Chaky Games Studio Indie game dev - Belgrade

Start here / Your first creation

Make your
first level.

Build a flat platform, add a dressed character, connect its controls and bring the scene to life with an effect. Test each addition as you go.

Beginner7 stepsStep-by-step guide
  1. Ground
  2. Character
  3. Controls
  4. Effect
  5. Save
Build your first sceneBrowse the examples

A small scene you can test

This first project is a place to learn the editor: one floor, one character and one effect. Once it works, add a goal, hazards or a puzzle using the full walkthrough. Keep the first scene simple enough to inspect every part.

Find your way around the editorGet help when a step behaves differently

From an empty scene to your first build

  1. Step 01

    Open a level you can experiment in

    Create a new level → expanded right-side menu

    Start a new editable level and save it with a name such as My First Scene. Find the object palette, selected-object toolbar, Play and Save Level. Use the expanded right menu when looking for the drawing and particle editors.

    Check your resultYou have a named level and can return to the editor after a Play test.

    Open the related reference
  2. Step 02

    Give the scene a solid floor

    Object palette → rectangle → Object Settings

    Add a wide rectangle near the bottom of the scene. In Object Settings, use Body Type: Static and keep Is Sensor off. Leave room above it for the character and on both sides for walking.

    Check your resultThe floor stays still in Play and can support a dynamic object.

    Open the related reference
  3. Step 03

    Add a character and choose a skin

    Object palette → Ragdoll → Ragdoll settings

    Place a ragdoll just above the floor. Enable Ragdoll Skin, choose an everyday character and start with Pose Type: Normal. Keep the starting size and leave equipment off for now.

    Check your resultThe dressed character has space to settle onto the floor.

    Open the related reference
  4. Step 04

    Connect walking to the player

    Level Play controls → Ragdoll movement settings

    Enable the level’s primary left/right buttons. On the ragdoll, enable Ragdoll Movement, choose Walk and turn Automatic Walk off if present. Enable Control Walking With Controls, choose Primary Left/Right Buttons and enable walking in both directions.

    Check your resultIn Play, each button requests its corresponding direction. Test one, release it, then test the other.

    Open the related reference
  5. Step 05

    Add a little atmosphere

    Expanded right menu → Particle Editor → Particles

    Choose the Falling Leaves preset and preview it. Save it as First Scene Leaves. Open Particles, select the saved tile and place it away from the character’s feet. Use Scene Object when it should act as scenery. For your own artwork, follow the custom-particle example next.

    Check your resultYou can see the saved effect in your level without obscuring the walking test.

    Open the related reference
  6. Step 06

    Play the whole scene

    Level → Play → return to editor

    Try left, release, then right. Watch the feet, the floor and the effect together. Check that old particles disappear. If something breaks, return to the last working setup and change one setting at a time.

    Check your resultThe character responds in both directions and the effect stays readable.

    Open the related reference
  7. Step 07

    Save a version you can return to

    Save Level → reopen → Export Level

    Save Level, reopen it and repeat the test. To share a copy, use Export Level → Save as .am file when file export is available in your version, or copy the exported text. Test a separately imported copy before sharing it. Use Import .am file or the text import panel on the receiving install.

    Check your resultThe reopened scene keeps its appearance, controls and saved effect.

    Open the related reference

Ready for the next idea?

Make it your own

01 / Art & effects

Turn your drawing into particles

Paint a small graphic, give it motion in Particle Editor and place your own effect in a level.

Build this example

02 / Characters & vehicles

Dress a character and make it walk

Choose a skin, set up walking and connect left/right input on a simple flat platform.

Build this example

03 / Art & effects

Make sparks on impact

Save a short spark burst and trigger it when a physical object hits the floor.

Build this example