When and how did you discover Game Maker?
I had been searching for the perfect game creation program for many years. In February 2003, I found it.
Have you used any other game creation programs?
The only ones I've really used extensively are Gary Kitchen's Game Maker (Commodore 64), Game-Maker by Recreational Software Designs (PC), and ZZT (PC)--you can find my ZZT games
here.
I've also tried RPG Maker 2000 (PC) and RPG Maker (Sony Playstation), but nothing came of those.
What games or other projects have you made with (or for) Game Maker?
So far I have only two completed projects: seiklus is an exploration/adventure platform game that took me about six months, and elu is a sort of life simulator that took me a week. You can find them both (along with my other works in progress)
here.
Seiklus
What are your favorite Game Maker games?
I like a lot of GM games, but if I have to choose one or two favorites, I'd have to say LockOn by
Jph Wacheski and Mage Craft by
Darthlupi. You can find a longer list of my favorites with download links
here.
What are your favorite games NOT made with Game Maker?
Trying to keep this short is futile, so I'll just link to a fairly complete list of my favorites that I've assembled
here.
What advice would you give new Game Maker users or those who would like to improve?
Be creative. If you're going to take the time to create a world, don't hold back or get stuck in formulas. And when you think your game is finished, that may be the best time to go through it completely and add the polish and fun details that will make people want to play it for more than five minutes.
Also, one thing that I've noticed that makes Game Maker fun is thinking of a fun effect with no idea how to do it and then eventually figuring it out. Most things in my game seiklus are products of that process.
Finally, I'd encourage anyone who sees the value in Game Maker to support Mark Overmars by registering the program. I honestly can't think of anything else I've spent so little on that I value so much.
What elements of a game are most important to you and why?
Aesthetics and creativity. I like a game that can make me feel like a part of it and also genuinely surprise me with artistic or creative details.
Why do you make games? What is your primary inspiration, motivation, or both?
I feel like I am wasting an important aspect of life if I am not creating things. And game development is pretty much my favorite creative medium. Also, one of my goals is always to try to inspire others.
Do you have other artistic pursuits other than game development? If so, what?
All kinds of things. Writing, drawing, Web design. You can find some of my various artwork on
my site.
Any other comments?
I've generally chosen who to include here based on recommendations by other interviewees or based on the games listed among their favorites.
So, at risk of appearing arrogant, I've honored the requests I've received to include myself.
<< Back
