To increase game speed, pre-draw backgrounds to a bitmap (called a surface in GameMaker). Then it can be drawn once instead of the backgrounds (and tiles) being drawn many times. As bitmaps / surfaces are memory hogs, include them as an option only.
Pros:Saves render time of unnecessary objects/tiles.Cons:Takes a lot of video memory.
Thanks for the advise!
That eats alot of video memory. But it does speed up the game. I'd say, draw your background manually.
An excellent point about memory usage, bryan. Problem #2 (as I am not afraid to point out) is that a surface cannot be bigger than 2048x2048.
True…and not,it can not be bigger than 3048x3048,close thuogh.
I have tested it. On my computer at least, the maximum is 2048x2048
It can do 3048x3048 on myne!…
Interesting… I suggest, however, that any surfaces be limitied to the lowest size limit found. That way, the game will be compatible with more computers.
Nice small tip, but a little more explanation and usage would be nice in the blog. ;)
I think surfaces are limited by video memory.
You are correct, omicron1.