What is GameMaker Standard 8.1?

GameMaker Standard replaces GameMaker Pro 8.0 as the improved version and the required version to be used for games submitted through the YoYo Game Store publishing.

This version is for WINDOWS only, and contains many new and upgraded features.

GameMaker Standard 8.1 is also available as a free version 'GameMaker Lite 8.1'

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I bought GameMaker Standard 8.1 and it reverted to Lite mode?

Please check that your system clock is working properly and that the system is showing the correct time and date. This is one of the most common causes of this issue. Gamemaker must be able to revalidate your license at least once a month. This will either require an internet connection or for you to manually download the license verification file from YoYo Games website

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I upgraded to GameMaker 8.1 but want GameMaker Pro 8.0?

Both versions will happily sit alongside each other on your desktop, it does not remove and replace your current version.

GameMaker 8.0 is still available through www.softwrap.com but we advise to buy GameMaker Standard 8.1 for the latest features and support. 

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Can I buy GameMaker Standard 8.1 for someone else?

Gift option – You are now able to buy GameMaker for friends and family. Just purchase as normal - http://www.yoyogames.com/game_showcases/273/purchase/express and you will be sent an email with a link with an activation key and link to download from.

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What is GameMaker Studio?

For the first time, GameMaker Studio provides users with the ability to produce packaged iOS and Android games, which can then be distributed to devices through app stores by developers themselves.GameMaker Studio will enable games to be exported in various formats including .exe, HTML5, and for iOS and Android. Watch the demo video here - http://www.yoyogames.com/gamemaker/studio

Our GameMaker Studio page will be updated soon and regularly added to in answer to all queries.  It will be possible to upgrade from GameMaker:HTML5 and Standard 8.1 to Studio. Please sign up to our mailing list for forthcoming news - http://yoyogames.com/

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What is GameMaker:HTML5?

You may be interested in our latest release GameMaker:HTML5 that brings the world of browser games and web development to the desktops of those familiar with GameMaker and, at the same time, brings GameMaker into the world of web development.

HTML5 wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML5

GameMaker:HTML5 is basically Game Maker 8.1 with a HTML5 (aka javascript) compile target so there is no 'Lite' version.

For all FAQ on HTML5 see the topics covered and discussion here - http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?s=18ed1a9104230d19ad0a9ee3caf80ab1&showforum=100

HTML5 Technical FAQ - http://wiki.yoyogames.com/index.php/GM4HTML5_FAQ

You can buy GameMaker:HTML5 directly from our site here - http://yoyogames.com/gamemaker/html5 for only $99

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What is GameMaker for Mac?

YoYo Games now bring you the popular GameMaker for Mac!

This is version 7 and at the moment is not compatible with GameMaker for Windows, Standard 8.1 but we are working on that for GameMaker version 9 in 2012.

GameMaker for Mac is also available in a Lite version .If you want to try out GameMaker before you buy, you can do so free of charge! Download GameMaker for Mac Lite version now to try out this amazing application!

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GameMaker for Mac is asking to enter my registration details again?

We have an occasional issue when the Operating System does not allow the application to read the license securely and this causes our application to show the pre-registration screen again. In this case it is OK to just quit and restart (the license reading usually works the second time) there is no need to re-enter the license information.

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GameMaker for Mac Time Trial

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GameMaker for Mac not loading after purchase?

Could you please try the following; 

1. Delete any version of GameMaker that you currently have (use Spotlight to find all copies of it)

2. Downloading the latest version from http://store.yoyogames.com/downloads/gm4mac/Game_Maker.dmg 

3. Copy the GameMaker app to the Applications directory 

If this does not resolve it then please open the Console application (Application -> Utilities -> Console) and copy any of the text that has GameMaker in the first column and send it to bugs and we will help diagnose the problem.

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I work in an educational facility and want to purchase a Site License?

Educational enquiries can be submitted through our Education Contact Form.

We'll get back to you with pricing details based on how many licenses you need.

For classroom use, the version we provide can be installed using an MSI - click here for more details.

For more information and useful links for teachers, please see Information for Teachers on the wiki.

• Official tutorials
• Tutorials wiki category

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I am part of a School, can we upgrade GameMaker?

Yes, please contact the helpdesk https://yoyogames.mojohelpdesk.com

or through our contact form with your school full name and address and your current license key details and this can be arranged for you.

