YoYoGames Help:FAQ

Please read this FAQ before continuing onto the Helpdesk. Your question might be answered here, immediately!

How do I buy GameMaker Standard 8.1?
This is available on the YoYo Store

If you are looking to upgrade Game Maker 8 Pro then download GameMaker 8.1 Lite version Make sure you update (you must be online). Enter license key (this can be found on the email sent to you from YoYo Games). Enter the full serial number NOT the purchase reference. If you do not have a license key then you need to go to the Store, enter your purchase reference (from softwrap). The amount will go to $0. You will then be sent an email from YoYo Games that will provide you with a valid licence key.

I have a previous version of Game Maker, can I upgrade to Game Maker 8.
There was a free upgrade to Game Maker 8 for anyone who purchased Game Maker 7 during 2009. This offer remained valid until the end of March, 2010 only. For all other users you need to pay to use Game Maker 8 after this time.

How do I buy GameMaker for Mac?
This is available on the YoYo Store - please note that it is version 7 and not compatible with GameMaker for Windows.

I have purchased GameMaker but do not have an Activation Code.
The Purchase Reference generated when you bought GameMaker is in fact your Activation Code. If you haven't noted it down or received a confirmation email you can first try to retrieve it by following this link and enter the email address you used to register the product (only for GM7 and GM8)... http://www.softwrap.com/page.aspx?section_id=9 it should automatically send you what you need. If you no longer use that email address or the link sends you an email without any details ...then email [mailto:support@softwrap.com support@softwrap.com] and they will deal with this within 24 hours (weekdays only)

I bought GameMaker and after a time the software reverted to Lite mode
Please check that your system clock is working properly and that the system is showing the correct time and date. This is one of the most common causes of this issue. Gamemaker must be able to revalidate your license at least once a month. This will either require an internet connection or for you to manually download the license verification file from YoYo Games website

How do I install GameMaker on a 2nd or 3rd computer ?
Download the Lite version to the PC, run the program and click on the 'Enter License Key' in the upgrade window pop up. "License Holder" is the email address you used when you registered the product, you will also need your Purchase Reference handy. BE AWARE that there is limited uses for entering your activation and misuse or entering too many times will invalidate your license and you will not be able to continue using GameMaker.

When I run GM8 Lite and click on 'Enter Activation Code' the page won't load
You probably need to disable your firewall and enable cookies.

I work in a school/college/summer camp/educational facility and want to purchase a License for my lab/IT suite.
Please click here and put Site License in the title. We'll get back to you with pricing details (based on how many licenses you need) and info on how to proceed.

My PC is not connected to the Internet, can I upgrade to GameMaker ?
Unfortunately we can’t offer offline/telephone activation. Most people find they can get their PC to an internet connection for just a few minutes to authenticate.

I work in a school/college/summer camp/educational facility and want to upgrade
The same upgrade rules apply to schools licensees as the retail product. A version 7 site license may currently be upgraded for a discounted price. If you want to discuss a new license for GameMaker, then please click here and fill in the details of your school address and how many seats you require and we'll get back to you.

Where do I get Programming Support ?
We're investigating the possibility of offering a paid for programming support service, meantime the HELPDESK is NOT staffed with anyone who understands programming issues. For beginners we suggest you try working through the Official Tutorials. There's an excellent and constantly expanding range of brief tutorials here in the Wiki. Finally, we recommend that you search the Game Maker Community forums or post your own question. You'll find there are many thousands of fellow Game Maker programmers who visit the Game Maker Community forums every day and may recognise your issue and help you directly.

How do I report Bugs in Game Maker OR on the website
YoYo Games has setup a bug reporting server. You can find it at here at bugs.yoyogames.com

How do I Upload a game
First you must be a community member to upload a game, so you'll need to register here if you haven't already. Once you have created a login then go to Share and fill in your game details and upload your game file. Don't forget to think carefully about the tags you set against your game - this is what the community will use to search and find your game.

Can I change my User ID ?
Yes, but you will need to request an admin to do this for you through our helpdesk.

FAQs: If you have a query which isn't in this list please send us a message.

updated 19/05/2011