Expose the font asset as part of the prefab

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 73 views

Introduction

When working with GameMaker Studio 2, using prefabs can be a great way to create reusable assets and streamline your development process. However, there are certain scenarios where a prefab copied to a project may fail to build. In this article, we will explore one such issue and provide a step-by-step guide to resolve it.

The Issue

The problem arises when a prefab has a reference to a font that has not been exposed as part of the prefab. This can cause the project to fail to build, resulting in a "Failed Loading Project Error" with a cryptic error message.

Error Message

The error message typically looks like this:

Failed Loading Project Error: Cannot load project because linking failed with the following errors:
C:/Users/gsmart/GameMakerProjects/pfb_copytoprojectfont/fonts/fUI/fUI.yy(285,4): Cannot find folder path 'io.gamemaker.userinterface-0.0.4.yyp'.

Unhandled exception. System.Reflection.TargetInvocationException: Exception has been thrown by the target of an invocation.
  ---> System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
   at GMAssetCompiler.Loader.LoadGMS2CreateAssets(String _filename)
   at GMAssetCompiler.Loader.Load(String _name)
   at GMAssetCompiler.Program.GetAssetsFile(List`1 _args)
   at GMAssetCompiler.Program.Main(String[] _args)
   at System.RuntimeMethodHandle.InvokeMethod(Object target, Void** arguments, Signature sig, Boolean isConstructor)
   at System.Reflection.MethodBaseInvoker.InvokeDirectByRefWithFewArgs(Object obj, Span`1 copyOfArgs, BindingFlags invokeAttr)
   at System.Reflection.MethodBaseInvoker.InvokeWithOneArg(Object obj, BindingFlags invokeAttr, Binder binder, Object[] parameters, CultureInfo culture)
   at System.Reflection.MethodBase.Invoke(Object obj, Object[] parameters)
   at Igor.Program.ExecuteAssetCompiler(String _args)
   at Igor.Program.SetupBuildEnv(String _options, String _project, String _runtimeLocation, String _cache, String _temp, String _user, String _outputFilename, String _targetFilename, String _debuggerPort, Boolean _launchPackage)
   at Igor.Program.

Steps to Reproduce

To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

Create a new project in GameMaker Studio 2.
Create a prefab with a font asset that has not been exposed as part of the prefab.
Copy the prefab to the project.
Attempt to build the project.

Which Version of GameMaker are you Reporting this Issue for?

This issue has been reported for GameMaker Studio 2 version 2024.1300.0.770 (IDE) and 2024.1300.0.777 (Runtime).

Which Operating System(s) are you Seeing the Problem on?

This issue has been reported on Windows 10.0.22631.0.

Resolving the Issue

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

Expose the font asset as part of the prefab: In the prefab's properties, ensure that the font asset is exposed as part of the prefab. This can be done by selecting the font asset and checking the "Expose as part of prefab" checkbox.
Rebuild the prefab: Once the font asset is exposed, rebuild the prefab by clicking on the "Rebuild" button in the prefab's properties.
Copy the prefab to the project: Copy the rebuilt prefab to the project.
Attempt to build the project: Attempt to build the project again.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and successfully build your project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when working with prefabs in GameMaker Studio 2, it's essential to ensure that all assets, including fonts, are exposed as part of the prefab. Failure to do so can result in a project build failure. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve this issue and successfully build your project.

Additional Tips

Always ensure that all assets are exposed as part of the prefab to avoid build failures.
Regularly rebuild prefabs to ensure that all assets are up-to-date.
If you're experiencing issues with prefabs, try rebuilding the prefab and re-copying it to the project.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of a prefab copied to a project failing to build due to a reference to a font that has not been exposed as part of the prefab. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help you better understand the issue and its resolution.

Q: What is the cause of the issue?

A: The cause of the issue is a reference to a font that has not been exposed as part of the prefab. This can cause the project to fail to build, resulting in a "Failed Loading Project Error" with a cryptic error message.

Q: How do I expose a font asset as part of the prefab?

A: To expose a font asset as part of the prefab, follow these steps:

Select the font asset in the prefab's properties.
Check the "Expose as part of prefab" checkbox.
Rebuild the prefab by clicking on the "Rebuild" button in the prefab's properties.

Q: Why do I need to rebuild the prefab?

A: Rebuilding the prefab ensures that all assets, including fonts, are up-to-date and exposed as part of the prefab. This is essential to avoid build failures.

Q: What if I'm still experiencing issues after rebuilding the prefab?

A: If you're still experiencing issues after rebuilding the prefab, try the following:

Check that all assets are exposed as part of the prefab.
Verify that the font asset is correctly referenced in the prefab.
Attempt to build the project again.

Q: Can I use a different font asset in the prefab?

A: Yes, you can use a different font asset in the prefab. Simply replace the existing font asset with the new one and rebuild the prefab.

Q: How do I prevent this issue from occurring in the future?

A: To prevent this issue from occurring in the future, follow these best practices:

Always expose all assets as part of the prefab.
Regularly rebuild prefabs to ensure that all assets are up-to-date.
Verify that all assets are correctly referenced in the prefab.

Q: What if I'm using a third-party font asset?

A: If you're using a third-party font asset, ensure that it is correctly exposed as part of the prefab. You may need to consult the font asset's documentation or contact the font asset's developer for assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of a prefab copied to a project failing to build due to a reference to a font that has not been exposed as part of the prefab is a common problem that can be easily resolved by following the steps outlined in this article. By understanding the cause of the issue and following best practices, you can ensure a smooth development process and avoid common pitfalls when working with prefabs in GameMaker Studio 2.

Additional Tips

Always test your project after rebuilding the prefab to ensure that the issue is resolved.
Consider creating a backup of your project before rebuilding the prefab to ensure that you can easily revert to a previous version if needed.
If you're experiencing issues with prefabs, try seeking assistance from the GameMaker Studio 2 community or contacting the game engine's support team.