CHAPTER 1: Overview
GOALS
This chapter will introduce the content of the book and its goals, then will do a little introcution to programming, GameMaker Studio 2, the interface of the software, how to download and install it.
Pages no: 15
CHAPTER 2: Hello World
GOALS:
This chapter will introduce GMS2 and the main concepts around programming and software development via a simple hello world project.
Pages no: 17
CHAPTER 3: Memory (part 1)
GOALS:
Covering the complete design of the game and the implementation of the first half of it.
Topics covered are: an introduction to game design documents, arrays, data structures, loops, functions, scripts and the implementation of the first part of the game (creating the deck of cards, shuffling and positioning cards in the room, flipping cards via the click of the mouse)
Pages no: 35
CHAPTER 4: Memory (part 2)
GOALS:
Finishing the development of the game, plus considerations on game design and how to make a game fun.
Topics covered are: game logic, victory conditions, timers and time-based tasks, texts and GUI, fun factor in a video game, game design considerations.
Pages no: 30
CHAPTER 5: 1942 (Part 1)
GOALS:
Covering the design and first part of the implementation of an endless vertical shooter based on the famous Z80 classic by Capcom, 1942.
Introducing vertical scrolling, arrow-keys movements, bullet system, enemies, score and explosions.
Pages no: 50
CHAPTER 6: 1942 (Part 2)
GOALS:
Covering the second half of the implementation of the 1942-clone game.
Introducing enemy AI, HP and statuses, power ups, level design boss fights.
Also covered: game design considerations, fun factor and challenges
Pages no: 50
CHAPTER 7: Designing Bosses
GOALS:
This chapter will cover some interesting in-depth analysis to boss fights design taking as examples real world video games that made boss fighting good (Shadow of the Colossus, Dark Souls, etc.).
Pages no: 10
CHAPTER 8: Super Plumber Bros (Part 1)
GOALS:
Covering design and implementation of a platformer based on the classic Super Mario Bros.
This chapter will reinforce some concepts from previous chapters like keyboard movement, score, HP, enemies, power ups, level design and attack.
Pages no: 50
CHAPTER 9: Super Plumber Bros (Part 2)
GOALS:
This will cover the second half of the game introducing new concepts.
Topics covered are:
side scrolling camera, running, jumping, gravity, save system and gamepad controller
Also covered: game design considerations, fun factor and challenges.
Pages no: 50
CHAPTER 10: Designing Platformers
GOALS:
This chapter will analyse the history of platformer and how they evolved in the years. Considerations about how to make a platformer fun and challenging will be the main topic of the chapter. There will be in-depth analysis of masterpieces of the genre like Super Mario Bros and Spelunky.
Pages no: 10
CHAPTER 11: CottageVania (part 1)
GOALS:
Design and implementation of a metroidvania, building on the concepts covered in chapters 7 and 8.
Covering the first half of the implementation of the game creating a platformer (like the one in chapter 7 and 8) and enhancing it with stats and different attacks.
Pages no: 50
CHAPTER 12: CottageVania (part 2)
GOALS:
Finishing the implementation of the game adding some interesting characteristics like: good level design, bossfights, items.
Considerations about game design.
Challenges and exercises.
Pages no: 50
CHAPTER 13: Designing Metroidvania
GOALS:
Talking about metroidvania and the importance they have in the game industry. How they became one of the most wanted game genre and one of the most appreciated.
What makes a metroidvania good? Examples on real life games (Metroid, Castlevania, Hollow Knight, etc)
Pages no: 10
CHAPTER 14: What's next?
GOAL:
how to progress learning and publishing your game on digital stores (steam, gog, etc.)
Pages no: 10
