Getting Started with GameMaker (Coursera)

Getting Started with GameMaker (Coursera)

This course is all about starting to learn how to develop video games using GameMaker on Windows or Mac. Why use GameMaker instead of using C# and Unity or C++ and Unreal*? Learning to develop games with GameMaker is much easier than learning to program in C# or C++ AND learning Unity or Unreal. If you just want to start learning how to develop games in a more "gentle" way, this is a great starting point.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course doesn't assume you have any game development experience. Don't worry if you've never developed games before; we'll start at the very beginning and start building your game development skills from scratch. Throughout the course you'll develop core GameMaker skills to help you develop games.
Module 1: Learn about sprites and sprite strips
Module 2: Learn how to implement functionality using events, actions, and code
Module 3: Learn how to add sound effects and implement NPC movement
Module 4: Learn how to add randomness to your games

  • I do have Coursera Specializations called C# Programming for Unity Game Development and C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development for those more advanced topics.

This course is part of the Game Development with GameMaker Specialization.

Syllabus

Getting Started
In this module, you'll learn about the course and get GameMaker and Paint.NET installed. You'll learn about sprites and sprite strips in GameMaker and get some practice creating and editing sprites in Paint.NET

Do Something!
In this module, you'll learn how to create objects and instances in GameMaker. You'll also learn how to give objects behavior using events and actions, using both GML Visual and GML Code.

Sound Effects and NPC Movement
In this module, you'll learn how to add sound effects to your GameMaker games and edit audio files using Audacity. You'll also learn some fundamental ideas for implementing NPC movement.

Randomness
In this module, you'll learn how random number generators work in computers, and you'll also learn how to add object-level and game-level randomness to your GameMaker games.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Planning, HUDs, and Spawners in GameMaker (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Planning, HUDs, and Spawners in GameMaker (Coursera)

This course is the third course in the specialization about learning how to develop video games using GameMaker on Windows or Mac. Why use GameMaker instead of using C# and Unity or C++ and Unreal*? Learning to develop games with GameMaker is much easier than learning to program in C# or C++ AND learning Unity or Unreal. If you just want to continue learning how to develop games in a more "gentle" way, this is a great starting point.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Game Design and Development: A Bit-by-Bit History of Video Game Music (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Abertay University

Game Design and Development: A Bit-by-Bit History of Video Game Music (FutureLearn)

Chart the evolution of the classic 8-bit sound and discover the role of musicians in game design and development. Chart the history of video game music, bit by bit. From early arcade games to modern open-world adventures, video game soundtracks have made an indelible mark on our culture. On this course, you’ll get an introduction to video game music and the platforms that define it (including Atari and NES), focusing on the evolution of the classic 8-bit sound.

Jul 26th 2021
2 Weeks
Emprendimiento y métodos ágiles de desarrollo en videojuegos (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de los Andes

Emprendimiento y métodos ágiles de desarrollo en videojuegos (Coursera)

¡Bienvenido al curso de emprendimiento y métodos ágiles de desarrollo en videojuegos! Este curso es parte del Programa Especializado Coursera en Diseño y Desarrollo de Videojuegos, en la cual aprenderás a diseñar y programar cierto tipo de videojuegos, aumentarás tu comprensión acerca del mercado actual de videojuegos y de lo que se requiere para crear un juego exitoso comercialmente.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Learn How to Build a Game Using Java (Eduonix) Eduonix
Eduonix Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Learn How to Build a Game Using Java (Eduonix)

Master java development by making a game from scratch. Learn Java fundamentals in this Java Game Development Tutorial. Java has reigned as one of the most popular programming languages and continues to hold that position because of its 'write once, run anywhere' (WORA) method.Java is a general-purpose computer programming language that is concurrent, class-based, object-oriented and has been designed to create applications that run on Java virtual machine (JVM) regardless of computer architecture.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introduction to Psychological Aspects of Game Design (edX) EdX
LaSalle College,LaSalleX

Introduction to Psychological Aspects of Game Design (edX)

Learn the fundamental concepts and practice of game design and the theory connected to it. Are you ready to take the first step from gamer to game designer? Then this course is for you! This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of game development and design theory, and explores how these concepts affect the ways we design and interact with games.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Introducción al desarrollo de videojuegos con Unity (edX) EdX
Universitat Politècnica de València,UPValenciaX

Introducción al desarrollo de videojuegos con Unity (edX)

Aprende a desarrollar videojuegos multiplataforma utilizando una de las herramientas más populares del mercado, el motor de juegos de Unity. Nunca antes el mercado de los videojuegos se ha encontrado en un mejor momento. En la actualidad existen multitud de plataformas disponibles y la irrupción de los dispositivos móviles ha revolucionado el sector.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Concepts in Unity 3D Game Programming (Eduonix) Eduonix
Eduonix Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Concepts in Unity 3D Game Programming (Eduonix)

Learn how to become a game developer by mastering the concepts of game design and programming in this unity 3D tutorial. While, game development was a niche market way back in the day, with only some big companies who could focus entirely on developing games, these days its become a huge lucrative market.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Video Game Design and Development: Video Game Character Design (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Abertay University

Video Game Design and Development: Video Game Character Design (FutureLearn)

How and why do video gamers identify with the characters they control? Find out with this introduction to character design. This online course shows you how to approach character design for video games, giving you important insights into how gamers identify with the characters they control and interact with in-game worlds.

Jul 11th 2022
2 Weeks
The Complete Guide to Aiming in Fortnite (Skillshare) Skillshare
Skillshare

The Complete Guide to Aiming in Fortnite (Skillshare)

Have you been struggling to win Fortnite matches and tournaments? Do you get out-aimed by your opponents? This course is for you! Aiming is crucial in most games out there, and how well you can aim will determine your chances at the Victory Royale. Enhance your Fortnite gameplay by learning how to out-aim your opponents. This course will cover the basic, intermediate, and advanced aspects of aiming along with tactics to maximize your warmups and preparation before casual, arena, or tournament matches.

Self Paced
Self-Paced