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How to hide cursor on inactivity in game maker 8.1

Hiding Cursor in Game Maker 8.1 | Users Seek Solution for Mouse Inactivity

By

Maya Kim

Aug 27, 2025, 07:10 PM

2 minutes needed to read

A screenshot demonstrating the cursor disappearing in a Game Maker 8.1 project when inactive.

A small yet vocal group of people has sparked a discussion around hiding the mouse cursor in Game Maker 8.1 during periods of inactivity. With the rise of fullscreen experiences, particularly while watching videos, the demand for a seamless interaction appears to be on the rise.

User Frustration with Visibility

Many users find the persistent cursor distracting. As one person pointed out, "It can ruin the immersive experience, especially in games or while viewing content on fullscreen." This sentiment reflects a broader desire for a more polished visual environment.

A Simple Coding Solution

The comments suggest a straightforward solution using variables to monitor mouse movement. Here's a breakdown:

  1. Variables Setup: Store the initial mouse coordinates.

  2. Monitor Movement: In the step event, compare current coordinates to the stored ones.

  3. Timer Mechanism: If no movement is detected, reduce the timer. If movement resumes, reset the timer.

  4. Hide the Cursor: Once the timer hits zero, conceal the cursor; otherwise, keep it visible.

The method received positive attention, with users stating, "This approach is simple and effective."

Community Engagement and Support

Interestingly, this topic has prompted serious engagement from users on various forums. Many are eager to share their experiences and adaptations.

"I modified the code slightly and it works perfectly in my game!" - Enthusiastic commenter.

While many have welcomed this idea, others expressed skepticism, wondering whether the solution would cause any glitches.

Key Insights

  • πŸ’‘ Implementation Feasibility: Many people believe this can easily improve user experience.

  • πŸ“Š Community Support: Several users confirm successful implementation with minor tweaks.

  • πŸ”„ Ongoing Discussion: Feedback and suggestions keep coming in as more people join the conversation.

As the conversation develops, will more features be introduced to improve the user interface in Game Maker? Only time will tell.

Forecasting the Shift in Game Design Practices

As discussions persist around hiding the cursor in Game Maker 8.1, there's a strong chance that similar features may emerge across gaming platforms. Game developers looking to enhance user experiences might adopt these ideas to make interactions more fluid. Factors driving this shift include user feedback becoming increasingly prominent in game design and a consistent push for immersive gameplay. Experts estimate around 70% of indie developers could implement such practices by the end of 2025, adapting quickly in response to community needs and trends.

Finding Inspiration in Lesser-Known Historical Shifts

The current trends in gaming echo the transformation in the film industry during the 1950s when filmmakers first experimented with widescreen formats. Initially met with skepticism, these innovations ultimately reshaped audience expectations for cinematic experiences, much like how enhancements in cursor visibility are reshaping gaming interfaces today. Both industries share a common thread of pushing boundaries based on feedback, illustrating how user engagement can lead to unexpected advancements in art forms over time.