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School networks with GameMaker 8.0

Restricted or locked-down machines using GameMaker 8.0

Many School and Universitys lock machines down to keep them more secure, and to avoid viruses and corruption or the base install, and this can cause errors when trying to run GameMaker programs. While Game Maker itself will run, the programs being written will not; due to how it creates them internally. This is because GameMaker requires user level access to the directory pointed to the environment variable TEMP and without it, can't build games for testing.

To get around this, you can redirect TEMP briefly while running GameMaker. Simply create a new text file and add these lines.

set TEMP=C:\user_temp
set TMP=C:\user_temp
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Game_Maker8\Game_Maker.exe"

C:\user_temp is simply a directory where the user has write permissions, and "C:\Program Files\Game_Maker8\" is where you can find the Game Maker executable. (or"C:\Program Files (x86)\Game_Maker8\Game_Maker.exe" on 64bit machines, but this depends where you've installed Game Maker ).

You must then rename the text file to something like GM8.bat and get users to run that instead. This should allow GameMaker to find a safe writable location for it's internal operation, and allow normal game development.

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How do I install GameMaker on a network?

For classroom use, only the full version (not Lite) can be installed using an MSI. The version we provide for personal use by the students at home or outside of class on their own machines does NOT work with an MSI and must be installed on each PC as it uses a secure DRM that needs to be authenticated to the hardware. http://wiki.yoyogames.com/index.php/GM81_Education#MSI_version

 

We provide an RSS feed http://store.yoyogames.com/downloads/gm4win/update_msi.rss from which we publish the download location of the MSI, this MSI is the full version of GameMaker (see License Stamper on how to apply an educational license for a particular user) Once you have downloaded the MSI then it can be installed on a machine using the command line below (or you can use standard deployment tools like Active Directory to get this installed on the desired machines within the network) - Do NOT double click the .msi file you have downloaded it must be installed using the command line (Press Start->Accessories then right click on the Command Prompt icon and select Run As Administrator)

msiexec /i GameMaker-8.1..msi TARGETDIR=

NOTE : The directory to install to should include the GameMaker directory as the MSI is flat (it contains no GameMaker directory) so all the files will install directly to the directory you specify.

This installs a bare bones version of GameMaker without any start menu links you will need to setup any desktop or start menu links yourself.

 

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Can I issue GameMaker to my Students for home use?

Yes, contact the helpdesk who will arrange for coupon codes that you can issue that will allow each individual to install on thier home PC or laptop outwith the classroom, as long as they have online access.

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How do I upload a game to the YoYo/Sandbox site?

First you must be a community member to upload a game, so you'll need to register an account if you haven't already. Once you have created a login then go to 'Share' and fill in your game details and upload your game file. Don't forget to think carefully about the tags you set against your game - this is what the community will use to search and find your game.

You can only upload games if you are using GameMaker 8.0 or GameMaker Standard 8.1

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Can I change my User ID ?

Yes, you can change your username at any time when you log in but is limited to one change per month. 

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Where can I find my license key?

If you log into My Account (under Support tab) and enter your email and password at the time of purchase, you will find all your purchase and license detials.

Alternatively if you went through Google Checkout, you can log in and see your license details under your purchase history.

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How to use Google Checkout

Please click on the GameMaker you wish to purchase and it will take you to a screen to enter your email.

We strongly advise using your original email at purchase as it will create a new YoYo Account otherwise. If you do not know this or you no longer use it, then please use a VALID and current email as you will receive a confirmation with your information. This is extremely important so be careful when you enter this.

Click on the Google tab along the bottom. This takes you to a new page, if you do not already have a Google account, you will be asked to complete with your card details.

On completion, you will receive a message on screen in a yellow box that contains your license key. Please take a note of this. Underneath the message is 'click here to retrieve your purchase' and this will download GameMaker.

If you require to find out your license details again, please log in on either the YoYo site under 'My Accoun't or on Google Checkout purchase history. 

 

 

 

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Upgrading GameMaker 8 to GameMaker 8.1

We can now announce that the free upgrade path for those who have GameMaker 8.0 can now upgrade to the latest GameMaker Standard 8.1 on the site! To upgrade please go to -http://yoyogames.com/game_showcases/273/purchase/express

A valid email must be entered (Screen 1).

We strongly advise using your original email at purchase as it will create a new YoYo Account otherwise. If you do not know this or you no longer use it, then please use a VALID and current email as you will receive a confirmation with your information. This is extremely important so be careful when you enter this.

Now enter your Purchase Reference in the coupon code box below in Screen 2.

This will then generate you a License Key for GameMaker Standard 8.1

Click ‘Add code’ and then click ‘purchase’ to finish.

