Introduction

In this book, so far, we've seen quite a bit of what you can do to make a game using GameMaker. Each of the recipes in the previous chapters can be followed to create an element of a game, be it the control scheme, sound system, or interface element. If you put these elements together, you will get a game.

Well, technically, it's a game, but the question you should be asking is "Is it fun?" There's a major component of game design that isn't always obvious and that many (including myself ) have taken to calling "game feel."

Game feel refers mostly to (often) minor elements of a game that contribute to the fun of playing. This could be anything to do with controlling the game (response time), any type of feedback (visual or audio cues related to game progression), or any number of other aspects related to engaging the player. Game feel, to me, is any element that adds excitement to the game; it's what draws you in and keeps you there, immersed in the gameplay. If you've ever played...