper that is designed to make creating particles fun and easy.
      • Pulse - A library to create more complex particle emitters, systems and particles.
      • Burrn - Built-in particle system that uses the particle asset built into the IDE.
  • Lighting

    • Recommendations

      • Lighting Systems - Very fast dynamic 2D lighting implementation from GrizzliusMaximus using shadow casting. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Bulb - 2D lighting and shadows.
      • Lighting System 2D - Requires GameMaker 2.2+ according to the repo.
      • GameMaker Lighting Engine - Tile-based Lighting Engine that projects shadows.
      • Lighting Systems - Very fast dynamic 2D lighting implementation from GrizzliusMaximus using shadow casting. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
  • Shaders

    • Recommendations

      • TransFX - Transition Library.
      • BJRTFX - Zik's CRT Utility Shader.
      • bktGlitch - Glitch shader.
      • H O R R I - F I - VHS Shader.
      • Cyberpunk Hologram Effect - Create and customize your own holographic effect using this easy-to-implement asset.
      • Depth Sorted Sillouettes - Example project to demonstrate shader-based depth sorting sillouettes. Tested on PC, Mac, HTML5, and Android.
      • GMShaders.com - Shader tutorials from Xor. Originally hosted at "xorshaders.com".
      • 1PassBlur - Blur Shader with adjustable radius.
      • Bokeh Blur - Extension of the 1PassBlur which provides a different look. Similar to a real lens blur. Although it's much slower than 1Pass or Dual-Kawase.
      • Dual-Kawase - Blur Shader that limits radius but is very efficient.
      • Xor's Halftone - A wonderful, versitile halftone shader. Lots of tweakable settings.
      • Fire-Fun - Some fun magic fireballs.
      • Jump Flooding - Jump Flooding Algorithm for GameMaker made with shaders.
      • Shader Tutorials - Gaming Reverends. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Shader Tutorials - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Shader Tutorials - Gaming Reverends. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Shader Tutorials - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Voronoi - Sampled pixels on a Voronoi diagram.
      • Outline Shader - Outline shader.
      • Chameleon - Palette Swapper.
      • Xpanda - Include code from external files in your shaders.
      • Shadertoy to GameMaker - Convert shadertoy.com GLSL shaders to run in GameMaker.
      • Post-Processing FX - 50+ high-quality, customizable effects. 💸
  • 3D

    • Recommendations

      • ColMesh - 3D Collision Library from TheSnidr.
      • BSP 4 GMS - Import BSP files into GameMaker. Currently just a demo but worth keeping an eye on.
      • Camera3D - Simple 3D camera setup.
      • Blender to GameMaker - A collection of scripts to export and import Blender models to and from GameMaker.
      • Penguin - 3D model conversion tool.
      • sPart - 3D Particle System from TheSnidr.
      • Terrain Editor - Terrain editor. Exports to gm models, obj, or vertex buffers.
      • Snowy Snow - 3D Snow Shader.
      • 3D GameMaker Playlist - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • 3D Collisions Playlist - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • 3D Optimization Playlist - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • ColMesh - 3D Collision Library from TheSnidr.
      • 3D GameMaker Playlist - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • 3D Collisions Playlist - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • 3D Optimization Playlist - DragoniteSpam. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • 3D-2D - Official tool to turn 3D models into 2D sprites.
      • BBMOD - 3D Rendering Solution. Comes with several modules to import obj, 3D camera setup, integration with ColMesh, and more.
      • dotobj - Lightweight .obj/.mtl 3D model loader written in native GML.
      • Bronze Box - Example of how to build 3D world models from a 2D grid.
      • DmrVBM - Import/Export tools to load vertex buffer data out of Blender and into GMS.
      • Three Mice In a Trench Coat - Source for a GameMaker 3D game.
      • Cardboard - Isometric 3D Renderer.
      • 3D Fragment Point Lights - 3D point lights using shaders. 💸
      • sPart - 3D Particle System from TheSnidr.
  • Sprite Stacking

  • Networking

    • Recommendations

      • EZ Networking - Host/client implementation with a chat feature.
      • GMHandshake - A Gist demonstrating a network handshake.
      • Multiplayer Networking Tutorial - Wizirdi. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Good GameMaker Rollback - Rollback netcode library.
      • Multiplayer Networking Tutorial - Wizirdi. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Warp - A feature-rich framework for multiplayer games, written in GameMaker and Node.js.
      • Patchwire-GM - The network library from gm-core if you want to use this implementation without the entire gm-core suite.
      • HTTP GML - Recieve GET requests and upload files in GML.
      • GMNest - Socket.IO extension for HTML5 games.
      • MultiClient - Non-dll, multiple client launcher for network development.
      • GM Networking - Very simple network code demonstration.
      • Boomers Networking - Network library which mimics pre-GM:Studio favorite networking extension 39dll using GM native functions.
  • Integrations

