752 replies to this topic

[lukeescude]

GMechanism API Extension
The GMechanism API is in the form of a Game Maker extension package, and allows you, the developer, to add advanced online functionality like highscores, achievements, private and public chat systems, online INI, user profile read/write, user accounts, etc. GMechanism has its own secure database which is what it connects to, and stores user accounts. (but user accounts are not necessary - just good for data storage). So, you can have your own user account/highscore management system in your own game, without a server!

NOTE: Make sure to download the proper extension package for your version of Game Maker (Studio, 8.1, 8.0, etc)

Another note: The only features of the API that require the user to have an account are Achievements and the buddy list.

GMechanism Developer Portal
As the developer, you can view statistics about your game through the Developer Portal. From there, you set your achievements, reset and delete highscore table entries, view how many times your game has been played, manage your online INI, etc. The same website will also host the GMarket, where developers and creators can upload their creations and make money by selling them! The portal is at http://www.gmechanism.com

Downloads

GMechanism Application: (No longer available - use the website http://www.gmechanism.com instead)

GMech API (GM 8): http://www.gmechanism.com/GMechAPI.zip

GMech API (GM 8.1): http://www.gmechanis.../GMechAPI81.zip

GMech API (GM Studio:Windows/HTML5/Mac/Android/iOS/Win8): http://www.gmechanis...hAPI-Studio.zip

GMech Demo Video: http://www.youtube.c...h?v=5G2LN85LqQw

Forum
The GMechanism Forum is located at: http://www.gmechanis.../forum_main.php

Some API Features
- Submit and display online highscores (and reversed scoreboards)
- Sign in to user's GMechanism account, if they have one
- Private chats (Functionality being restored soon)
- Online Achievements
- How many times your game's been played
- Public and private IP information
- Online INI hosting
- Online in-game chat engine (Functionality being restored soon)

Future API Features
- MMORPG Functions
- Shared Variables
- Game Licensing
- Auto Updater
- In-Game Purchases

API Ports and Progress
GM 7 - Not supported
GM 8 - RELEASED
GM 8.1 - RELEASED
GM Studio Windows - RELEASED
GM Studio HTML5 - RELEASED
GM Studio Mac - RELEASED
GM Studio iOS - RELEASED
GM Studio Android - RELEASED
GM Studio Windows 8 - RELEASED

Server Statistics
Registered users: 3000+
GMechanism enabled games: 215+

Edited by lukeescude, 22 February 2013 - 12:27 AM.

[jobro]

First! This looks really, really impressive. Downloading it and will give some constructive critics.

The engine works really nice, the only problem I could detect is that the login / sign up windows didn't treat the TAB key as normal Windows would do.by sending the text entry to the next field. Not a big issue, but it is better to streamline the user interface to the windows standards as much as possible.

Edited by jobro, 07 August 2011 - 07:56 PM.

[lukeescude]

Alright I'll add that. It's not very easy to add, since the Game Maker window loses focus, and so does the keyboard, when using Windows API. But I'll check it out!

[jobro]

You could set your own window as always on top. Winamp has that function. I hardly ever use it unless by mistake I activate it. Another way would be to embed the login form inside the game window.

[ChaosMaker]

WOW, its amazing
nice work, really nice work
*.*

[lukeescude]

Thanks!

@Jobro - Yeah you can also choose to embed it into your game as well. The prompt is just a nice quick way to do it without thinking.

[lukeescude]

Just a quick update: Some new bugfixes are out, and the highscore functions are virtually lag-less now.

Also I intend on putting in a Game-local chatroom engine, so stay tuned for that update on the way.

[lukeescude]

API has been updated!

Now you can have your own in-game chat engine. Only three commands, it's so simple to use.

Added a true/false parameter to the SubmitHighScore function, to allow guests, if you wan't, to submit their highscores.

Added a true/false parameter to the Init function to auto-launch the buddy list if you want.

[Robert3DG+]

Will there ever be a light version that doesn't require GMechanism account, logging in or any of that stuff? A version that can be run from a users own webspace?

I can't see many people putting their trust in something that depends on someone elses site to remain functional. Especially since sites from GMC members disappear over night.

Also some people may want the source of their highscore system to be a bit more discreet, or would prefer to run everything from their own webspace.

Unless of course I don't understand how this works. But it seems (from reading the first post) all the account stuff is very deeply spidered in the system.

[TerraFriedSheep]

This is a good system, but there are some flaws, like submitting highscores. You either sumbit the name of the person logged in (which may not be), or in the case of a guest, you only have the option of a custom pop-up for them to enter their name. It would be better if you could just put a name box in.

Like Robert3DG+ said, this needs a "lite" version, to make it more appealing to more people.

Also, is it possible to access another games ini file from other games, for stuff like server lists?

[lukeescude]

The only features that GMechanism has that REQUIRES the user to have an account is the Achievements system. Highscores, like you said, can be sent with a guest's username. That's the only user account-dependent function.

As for the guest box, this most recent update is the first time I've used it, but sure, I'll let the developer put their own username entry box in.

GMechanism is not going to disappear overnight, I guarantee it. I've invested a lot of time in making it work, so I intend to spread the word about it and make it a well-known and well-used system.

Thanks for the input, I've written down the custom guest box entry idea, so I'll have that in the next update!

EDIT: For game security, the only INI file you can access is your game's specific INI... I can add functions to access another INI though, if you'd like... Just so you understand, the INI file is unique to your game's Game ID. So if multiple users are playing your same game, they all use the same INI... The INI file isn't specific to that single instance of a game. Just the game itself.

Also, the GMech_SignUp() function pops up a box and quickly lets the user sign up for a GMechanism account. Just a username and password with confirmation.

Edited by lukeescude, 17 August 2011 - 02:20 PM.

[lukeescude]

Thanks Pendulum, I can't wait for Electro, either!

Alright, API and GMechanism released!

API Updates:
1. The statistics are now live, like PlyerCount, PlayerName, PlayerIP, etc.

2. Fixed a bug that prevented the buddy list from working after closing and reopening

3.Fixed a major online HS table bug with username numerical pairing

4. Fixed a bug with the PromptSignIn function

5. Fixed bug with SIgnUp()

6. Added a GuestString to the chatbox for guests to chat too

7. Replaced the true/false of SubmitHighScore with a string - READ HELP FILE

GMechanism updates:
1. Shoutboxes are vertical

2. Improved achievements viewing pages

3. Smilies no longer have text behind them (finally )

[Blue Leader]

This sounds very interesting. But I was wondering if it would be possible to get an example that works in GM7? I still have yet to buy the more recent version, and I really don't have any interest to do so quite yet. So I thought I might ask.

[lukeescude]

Oh! I should've thought of that, I apologize.

I'll get a GM7 example in the ZIP soon, probably tomorrow. I'll post back up here when it's up.

[The Legend]

Looks awesome. Can't wait to learn how to use it! However, you should turn this into a lib so that people that don't understand or are too lazy to learn gml can make cool online games!

[Debels]

GMech is awesome

[lukeescude]

Thanks!

It's starting to become much more popular, and more updates are along the way!

[lukeescude]

API has been updated, download now!

[T194]

This looks really good, I'm excited. I'm trying to run it though and getting the error "title=readstring()" inside the extension. I'm guessing this might be something to do with registering the game?
EDIT: I've narrowed it down a bit more, it only happens when I use the extension in a particular game. It uses other extension packages and happens when loading.
EDIT2: Solved it myself, if its of any interest to you it seemed to have a problem with a folder in objects named "junk". It didn't have anything of interest in but once this was deleted it worked fine

Edited by T194, 30 September 2011 - 06:25 PM.

[lukeescude]

Interesting! GMechanism doesn't use any sort of "junk" folder, or any folders at all, actually. I'll look into it though, sorry about that error.

Thanks for your interest in the API!

EDIT: It could be a conflicting object name... Didn't think of that. Thanks for the bug submission, I'll get that fixed.

Edited by lukeescude, 30 September 2011 - 08:41 PM.