GameMaker is the leading 2D game engine, responsible for a huge number hit games including Undertale, Barkley Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden, Blazing Chrome, Downwell, Gunpoint, Heat Signature, Hotline Miami, Hyper Light Drifter, Katana Zero, Nidhogg, Nuclear Throne, Rivals of Aether, Spelunky, Wandersong, and VA-11 Hall-A.

Software authoring tools are one of the most complex types of software to work on because they have to be hugely flexible to enable development a vast range of edge cases. The UI for GameMaker 1 (GameMaker:Studio) had evolved over time and had become unwieldy. Radical changes were needed to bring in new and long-awaited features elegantly, rather than bolt them on in an unsustainable way. Work was underway on the development of the new underlying functionality when Yoyo Games asked Zedaxis to tie it all together in a totally revised interface and user experience.

From the outset, it was clear the project would be a challenge due to the complexity, and the need to preserve legacy features whilst elegantly integrating major new ones. The new UI had to be logical and extensible so new features could be added over time. GameMaker has a longtime loyal following and it was critical to satisfy their needs and expectations, whilst also bridging the gap to open up the tool for novice users through a new visual programming interface.

Design work involved end-to-end user experience including design of a separate launcher,  customer support system and tutorial system. Within the tool, we developed designs for a new visual editor, a dedicated graphics and animation editor, a sound editor and elements such as layer management.  

Since its release, GameMaker 2 has been consistently rated as the best game engine for usability, and has increased its user base dramatically, and been used to author hundreds of hit games. It has been the springboard for thousands of game developer careers due to its easy progression from beginner to expert.


GameMaker 2 wins PC Mag Editor's Choice Award

Extracts from the review by PCMag.com:

"Although it can be pricey, no game-development program helps you transition from an amateur to a professional better than GameMaker Studio 2"

"Consumer video game development software faces a dilemma. If the tools are too simple, they don’t teach you the advanced skills necessary to further your potential career. But if the tools are overly complex, you'll be too frustrated to keep going. GameMaker Studio 2 strikes the ideal balance by accommodating newcomers but not holding anything back for people with the time (and money) to fully invest in their indie game dreams. GameMaker’s excellent results speak for themselves, and it’s our Editors’ Choice pick for consumer video game development software."

"GameMaker’s programming experience surpasses both visual-heavy software, such as Construct or Stencyl, and code-only software, such as AppGameKit Studio or Fuze4."

"GameMaker Studio 2 absolutely lives up its promise of letting you make real video games whether you’re a coding prodigy or have never thought about sprites in your life. Investing in its power and publishing possibilities, no matter how high the price, never feels like a waste. It’s our Editors’ Choice pick for consumer game development software".