It starts with a simple object that I named oCamera.

We start with a Create event that has a couple of Macros to setup our resolution, scale, and the most important ingredient CAM_SMOOTH 0.1. This variable controls the smooth motion.

We then create an End Step, because want this update to occur towards the end of the processing.

My Endstep has a couple of tidbits that are only useful for my development, so keep an eye on that. This setup offers me a lot of flexibility.

For instance, if you notice line 8, my camera will change if I enter a Dungeon. I actually move my camera slightly higher. This works for my dungeon levels as its more important for the camera to show more above Boomer. The typical Boomer level, the camera is pretty centered, showing the same amount of space above and below the player. The dungeon, the camera is slightly lower, similar to Mario games, showing more space above the player. This is just preference and me being detailed, but it can it is not needed for the camera setup.

My last event is Alarm 0. This is a simple window_center(); call, which lets me ensure I can center my camera when needed. Consider it a way to reset if needed.

I think this approach is the simplest that takes several general principals into consideration. You have a locked in resolution that you can quickly control via Macros.

You have camera shake ‘prebaked’ into the code in a very simple manner that is very effective.

We have the ability to adjust the camera based on events, like specific rooms, or even player events. Take a look at my death event, the camera will switch from following the player, to following the death animation sprite. This is really powerful because you can quickly code instance that will automatically switch your camera between objects. All this can be coded directly into the camera for a simple, all in one approach.

Thanks for all the support!

https://www.youtube.com/live/kxx-C5O5GoE?si=rM1ZcDXHa761vI3P

I’m not sure that I am asking for much here, but yeah, kind of dissapointed at this point lol. I know there is Steam Early Access, but I am not so sure Steam is the right platform for my little game dev project. I even considered possibly publishing the game through Gumroad because of its awesome integration with community management, email subscription and distribution.

I have settled on ITCH.IO, which is by far the best platform I have seen, however, I did not see any features for early access or playtesting. Nonetheless, it may need to suit the bill for now. For the time being, I have created a private Itch.io page, and am manually distributing keys. Now, I just need a way to streamline key distribution. Maybe Discord?

Thanks for stopping by.

The Parent

Since we are going to have vertical/horizontal platforms, I usually create a parent/child system to organize them better and inherit qualities.

object: oJumpThroughPlatform

//Parent Object: oJumpThroughPlatform

//Create Event
_vspd		= 0;
_hspd		= 0;
_platDir	= choose(-1,1);



//EndStep Event
switch (object_index) 
{
	//Horizontal Platform
	case oHMovingPlatform:
		_hspd = _platDir * _moveSpeed;
		var wallCollision = place_meeting(x+_hspd, y, oPlatformStop);
		if (wallCollision)
		{
			_platDir *= -1;	
		}
		
		//Adjust the speed of the player 
		//Player object will inherit the speed of the platform they are colliding with
		with (oPlayer)
		{
			if (!place_meeting(x +other._hspd, y, oPlatformStop)) {
				if (place_meeting(x, y + 1, other) && !place_meeting(x, y, other)) {
					x+=other._hspd;
				}
			}
		}
		x += _hspd;
	break;
	
	
	//Vertical Platform
	case oVMovingPlatform:
		_vspd = _platDir * _moveSpeed;
		var heightOffset = 24;
		var upAndDownWallCollisions = place_meeting(x, y + _vspd+(heightOffset*_platDir), oPlatformStop);
		if (upAndDownWallCollisions) {
			_platDir *= -1;	
		}
	
	//Adjust the speed of the player 
	//Player object will inherit the speed of the platform they are colliding with
	#region MovePlayer
		with(oPlayer) 
		{
			if (!place_meeting(x , y+other._vspd, oPlatformStop)) {
				if(place_meeting(x, y + abs(other._vspd), other) && !place_meeting(x, y, other))
				{
					 y += other._vspd;
				}
			}
		}
	#endregion
	
	y += _vspd;
	break;
}

Additionally, I add a couple a _moveSpeed Variable Definitions to this object so that I am able to manipulate speeds in through the level editor.

Platform Stop

You’ll notice that collision for these platforms is managed with an object name oPlatformStop. This is an empty object, it requires no code at all. Simple place it in the level editor at the start and end points you would like for the moving platform. You could have an xStart/xEnd, yStart/yEnd and use variable definitions and actually screen coordinates. I’ve tried those, but since moving to the oPlatformStop object it has been much better and quicker to iterate levels.

Below is a quick screen shot of the level editor illustrating the use of the oPlatformStop objects to control the movement of the platforms.

Child Objects

I make two additional Objects for Horizontal/Vertical platforms. I reference these in the above code in the Parent Object End Step, so make sure these are referenced properly. They both will inherit from the Create and End Step, no code is really required for these moving platforms. This is an elegant approach as all the code is performed in one object.

I considered publishing the theme to the google store, but there is a paywall there, and I just dont see myself publishing much to that platform. So in the meantime, if you like the theme, I included instructions for installation. Its pretty simple and Drag & Drop.

Enjoy! Cheers! <3

Download from op1.fun and watch a quick performance video below.

Thanks! much love <3

This time around, Johnny decided to focus a bit on himself and produce and release music for himself, and it is **S T E L L A R**.

For the work I did, I used Aseprite as the main pixel art tool. I used it for the color palette, sketching and character animations. The art was then exported at 400x scale and imported into Adobe Premiere where I put together the assets and dropped in a custom spectrum visualizer.

Check out the release video, his music and all that stuff at his instragram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/B78h0AkhFs7/

Use the profile for some winter inspiration, pair it with your favorite holiday coffee or drink. Perhaps a strong warm eggnog or my personal favorite peppermint mocha hot coffee with a fat chunk of peppermint bark!

If you dont have iCUE, got get it! It’s free and download my winter profile through gumroad via the button below. The profile is free, but donations are always welcomed!

Thanks and happy holidays <3

• Dialog System
• EZ – Camera Shake
• Cinemachine Camera System
• Brackeys 2D Player Controller
• Unity 2D Player Controller Tutorial
• Photoshop Layer-To-PNG Script

Most of these assets are free and I will most likely add to the list s as I continue to develop my unity skills.

thanks!