So, while I still haven't worked out the issue I was having with GameMaker, I have been looking into other game engines. Well, I think I found a potential option for me, GameSalad. It's mostly no code, which is perfect for someone like me who gets lost easily in coding and can't pick it up for the life of me. I did a very simple test and I got it to do what I want no problem. It very much reminds me of ClickTeam Fusion, which is another one I've messed with, but this is also more affordable if I do go with it. 

So I'll see what I can do for a quick and simple test game for myself, I probably won't share it here, it's mostly just to see if I can do what I'm aiming to do with my games. I might just go with GameSalad. It's looking very promising and beginner friendly, which is perfect for me.