🕹️ My First GameMaker Game · Series 7 · 3 Episodes · All Free
🕹️ Beginner Friendly · GameMaker · GML · Ages 9+

My First
GameMaker Game

Build 3 real 2D games from scratch in GameMaker no GML experience needed! Each workshop teaches you a new skill, from objects and rooms to enemies and scoring.

🧑 Ages 9+ ✓ Completely Free 🕹️ GameMaker 👨‍👧 Parent & Child ✓ No GML Experience Needed
🚀 Start with Episode 1 →
3
Episodes
30+
Steps
9+
Age
Free
Always
The Full Series

3 Games to Build Step by Step

Start at Episode 1 to install GameMaker and write your first GML. Each game teaches new skills objects, rooms, physics, enemies and polish.

Ep 1
🚀
⭐ Start Here · Setup · Objects · GML Basics
Space Shooter — Your First GML Game
Install GameMaker and write your first GML code. Build a top-down space shooter — move a ship, fire bullets, destroy enemies and track your score. Learn objects, rooms, events and variables.
Ages 9+ 10 Steps · ~1 hr Start Building →
Ep 2
🏃
Platformer · Physics · Tiles · Enemies
Platformer Jump, Run & Explore
Build a side-scrolling platformer with gravity, jumping, tile-based levels, moving platforms and enemies to stomp. Learn GML physics, tile maps and collision detection.
Ages 9+ 12 Steps · ~1.5 hrs Start Building →
Ep 3
🧙
Top-Down RPG · Maps · Dialogue · Inventory
Pixel Quest A Tiny RPG Adventure
Combine everything you've learned to build a tiny top-down RPG. Walk between rooms, talk to NPCs, pick up items and fight enemies. A complete mini-game to show off your GML skills!
Ages 10+ 14 Steps · ~2 hrs Start Building →
Before You Start

What You Need to Install

GameMaker is free for non-commercial use. You'll need to create a free YoYo account and download the editor we walk through it all in Episode 1.

🕹️
GameMaker (Free)
Download GameMaker and sign in with a free YoYo Games account. The free tier lets you export to Windows more than enough for these workshops.
✓ Free · gamemaker.io
💻
Windows or Mac
GameMaker runs on Windows 10/11 and macOS. It's lighter than Unity or Unreal most computers made in the last 8 years will run it fine.
Windows or Mac
🎨
Built-in Sprite Editor
GameMaker includes its own pixel art sprite editor so you can draw your characters and objects right inside the engine no extra tools needed.
✓ Included in GameMaker
📐
No GML Needed
We explain every line of GML (GameMaker Language) code as we write it. If you can follow instructions and type carefully, you can build these games.
✓ Beginner Friendly
🛠️ Free Browser Tools

Design Your Game Assets

Use these free browser tools alongside GameMaker's built-in editor to plan levels and design characters before you start coding.

🎨
Pixel Studio
Draw pixel art sprites for your characters and enemies at any size. Export as PNG to import directly into GameMaker.
Open Tool →
🗺️
Level Designer
Sketch out room layouts, enemy spawn points and platform placement before building them in GameMaker's room editor.
Open Tool →
🔊
SFX Generator
Generate retro 8-bit sound effects — jumps, shoots, pickups, game over. Export as WAV files to drop into GameMaker.
Open Tool →
🖌️
Colour Palette
Pick a pixel art colour palette to keep your game looking consistent. Export hex values to use in your sprites.
Open Tool →
See all free dev tools →

Ready to build your first GameMaker game?

Download GameMaker for free, create a YoYo Games account, then start Episode 1. You'll have a playable space shooter in about an hour.

🚀 Start Episode 1 → Get GameMaker (Free) ↗

Questions & Answers

Do I need to know GML before starting?
No. We explain every line of GML (GameMaker Language) as we write it. GML is a beginner-friendly scripting language it reads almost like plain English and is much simpler than C# or C++.
Is GameMaker really free?
The free tier of GameMaker lets you build and export games to Windows at no cost. A paid subscription unlocks exports to Mac, iOS, Android and consoles but for learning, free is more than enough.
How is GameMaker different from Unity or Unreal?
GameMaker is purpose-built for 2D games and is much simpler to get started with. It runs on almost any computer, starts up instantly and gets you to a playable game faster than either Unity or Unreal. Great for beginners who want to see results quickly.
What age is it suitable for?
Episode 1 works well from age 9 with adult support. Episodes 2 and 3 involve more GML and suit ages 10–11+ who are comfortable copying and editing code. GameMaker is one of the friendliest engines for young learners.
Can I publish my GameMaker game?
Yes! Free tier exports run on Windows. You can upload a Windows executable to itch.io so friends can download and play. A paid subscription lets you export to web (HTML5) and mobile too.
Is it really free?
All 3 episodes, forever. No ads, no paywall, no sign-up required here. GameMaker's free tier and YoYo Games account are both free to create.