GameMaker Studio 2 is a powerful tool for making video games. It’s very popular because it’s easy to use, even for beginners. People often use it to make 2D games, but did you know that you can also make 3D games with it? Yes, with some work, you can create fun 3D games in GameMaker Studio 2.
In this article, we’ll learn about how you can use GameMaker Studio 2 to make your very own 3D game. You don’t need to worry if you’re new to game development. We’ll go through everything step by step so that you can follow along easily. By the end, you’ll be ready to bring your own 3D game ideas to life.
Why Use GameMaker Studio 2 for 3D Games?
You might be wondering why you should use GameMaker Studio 2 for 3D games. The answer is simple: it’s an easy-to-use platform that lets you focus on building your game without needing to learn complicated coding right away. Even though it’s mostly known for 2D games, GameMaker Studio 2 has enough tools to help you create basic 3D games too.
GameMaker Studio 2 makes it easier for you to make your ideas come to life. The user interface is friendly, which means you can see all your game’s parts in one place. It also gives you lots of control over how things move and interact in the game. So, whether you’re creating a simple 3D puzzle game or a fun adventure, you can use GameMaker Studio 2 to do it.
Understanding 2D vs. 3D in GameMaker Studio 2
Before jumping into 3D, it’s important to understand the difference between 2D and 3D. In 2D games, everything is flat. You have a background and characters that move left and right, up and down. Think of games like old-school Mario, where the game is flat and the character only moves in two directions.
But in 3D games, you can move in all directions! You can go forward, backward, left, right, up, and down. The game feels like it’s happening in real life because of how things move and look. When you use GameMaker Studio 2 to create 3D games, you’re making everything feel more real and immersive. Even though it takes some extra steps, the result is a world that feels much bigger and more exciting.
Getting Started with 3D in GameMaker Studio 2
To start making 3D games in GameMaker Studio 2, you’ll need to learn about some new things. Don’t worry! We’ll go slowly so it’s easy to understand. First, we need to set up GameMaker Studio 2 for 3D mode. Here’s how you can do it:
- Switch to 3D Mode: In GameMaker Studio 2, you need to tell the program that you want to work in 3D. This is done by turning on 3D mode. You can do this by writing a simple command in the game’s code:
d3d_start(). - Understanding the Camera: In 3D games, the camera is like your eyes. It shows you what you see on the screen. In 2D games, the camera doesn’t need to move much, but in 3D games, it can move around the game world. You’ll need to set up your camera so it can move correctly in your 3D game.
- Working with 3D Shapes: In 3D, you will work with shapes like cubes, spheres, and planes. These shapes are called “objects,” and they are the building blocks of your 3D game. You can use simple shapes to build your game world or characters.
By setting up these three things, you’re well on your way to creating a 3D game in GameMaker Studio 2!
Creating Your First 3D Object
Now that you have your game in 3D mode, it’s time to create something! Let’s start by creating a simple cube. A cube is a great way to learn how things work in 3D. You can follow these steps to make your first 3D object in GameMaker Studio 2:
- Create a Cube: Use the command
d3d_draw_block()to create a cube in your game. You’ll need to give the cube a size, like how wide, tall, and deep it is. For example, you can make a cube that’s 1 unit by 1 unit. - Position the Cube: Next, you need to tell the game where the cube should be. You’ll do this by giving it coordinates, which are like a map. In 3D, you use X, Y, and Z coordinates to tell where something is. X is for left and right, Y is for up and down, and Z is for forward and backward.
- Add Color or Texture: If you want your cube to look cool, you can add colors or textures to it. A texture is like a picture that you put on your 3D shape. This makes your cube look like it has a real surface, like grass, wood, or metal.
Congratulations! You’ve just created your first 3D object in GameMaker Studio 2!
Moving Around in Your 3D Game World
A big part of making a 3D game is being able to move around the world. In GameMaker Studio 2, you can control how your camera moves to give players a real experience of being in a 3D world. Here’s how you can make the camera move:
- Control the Camera with Code: You can write code to control the camera’s movement. You’ll need to change the camera’s X, Y, and Z positions as the player moves. For example, when the player presses the arrow keys, you can make the camera move forward or backward in the game.
- Add Player Movement: You can also make your player move in the 3D world. This is done by controlling the player’s position in the game using the same X, Y, and Z coordinates. You can make the player walk around, jump, or even fly!
By controlling both the camera and player movement, your 3D game will feel alive and interactive.
Adding Interactions in Your 3D Game
Now that you have a world to explore, it’s time to add some interactions. Interactions are things that happen when the player does something, like pressing a button, opening a door, or picking up an item. In GameMaker Studio 2, you can use code to make objects interact with the player.
For example, you can make it so that when the player touches a special object, it disappears. You can also add sounds or effects to make your game more exciting. These interactions make your 3D game feel more real and fun to play.
Finishing Your 3D Game
Once you’ve built your 3D world, created objects, and added movement, your game is almost done! The last step is to test everything and make sure it works correctly. You can play your game to see if the camera moves the way you want, the objects look good, and the player can interact with things.
If something doesn’t work right, don’t worry! Just go back to the code and try again. Testing and fixing things is part of making any game.
Conclusion:
GameMaker Studio 2 is an amazing tool for making games, and now you know that it can be used for 3D games too! By learning a few extra steps, you can create 3D worlds, characters, and fun interactions that bring your ideas to life. Even if you’re new to game development, you can follow this guide to get started.
Now that you’ve learned the basics, why not try making your own 3D game? GameMaker Studio 2 is a great way to turn your ideas into a reality, and who knows—you might just create the next big hit in the gaming world.
