Question: How do you export a game in GameMaker?

Answer

Exporting a game in GameMaker involves several steps, depending on the target platform (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.). Below is a general guide for exporting your game:

1. Complete Your Project: Ensure that your project is complete, and all assets are correctly placed. Test your game thoroughly within GameMaker.

2. Set Up Export Options:

   • Open your project in GameMaker Studio.
   • Go to File > Preferences for global settings or to the Game Options section in the resource tree for project-specific settings.
   • Select your target platform (e.g., Windows, macOS, HTML5) and configure the necessary options like application name, version number, display settings, etc.

3. Platform-Specific Requirements: Certain platforms may require additional setup or modules:

   • For mobile platforms, you might need to install SDKs and set up developer certificates.
   • For console exports, a specific partnership or developer program might be necessary.
   • For Windows/Mac, you may need to create an installer package.

4. Build Your Game:

   • With your target platform selected and options configured, click Create Executable or similar option from the top menu.
   • Choose the location to save your executable file or package.
   • The build process will compile and export your game to the chosen platform.

5. Testing Post-Export: After the export, always test your game on its intended platform to ensure that it runs as expected and to check for any performance issues or bugs that didn't appear during development.

6. Distribution: Once testing is complete and you're satisfied with the exported version, you can distribute your game via appropriate channels, like digital storefronts, app stores, or directly from your website.

Here's a simple example of how to initiate the export process using GML (GameMaker Language), although most of the time, you'll be doing this through the GUI.

// Export the game for Windows (run this code from a special control object or button)
if (keyboard_check_pressed(ord("E")))
{
   // The 'game' here is a placeholder for your specific game project name
   var result = os_execute_shell('C:/Program Files/GameMaker Studio 2/GameMakerStudio.exe', 
   '-export game.yyz windows');
}

Note that the actual export process is more complex and relies on GameMaker's IDE, but the above code snippet is just an illustrative example.

Always refer to the latest GameMaker documentation or the help manual for up-to-date information and detailed instructions tailored to your specific version of GameMaker and the platform you intend to export to.