GameMaker:About
From GMG Manual
GameMaker is a card-based HyperCard-like software development environment. Its focus is building adventure games with graphics, click areas, buttons, and text. When you are ready to distribute your game, you can compile it into a stand-alone Mac OS X application that doesn't require a copy of GameMaker to run (previous versions also support older systems).
GameMaker is capable of more than building point-and-click adventure games, of course. Just about any genre of game is possible. Beyond gaming, it can also build educational software, interactive slideshows, instruction manuals, and much more.
[edit] Scripting Language
No programming knowledge is required for a basic adventure game, but it is possible to extend the abilities of your game with a simple, BASIC-like programming language. As a beginner you may simply draw some pictures, type some text, make a few buttons, and choose some options. When you are ready to get more advanced, you can add some additional puzzles and features to your game by using the simple scripting language to make simple (and increasingly more complex) puzzles, use sprites, play cinematics, do actions based on player choices and variables, add RPG elements like stat-building and battles, etc.
GameMaker's scripting abilities are very flexible. Variables are not predefined; they are created on-the-fly when first used in the code. Allowing the player to save game progress doesn't require any extra effort, since a save command simply records the state of the entire game when invoked. A Language menu places clearly labeled syntax by simply choosing a command.
[edit] Demo, Ordering, and Updates
GameMaker is $20 shareware and is developed by Al Staffieri, Jr. A free downloadable demo of the latest version is available from the GameMaker website, as well as free updates for owners of older registered versions. GameMaker can be ordered through PayPal or by sending a check to the developer.
Demo limitations include a reduced number of scripting lines per button or card, and compiling of standalone apps is disabled. Developers can familiarize themselves with GameMaker's features, develop an entire game, and pay the shareware fee when they need more scripting lines or are ready to distribute their game. Owners of full versions are free to charge money for the games they make with no royalties to pay, although charging fees is generally frowned upon among the GameMaker community.