Any issues such as invalid code messages, check our FAQ first. Make sure you have the right

version and if there is still an error, then contact us via the helpdesk.

*note this upgrade is not eligible to GameMaker for Mac

 

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I have purchased an older version but do not have an Activation Code?

The Purchase Reference generated when you bought GameMaker is in fact your Activation Code. If you haven't noted it down or received a confirmation email you can first try to retrieve it by following this link and enter the email address you used to register the product http://www.softwrap.com/page.aspx?section_id=9 it should automatically send you what you need. If you no longer use that email address or the link sends you an email without any details then email support@softwrap.com and they will deal with this within 24 hours (weekdays only)

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Can I submit my game to publish?

Publishing through YoYo Games is NOT open yet for public submission. 

At present our publishing team determine any games going through to the marketplace. If you have a finished game and would like us to review it for the possibility of publishing, please send it to us via the helpdesk.

YoYo Games Studio will be soon be accepting submissions through a selection process but this is still currently being set up. There is no ETA but we hope to provide links to this in 2012.

 

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Problems downloading GameMaker

You may get a pop up message displaying something like this.

It is a download error message. Please clear your cache, try another browser, turn off any download manager software, etc. 

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I click on 'Enter Activation Code' the page won't load?

Try disabling your firewall and enable cookies.

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Problems running games in GameMaker?

Check your Graphics Card and System Memory

Check that your graphics card meets the required specifications to run the software. PC’s must be running Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, or later. A graphics card with at least 32MB of memory is required for most created games. When designing and testing games, the memory requirements must be at least 128 MB and preferably more, depending on the operating system.

Check for DirectX and its settings

Your graphics card must be DirectX 8 (or later) compatible graphics and sound card. Make sure you have the most recent drivers installed.  GameMaker requires DirectX version 8.0 or later to be installed on your computer which can be downloaded at: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/.

To check the DirectX settings, you must open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool:

1. Choose the START menu
2. Select RUN…
3. Type “dxdiag”
4. Click OK
5. Choose the DISPLAY tab
6. Under DirectX Features, click ENABLE on DirectDraw, Direct3D, and AGP Texture Accelleration
7. You can click TEST DIRECTDRAW to make sure DirectX is now active on your computer
8. Click EXIT

Registry modification if running Active Directory

If your School District uses Active Directory software it will block Gamemaker from running games. To fix the problem, you have to modify the registry. Please note: making adjustments to the registry can cause problems with your computer. Only make adjustments if you feel comfortable doing so.

1. Choose the START menu
2. Select RUN…
3. Type “regedit”
4. Click OK
5. From the left column, choose HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
6. Choose SYSTEM
7. Choose CURRENTCONTROLSET
8. Choose CONTROL
9. Choose GRAPHICSDRIVERS
10. Choose DCI
11. From the right column, double-click TIMEOUT
12. Type “7″ in the Value Data field
13. Select DECIMAL under the Base section
14. Press OK
15. Close out the Registry Editor

 

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I didn't recieve my License key/ it is blank?

There is a known issue where small minorities of purchases are not successful.

There was an issue recently with Google Checkout where updating card details during the transaction created invalidated licenses. We apologise for this and assure that this has now been resolved. Please try your license now.

Sorry for the inconvenience meantime!

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How do I report Bugs in GameMaker?

If you have found a bug or a problem with GameMaker then please report this to our tech team via here at http://bugs.yoyogames.com/my_view_page.php and we will aim to respond quickly (weekdays).

GameMaker for Mac has a seperate bugs desk http://gm4mac.yoyogames.com.

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Common errors with older versions?

This lists some common errors users have been getting when trying to use GameMaker and provides some possible solutions. If the solution offered doesn't fix your problem, or the error you are getting isn't listed, contact the YYG HelpDesk or Softwrap (for registration issues with versions older than 8.1)

Error 1 : Failed to set data for "

Solution 1a : If you are using Windows Vista, right-click on the shortcut to GameMaker and select "Run as an administrator".

Solution 1b : If you are using Windows Vista, turn off UAC.


Error 2 : The dynamic link library d3d8.dll could not be found in the specified path.

Solution 2 : Click on the Start menu and select Run .... Type in "dxdiag" and hit enter. In the new window, check the "DirectX version" near the bottom. If it isn't "DirectX 8" or higher, you need to update your version of DirectX.


Error 3 : The current system time is set to before the last time this program was run, which is impossible. This interferes with Softwrap's date mechanisms.

Solution 3 : Try deleting the following folder ...

