Undertale, the critically acclaimed role-playing game, has been a topic of discussion among gamers and developers alike since its release in 2015. The game’s unique storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics have made it a cult classic. However, have you ever wondered what tools and technologies were used to create this masterpiece? In this article, we will delve into the world of Undertale’s development and explore the game engine, programming languages, and software used to bring this iconic game to life.
The Game Engine: GameMaker Studio
Undertale was created using GameMaker Studio, a popular game development engine designed for creating 2D games. GameMaker Studio was chosen by Toby Fox, the game’s creator, due to its ease of use, flexibility, and affordability. The engine provided Fox with the necessary tools to create a game with a unique art style, engaging gameplay, and a rich storyline.
GameMaker Studio offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible to developers without extensive programming knowledge. However, the engine also supports scripting languages, such as GameMaker Language (GML), which Fox used to create the game’s complex mechanics and interactions.
Why GameMaker Studio?
So, why did Toby Fox choose GameMaker Studio over other game engines? In an interview, Fox mentioned that he selected GameMaker Studio due to its:
- Ease of use: Fox was able to quickly create prototypes and test ideas without requiring extensive programming knowledge.
- Flexibility: GameMaker Studio allowed Fox to create a game with a unique art style and gameplay mechanics.
- Affordability: GameMaker Studio was a cost-effective solution for Fox, who was working on a limited budget.
Programming Languages: GameMaker Language (GML) And C++
Undertale’s gameplay mechanics, interactions, and systems were created using GameMaker Language (GML), a scripting language designed specifically for GameMaker Studio. GML is a high-level language that allows developers to create complex game logic without requiring extensive programming knowledge.
In addition to GML, Fox also used C++ to create some of the game’s core systems, such as the game’s physics engine and audio management. C++ is a low-level language that provides direct access to hardware resources, making it ideal for creating high-performance applications.
GML Vs. C++: What’s The Difference?
So, what’s the difference between GML and C++? Here’s a brief comparison:
- GML:
- High-level language
- Easy to learn and use
- Ideal for creating game logic and interactions
- Runs on top of GameMaker Studio’s engine
- C++:
- Low-level language
- More complex and challenging to learn
- Ideal for creating high-performance applications and core systems
- Provides direct access to hardware resources
Software And Tools: Adobe Animate And Audacity
In addition to GameMaker Studio, Fox used several other software tools to create Undertale’s assets and audio. Adobe Animate (formerly Flash) was used to create the game’s animations and cutscenes, while Audacity was used to edit and mix the game’s audio.
Adobe Animate: A Powerful Animation Tool
Adobe Animate is a powerful animation tool that allows developers to create complex animations and cutscenes. Fox used Animate to create Undertale’s iconic animations, including the game’s character sprites and boss battles.
Key Features of Adobe Animate
- Vector-based animation
- Support for multiple layers and timelines
- Advanced tweening and easing options
- Integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications
Audio Editing: Audacity
Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that Fox used to edit and mix Undertale’s audio. The software provides a range of features, including multi-track editing, effects processing, and support for multiple file formats.
Audacity: A Powerful Audio Editing Tool
Audacity is a powerful audio editing tool that provides a range of features for editing and mixing audio. Fox used Audacity to create Undertale’s iconic soundtrack, including the game’s themes and sound effects.
Key Features of Audacity
- Multi-track editing
- Support for multiple file formats
- Effects processing and plugins
- Free and open-source
Conclusion
Undertale’s creation is a testament to the power of game development engines, programming languages, and software tools. By using GameMaker Studio, GML, C++, Adobe Animate, and Audacity, Toby Fox was able to create a game that has become a cult classic. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Undertale’s development story is an inspiration to anyone looking to create their own games.
By understanding the tools and technologies used to create Undertale, developers can gain a deeper appreciation for the game’s mechanics, art style, and audio. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll create a game that will become a cult classic, just like Undertale.
What Inspired Toby Fox To Create Undertale?
Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, drew inspiration from various sources, including his own experiences and interests. He was particularly influenced by EarthBound, a classic RPG that he admired for its unique storytelling and characters. Fox also drew inspiration from his own struggles with anxiety and depression, which he incorporated into the game’s narrative.
Fox’s passion for music also played a significant role in the game’s development. He composed the game’s soundtrack, which features a distinctive and catchy score that has become iconic in the world of gaming. The music in Undertale is not only memorable but also serves to enhance the game’s emotional impact, making it an integral part of the overall experience.
How Long Did It Take To Develop Undertale?
The development of Undertale was a relatively solo effort, with Toby Fox handling most of the game’s design, writing, and composition. The game was in development for approximately 2.5 years, from 2012 to 2015. During this time, Fox worked tirelessly to bring his vision to life, pouring his heart and soul into the game.
Despite the challenges he faced, Fox remained committed to his vision, and the end result was well worth the effort. Undertale’s unique blend of storytelling, characters, and gameplay mechanics has made it a beloved classic among gamers, and its impact continues to be felt in the gaming community.
What Programming Language Was Used To Create Undertale?
Undertale was created using the GameMaker: Studio engine, which utilizes a custom scripting language called GameMaker Language (GML). GML is a proprietary language developed by YoYo Games, the creators of GameMaker. The language is designed to be easy to learn and use, making it accessible to developers of all skill levels.
Fox’s use of GameMaker and GML allowed him to focus on the game’s design and content, rather than getting bogged down in complex programming tasks. The engine’s flexibility and ease of use enabled Fox to bring his vision to life, and the end result is a game that is both engaging and emotionally resonant.
How Did Toby Fox Handle The Game’s Writing And Dialogue?
Toby Fox handled the writing and dialogue for Undertale, pouring his heart and soul into the game’s narrative. He drew inspiration from his own experiences and interests, as well as from literature and other forms of media. Fox’s writing style is characterized by its wit, humor, and emotional depth, making the game’s characters feel fully realized and relatable.
Fox’s approach to writing was highly iterative, with the game’s story and characters evolving over time. He experimented with different dialogue styles and narrative structures, ultimately settling on a approach that blended humor and pathos. The end result is a game that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving, with a narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
What Role Did The Game’s Art Style Play In Its Development?
The art style in Undertale is deliberately retro, with a distinctive pixelated aesthetic that pays homage to classic RPGs. The game’s visuals are simple yet effective, with a focus on bold colors and striking character designs. The art style was handled by Toby Fox, who drew inspiration from his own artistic interests and influences.
The game’s art style plays a significant role in its overall atmosphere and tone, with the pixelated visuals adding to the game’s sense of nostalgia and charm. The art style also serves to enhance the game’s emotional impact, with the simple yet expressive character designs making it easy to become invested in the game’s story and characters.
How Did Undertale’s Soundtrack Contribute To The Game’s Overall Experience?
The soundtrack in Undertale is a masterpiece, with a distinctive and catchy score that has become iconic in the world of gaming. The music was composed by Toby Fox, who drew inspiration from his own musical interests and influences. The soundtrack features a wide range of styles and genres, from electronic to folk, with each track carefully crafted to enhance the game’s emotional impact.
The music in Undertale is not just background noise – it’s an integral part of the game’s overall experience. The soundtrack serves to heighten the game’s emotional impact, making key moments feel even more intense and memorable. The music is also highly memorable, with many of the game’s tracks becoming earworms that linger long after the credits roll.
What Impact Has Undertale Had On The Gaming Community?
Undertale has had a profound impact on the gaming community, with its unique blend of storytelling, characters, and gameplay mechanics inspiring a devoted following. The game’s emotional depth and resonance have made it a beloved classic among gamers, with many players citing it as one of their favorite games of all time.
The game’s impact extends beyond its own community, with Undertale influencing a wide range of other games and developers. The game’s innovative approach to storytelling and gameplay mechanics has raised the bar for indie game development, inspiring a new generation of developers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming.