		GAME MAKER
		==========
		version 5.0

	  written by Mark Overmars

Writing computer games normally is a lot of work
and requires skill in programming. So wouldn't it
be nice if you could make your own games in an
easy way? GAME MAKER was written to do just that.
It allows you to make all sorts of 2-dimensional
games using some simply clicking and drag-and-drop
with your mouse. But even though it is simple to use,
GAME MAKER allows you to make appealing games, with
animated graphics, backgrounds, sounds, etc. 

GAME MAKER comes with a collection of freeware
images and sounds to get you started. Also there
are a number of example games, in particular
versions of popular games like Asteroids, Pacman
and 1945.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
-------------------
A modern PC (Pentium or higher) running Windows'98,
ME, XP, NT4 or 2000 is required. After installation
the program uses about 10 MB disk space. The program 
requires at least 65000 colors (high color, 16-bit).
It requires at least 800x600 screen resolution.
DirectX 5 or higher is required (not included).

INSTALLING THE PROGRAM
----------------------
To install GAME MAKER simply run gmaker.exe. 
Installation creates an entry in the Start menu from 
which you can run the program or read the documentation. 
You can uninstall the program in the Configuation panel.

If you are currently using version 3 or 4 of GAME MAKER,
this version will remain available and can be used for
your old games. Version 5 is largely compatible with
version 4 but cannot read games created with
version 3 or earlier.

USING AND DISTRIBUTING THE PROGRAM
----------------------------------
See the enclosed license file for information on
distributing the games you create with it.

REGISTRATION
-------------
Developing GAME MAKER does cost time and money.
You are strongly encouraged to register the
program. See the item Registration in the Help
menu for details.

CONTENTS
--------
After instalation you should have the following files
in the directory C:\Program Files\Game_Maker5:

Game_Maker.exe    the Game Maker
rundata           a file used for creating stand-alone games
readme.txt        this file
license.txt       license information
changes.txt       changes with the previous versions
Game_Maker.hlp    game maker help file
Game_Maker.cnt    contents file for the help file
lib               folder that contains the action libraries
Example           folder that contains some example games
Sprites           folder containing freeware sprites
Backgrounds       folder containing freeware backgrounds
Sounds            folder containing freeware sounds

CONTACTING THE AUTHOR
---------------------
For more information, the most recent version of 
GAME MAKER, and additional games, see the web site

http://www.gamemaker.nl/

If you have comments or suggestion
you can send them to the author at
gamemaker@wanadoo.nl.