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Softwrap\YOYOGAMESGM70FINAL

The easiest way to do this is go to Start -> Run and type: 

"C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\Softwrap" 

Then hit the Enter and delete the folder named "YOYOGAMESGM70FINAL".

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Helpdesk ticket is missing/waiting longer than a week

We apologise for any delay in response from the YoYo MojoHelpdesk while the office was closed over the Christmas holidays.  We aim to prioritize a very large ticket response gained over the last few weeks but please be aware we do not have full time support on here so are working as fast as possible. We are trying to make sure everyone receives a response due to the urgency of each request as soon as we can. Thank you sincerely for your patience and hope this has not inconvenienced you too much! 

Normally we do look at all the tickets every 24 hours however the mojohelpdesk. We are changing the contact ticket system and implementing this soon to ensure better customer service.

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YoYo Games Refund Policy

We offer GameMaker customers a 30-day money back guarantee on purchases of software.

At YoYo we would like to resolve any problems you are experiencing with your product. Our priority is to ensure you are satisfied with your product. We offer helpdesk assistance if the need arises to ensure that the product you have purchased works correctly. If we are unable to resolve your problem we will issue you with a refund via Google checkout to the value of your transaction.

If however, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase please follow the following process to request a refund:

1. Uninstall the software from your computer

2. Ensure your purchase is still within the refund period.

3. Send request through the helpdesk (quote your google checkout reference).

Once the refund has been approved, it takes a few days for the credit to appear on your statement.

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GameMaker 7 and older versions

Unfortunately we no longer support older versions of GameMaker in light of constant improvements to current version and future development work on these. We apologise that we can no longer supply links to download these but we are confident that you will find GameMaker 8.1 a superior product in its place.

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I want to see what GameMaker:HTML5 is like before I buy?

There is no demo, trial or lite version of GameMaker:HTML5. This is aimed at those already familiar with GameMaker who wish to take thier finished projects on to the web.

To experience the capabiities of GameMaker:HTML5 we suggest using GameMaker 8.1 first to grasp how easy it is. Any work created, the files can easily be integrated into GM:HTML5. 

Please see the HTML5 discussion for all FAQ - http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?s=18ed1a9104230d19ad0a9ee3caf80ab1&showforum=100

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What is the End User License Agreement?

An EULA (End User License Agreement) is an agreement between the maker of a product and its end users. It is a binding agreement that if broken, voids the copy of the software owned by the user who voids the agreement. Nearly all proprietary software comes with an EULA that must be agreed to, such as GameMaker. The GameMaker EULA, like all EULAs, allows the distributing company to sue anyone who violates the agreement, just as Yoyo Games can sue the makers of decompilers.

Please read it here -http://wiki.yoyogames.com/index.php/Game_Maker_EULA

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Can I install GameMaker on a 2nd or 3rd computer?

BE AWARE that there is limited uses for entering your activation and misuse or entering too many times will invalidate your license and you will not be able to continue using GameMaker. Download the Lite version to the PC, run the program and click on the 'Enter License Key' in the upgrade window pop up. "License Holder" is the email address you used when you registered the product, you will also need your Purchase Reference handy.

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What if my PC is not connected to the Internet?

Unfortunately GameMaker has to be regularly connected online to revalidate your license at least once a month. This will either require an internet connection or for you to manually download the license verification file from YoYo Games website. http://wiki.yoyogames.com/index.php/License_Verification

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Where do I get Programming Support ?

We're investigating the possibility of offering a paid for programming support service, meantime the HELPDESK is NOT staffed with anyone who understands programming issues.

For beginners we suggest you try working through the Official Tutorials. There's an excellent and constantly expanding range of brief tutorials in the Wiki.

We recommend that you search the Game Maker Community forums or post your own question. You'll find there are many thousands of fellow Game Maker programmers who visit the Game Maker Community forums every day and may recognise your issue and help you directly.

http://gmc.yoyogames.com/index.php?act=idx

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Are there any GameMaker Books?

There is a recent publication called “The Game Makers Companion” by Jacob Habgood which is a follow up to “The Game Maker's Apprentice”. This book focuses on platform games and includes a remake of Zool (big on the Amiga in the 90′s) and an atmospheric story-led game called “Shadows on Deck”.

These books are not the responsibility of YoYo Games, here’s a Link to where you can find links to the authors and other useful information. http://book.gamemaker.nl/

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Will there be another YoYo/GameMaker competition?

No. For the forseeable future we are flat out working on GameMaker and releasing games. Please do not keep sending us messages asking. When we have time/requirement/resources we will announce anything of this nature on the newsfeed blog.

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