The Howdy Glossary

Game Maker Language (GML) is integrated into GameMaker Studio for developing 2D games across various platforms. It allows developers to create scripts that control game objects, define mechanics, and handle in-game events with ease. The language is designed to be user-friendly for beginners while offering advanced features for seasoned developers, enabling the creation of 2D games without requiring deep knowledge of intricate programming concepts.

Created by computer scientist and game developer Mark Overmars, GML was developed as the built-in scripting language for GameMaker Studio. This tool is popular among both aspiring game developers and professional studios due to its accessibility and efficiency in creating 2D games. Overmars aimed to empower users by providing a scripting language that balances ease of use with powerful functionalities, making it possible to develop games across multiple platforms without extensive coding knowledge.

GML stands out from competitors like Unity's C#, Unreal Engine's C++, and Godot Engine's GDScript due to its user-friendly syntax which eases the learning curve for novice developers while still catering to experienced programmers. It excels in rapid prototyping and iteration, allowing swift manipulation of game objects, implementation of diverse mechanics, and handling of events efficiently. Despite competition from other engines offering different strengths like performance or customization capacity, GML’s versatility makes it a valuable tool for creating 2D games accessible to users ranging from beginners to expert developers.