GameMaker Cloud Save PHP Tutorial

How GameMaker cloud saves work

Your GameMaker game creates save data, sends it over HTTPS to a server, and retrieves it when the player returns. A PHP backend can validate requests and store data in MySQL. GMDB offers a hosted cloud-save service so you do not need to build the entire backend yourself.

Step 1: Prepare your player data

Store values such as level, coins and progress in a GML struct. Encode the struct as JSON before sending it to your cloud-save endpoint.

var _save = {
    level: 3,
    coins: 120,
    checkpoint: "forest"
};
var _json = json_stringify(_save);
show_debug_message(_json);

Step 2: Authenticate the player

GMDB cloud saves use an authenticated request. Obtain the player access token through the documented login flow, then send the token in the Authorization: Bearer header. Do not place your database password or administrative API secret in a distributed game.

Step 3: Send a save request

The example below shows how to construct a JSON POST with an authorization header. Adjust the request body to match the current GMDB cloud-save documentation.

// _token must be a valid player access token.
// _json must match the current GMDB save schema.
var _headers = ds_map_create();
ds_map_add(_headers, "Content-Type", "application/json");
ds_map_add(_headers, "Authorization", "Bearer " + _token);

var _url = "https://www.gmdb.co.uk/data/cloud-save.php";
var _request = http_request(_url, "POST", _headers, _json);
ds_map_destroy(_headers);

Store the returned request ID and process the response in the Async HTTP Event, just as with other GameMaker HTTP calls.

Step 4: Load and restore progress

Call the documented cloud-save retrieval operation, verify that the HTTP request succeeded, parse the JSON response, and assign validated values back to your game state. Do not assume a save exists for a new player.

Common problems

• 401 Unauthorized: verify the player token and expiry.
• Invalid save: confirm the JSON fields match the endpoint schema.
• Lost progress: confirm that the save completed successfully before leaving the room or game.

Build it faster with GMDB

GMDB provides hosted online services for GameMaker projects. Create a free account, configure your project, and follow the service documentation to connect your game.