GameMaker Lesson 1 — Hello Sprite!

Lesson Overview

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Students will be introduced to GameMaker’s interface and the fundamental workflow of Sprite → Object → Room → Run. By the end, each student will display a custom sprite in a room and run the game successfully.

Skills: Sprites, objects, rooms, basic run loop • Extensions: Resize, recolor, rotate the sprite

Standards & Objectives

Navigate the GameMaker workspace (Resources, Room Editor, Toolbar).
Create and edit a sprite using the built‑in editor or imported image.
Create an object and assign the sprite.
Place the object in a room and run the game.
Apply basic transforms (resize, recolor, rotate).

Vocabulary

Term	Definition
Sprite	A 2D image or animation representing a character or item.
Object	A game entity that can have a sprite and behavior.
Room	The playable area/level where objects appear.
Run Loop	The continuous update/draw cycle during gameplay.

Materials & Setup

Computers with GameMaker installed
Projector for demo
Student accounts (education/free)
Access to images or built‑in editor
Optional: HelloSprite_Demo.yyz
Exit ticket (digital or printed)

Lesson Timing

Phase	Time	Notes
Introduction	10 min	Show final example; define Sprite/Object/Room.
Guided Demo	15 min	Model each step; students follow along.
Independent Practice	15–20 min	Create custom sprite; run game.
Extension	5–10 min	Resize/recolor/rotate; optional background.
Reflection & Assessment	5–10 min	Exit ticket + quick share‑outs.

Guided Demonstration (Follow‑Along)

Create a Sprite: Resources → Sprites → Create Sprite → name spr_player → Edit Image → draw a simple shape/character; demonstrate resize & recolor.
Create an Object: Resources → Objects → Create Object → name obj_player → assign spr_player.
Create a Room: Resources → Rooms → Create Room → name rm_level1 → drag obj_player into the room.
Run: Click Run ▶ and verify the sprite appears.

Naming convention tip: Use prefixes like spr_, obj_, and rm_ to keep projects organized.

Independent Practice

Create your own sprite using the editor or import an image.
Assign it to an object and place the object in the room.
Run the game and confirm it appears.

Differentiation

Beginners: Use a simple square/circle; focus on workflow.
Advanced: Try a 2–3 frame animation or adjust sprite origin.

Extension Activities

Resize the sprite (scale up/down).
Recolor using fill/brush tools.
Rotate using transform controls.
Optional: Add a background or second sprite (e.g., wall) to the room.

Assessment

Type	Criteria	Evidence
Formative	Student follows Sprite→Object→Room steps	Observation during demo
Performance	Sprite assigned and visible in room	Game runs successfully
Reflection	Explains sprite–object relationship	Exit ticket response
Extension	Applied resize/recolor/rotate	Visible changes in project

Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely Cause	Fix
Sprite not visible	Object not placed in room	Drag `obj_player` into the room
Object has no image	Sprite not assigned to object	Set `spr_player` in object properties
Game won’t run	Compilation/asset error	Check names/paths; verify assets exist

Submission Requirements

Submit the following to Google Classroom:

PX_lastname_G_Hello.gml — Game Maker source code.

PX_lastname_G_Hello.png — Screenshot of the Game Maker code.

PX_lastname_G_Hello.mp4 — Short screen recording of running your program.

You must get a secret code from Mr. Cusack to complete the assignment.

Mr. Cusack must view your program and he will ask you questions.

Reflection Prompts (Exit Ticket)

One thing I learned about sprites was ________.
One thing I still want to learn is ________.
What is the difference between a sprite and an object?
Why do we need a room to see our objects?

Next Lesson Preview

Lesson 2 — Let’s Move! Introduce keyboard input and basic motion; keep the player within room bounds.