Quick answer: GameMaker camera_set_view_target producing snappy camera motion that jitters at high speeds? The built-in follow centers on the target without smoothing.
A racing game uses set_view_target on the car; at high speeds the camera lags then snaps each frame.
Manual Smooth Follow
var tx = target.x - view_w/2;
var ty = target.y - view_h/2;
cam_x = lerp(cam_x, tx, 0.1);
cam_y = lerp(cam_y, ty, 0.1);
camera_set_view_pos(cam, floor(cam_x), floor(cam_y));Lerp at 0.1 = ~10% closer per frame. Tune for desired snappiness.
Floor for Pixel-Art
For pixel art, floor the lerped position so tiles align with screen pixels. Otherwise sub-pixel motion produces shimmer.
Velocity Look-Ahead
For racing / fast-paced games, offset the camera target by velocity * factor. Player sees ahead of motion, feels responsive.
Per-Axis Tuning
X follow can be tighter than Y (or vice versa) for platformers and racing. Different lerp factors per axis are fine.
Verifying
Camera tracks smoothly even at high target speeds. No snapping; integer pixel positions on pixel art.
“Built-in target follow has no smoothing. Lerp manually with per-axis factors.”
Reserve set_view_target for cinematic snapping moments (cutscenes) — gameplay cameras benefit from a custom follow.