Video Game Development for Everybody!An overview of tools to get you started

@Saelia

Presented by Sarah Sexton

IntroductionSarah SextonTechnical Evangelist Twitter: @SaeliaMicrosoft, Chicago, IL

http://aka.ms/sarahsexton

www.SheBuildsGames.com

sarahse@microsoft.com

GameMaker PC or Mac

2D (mostly)

Low barrier to entry

Quick iteration time

Asset customization in program

Code optional (GML proprietary language)

GameMaker - How it WorksSprites - How it looks

GameMaker - How it WorksObjects - What it does

GameMaker - How it WorksBackgrounds - Where it is

GameMaker - How it WorksRooms - How it all goes together

GameMakerPros

★ Low barrier to entry

★ Great for quick iteration

★ Basic studio version is free

★ Teaches code logic even without teaching code

★ Easy sound integration

★ In-program image editing

Cons

➔ Limitations on physics systems and assets

➔ Proprietary code

➔ Not formatted for 3D

➔ Exports to other systems / more advanced versions can get very expensive

Made with GameMaker

Construct 22D Games

Drag and drop objects

Code optional

Includes reusable “behaviors”

Free base version with paid versions

Paid version all publishing options

Windows only

Asset store

Unity

3D and 2D games

Vast Asset Marketplace

Free to download

C# or JavaScript code

Asset customization in program

Games for Mobile, console, VR, Mac, Windows, etc.

The InterfaceUnity - How it Works

Unity - How it WorksCustomizing the Workspace

Unity - How it WorksDrag-and-drop Assets

Unity - How it WorksAdding new Objects

Unity - How it WorksLayers

Unity - How it WorksAdd audio files

UnityPros

★ Sophisticated physics systems

★ Publishes to all platforms

★ Standard version is free

★ Customizable User Interface

★ Choice of C# and JavaScript languages

Cons

➔ Complex tool for more advanced users

➔ Limitations on built-in code editor, Monodevelop

➔ Requires writing code for basic functions

➔ No archetypes pre-built in (e.g. shooter, platformer)

➔ Updating versions can cause crashes

Made with Unity

Cuphead

RPG Maker2D/Isometric Games

Drag and drop objects

JavaScript optional

Sample data included

Free base version with paid versions

Create games for MacOSX, Windows, Android and iPhone

Unreal3D and 2D games

C++ source code

Emphasis on visual effects

Asset Marketplace

Free to download

Games for Mobile, console, VR, Mac, Windows, etc.

Questions?