    • Recommendations

      • NekoPresence - Oops, all Discord integration.
      • DHook - Discord integration.
      • GMS2_RPC - Another Discord integration.
      • Steamworks.gml - Various expansions to Steamworks SDK support in GameMaker: Studio.
      • Parworks - Additional functionality for the YYG Steamworks extension.
      • GOG.gml - A native extension for GOG.com SDK support.
      • GMTwitch - Twitch integration.
      • NekoPresence - Oops, all Discord integration.
  • Camera

  • Sequences

    • Recommendations

      • Sequences Tutorial - Shaun Spalding. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • Making Splash Screen Sequences - Mash Arcade. ![YouTube](https://github.com/bytecauldron/awesome-gamemaker/raw/main/icons/youtube.png)
      • DuplicateSequence - Make a deep copy of sequence assets/structs for editing at runtime.
  • State Machines

    • Recommendations

      • wFSM - Another Easy-to-use Finite State Machine library.
      • True State - Feature-rich finite state machine to handle complex objects.
      • SnowState - Robust finite state machine.
      • FastSM - Lightweight alternative to SnowState.
      • Pinocchio - State-based animation system.
      • BehaviorTree - A simple behavior tree system.
      • FSM AI - Finite state machine for NPC AI.
  • Pathing

  • Useful Extras

  • Blogs

    • Recommendations

      • RefresherTowel - Contains several posts on level generation.
      • Tony Str - Some great articles on working with JSON, regular expressions *(regex)*, and drawing circles in GML.
      • Katsaii - Some articles on more advanced GML topics.
      • Meseta on Game Dev - Seasoned GameMaker dev's thoughts on GameMaker concepts and libraries.
      • Thoughts On GameMaker - Not a traditional blog but has great info on different GML techniques.
      • ApathyHill - Some articles on GameMaker 3D, noise, sprite trails, and a few others.
      • Tony Str - Some great articles on working with JSON, regular expressions *(regex)*, and drawing circles in GML.
  • YouTube

    • Recommendations

      • Jordan Guillou - Hobbyist indie dev with a few GameMaker-related tutorials.
      • DragoniteSpam - Covers highly technical elements of GameMaker with a focus on 3D.
      • Shaun Spalding - Previous community manager at YoYo Games. Has a wide variety of beginner-friendly GameMaker tutorials and helpful updates on new GameMaker features.
      • FriendlyCosmonaut - Great playlist on building a farming RPG in GameMaker with several other tutorials.
      • Pixelated Pope - Guides on GameMaker resolution management, cameras, GUI, and more.
      • Xor - Tons of shader demonstrations with a focus on 3D.
      • GamingEngineer - A GameMaker developer that has been in the community for many years. They have a wide variety videos showcasing what GameMaker is capable of, with a focus on 3D.
      • TheSnidr - A lot of awesome 3D showcases and tutorials for GameMaker.
      • Peyton Burnham - GameMaker tutorials for top-down shooters and RPGs.
      • Gaming Reverends - If you want to learn foundational material regarding GameMaker shaders, the "Shaders for Hobby-Programmers" playlist is definitely worth checking out.
      • Let's Learn This Together - Small indie dev company with a focus on providing GameMaker guides.
      • Matharoo - Tons of free GameMaker tutorials and news about GameMaker.
      • GravityShift Games - A couple of genre-specific GameMaker tutorials, integrating databases into GameMaker, and more.
      • Slyddar - A channel dedicated to both DnD and GML tutorials.
      • SamSpadeGameDev - In-depth coding tutorials for the hobbyist game maker.
      • gentoo's iceberg Playlist - Series based on iceberg to display advanced programming ideas in GameMaker.
      • gentoo's iceberg Playlist - Series based on iceberg to display advanced programming ideas in GameMaker.
  • Community

  • Footnotes

  • Localization

    • Recommendations

      • polyglot - Localization library.
      • gm-i18n - Internationalization of texts simply and quickly, using JSON files.
      • lexicon - Another localization solution focused on simplifying implementation.
      • GMLocalize - Not a full localization solution. Extracts text strings for localization from a GameMaker Studio 2 project and saves it to a JSON file.
      • Small Pentapop Localization Tool - Similar export tool to GMLocalize but exports to a csv.
      • gms2-mofile - Mofile reader used for localization.