Explore tools like codeSpark, Scratch, Unity and Unreal Engine to create your game. Use online tutorials and forums to enhance your skills and get inspired by other projects.
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Game development platforms
CodeSpark (Top platform for elementary school)
- Intro to Game Design in codeSpark with super teacher Kristen Brooks.
- Free access for teachers and students.
Scratch (Top platform for upper elementary and middle school)
- Online platform that combines computer programming with graphic design tools to allow users to create games, animations, and other interactive programs.
- This resource guides users through the process of using Scratch to learn the basics of programming and game design.
- Scratch game tutorials.
- Scratch Design Journal.
- Scratch Ideas & Resources.
- Starter Projects.
- Scratch YouTube Channel.
Unity (Top platform for high school - 16+)
- If you are new to game design then check out Unity Essentials and Create with Code.
- For aspiring programmers: Jr. Programmer Pathway.
- For aspiring game artists: Creative Core!
- For students under 16: Free teacher and student accounts.
- For students 16+: Free teacher and student accounts.
Unreal Engine
- The same powerful technology used by major studios. An end-to-end ecosystem to create, ship and operate games.
- Learning Library.
Tutorials and guides
Kodu Game Lab
- 3D game development environment designed to teach kids basic programming principles.
- Game design courses.
Minecraft Education
Gamestar Mechanic
- Uses game-based quests and courses to help students learn game design and make their video games.
- Resources for teachers.
- Resources for parents.
Game Salad
Games for Change resources
Schell Games
- "A Deck of Lenses" (use this free interactive tool to review your game design ideas and make them better!)
www.code.org (Resources for game design)
Examples of Learning Games
- Field Day (supported and run by the University of Wisconsin).
- Filament Games is a full-service digital studio specializing in learning game development for hire basis.
Articles
Multimedia resources
Free, noncopyrighted image sources
Free, noncopyrighted audio sources
Multimedia Gallery
Outreach toolkit
Credit: Ensemble
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Social media
Sample social media
The NSF Game Maker Awards for K-12 are now live! NSF is looking for students to create video games imagining life in 2100. Learn how to get involved and discover how students and mentors can win a share of the $100,000 prize pool: nsf.gov/75years/game-maker-awards
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Credit: U.S. National Science Foundation
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Credit: U.S. National Science Foundation
Download a high-resolution version of this image (PNG, 0.7MB)
Credit: U.S. National Science Foundation