Hey everyone! I'm excited to announce that GameMaker Studio 2 is a sponsor for Ludum Dare 49!

• :newspaper: Press Release

GameMaker has been a popular game making tool within the community for over a decade, and we're excited to be working together.

If you're interested, we encourage you to give GameMaker Studio 2 a try (download it here). It's free and fully accessible for anyone to start learning. ~~GameMaker will be providing licenses so everyone can export their games made during Ludum Dare 49.~~ UPDATE: GameMaker Studio 2 licenses now available, see the deals page: https://ldjam.com/../ludum-deals-49

There are still a few weeks between now and Ludum Dare 49 if you'd like to learn it. To help you get started, we've collected some tips and resources below.

GameMaker Studio 2 resources

I'm thrilled to introduce Shaun Spalding, also known as @ShaunJS. He's a regular participant that has created more than a dozen games for Ludum Dare and other jams. He's a big fan of GameMaker for jamming, and we thought he'd be a great person to ask for advice on using GameMaker in Ludum Dare.

GameMaker Studio 2 + Ludum Dare tips from ShaunJS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JZAAbyUNsQ

Shaun's YouTube channel is home to many GameMaker Studio tutorials. I asked for some "quick start" recommendations, videos tutorials and general advice, and here's what he suggested:

• "My daft, breathless 12 minute guide to making your first game": link
• 30 minute beginners guide to GameMaker Studio: link
• Pixelated Pope's GameMaker Do's and Don'ts (15 Commandments of GameMaker): link
• Micro-tutorial — Make a platformer in GameMaker (any version): link
• The GameMaker subreddit's Wiki: link

If you're a more experienced user, Shaun recommended these libraries and add-ons:

• JuJu Adams libraries: link
• GMLive, a paid add-on that adds "Live Coding" to GameMaker Studio: link, Shaun's GMLive video

EDIT: Update! YellowAfterLife has put GMLive on sale! 20% off for Ludum Dare 49!

Recommended official tutorials

If you prefer step-by-step written tutorials, these come highly recommended:

• Fire Jump full game tutorial (beginner): link
• Little Town full game tutorial (beginner-intermediate): link
• Make your own Arcade Classic (beginner): link

That just scratches the surface. You can find a more comprehensive library on the GameMaker tutorial website, as well as more information in the GameMaker Studio 2 manual.