There are various different routes to take if you want to develop your own computer game. The most effective route with the most control would be to create a game from scratch. Well I am going to be honest with you. This is a rather complex process. Computer games are created with a computer programming language. So first of all, you must learn a programming language, preferably an object-orientated one. Some good examples would be C++, Java or Python.
Consider a very simple Java applet that has a bouncing ball. Check out the lines of code needed to create such an applet. There's quite a bit, isn't there? Now don’t get me wrong, I actually am a computer programmer, it is extremely rewarding, but it is also very time consuming. You need a logical brain and plenty of patience.
So, if you don't have the time to master a programming language there are other options. There is software out there that allows you to create computer games without any programming skills at all. I looked at one called Yoyo games. It is software you download to your computer, it has a graphical user interface and it’s free. I even found an instructional YouTube video on how to use it (I don't know about you, but I hate reading instructions). It seems relatively easy, but you don’t have any control comparable to using a programming language. There are other programs like this out there, but none would give you the control of creating from scratch. Look here for a list of others.
Now, if you are looking to create educational games or activities you can use in the classroom there’s software to do that too. Check out EdCreate,you can create your own quiz games, flash cards word searches etc. There are others like classtools.net as well, again, they are quick, easy to use, but you are working with a very limited amount of control.
Top photo courtesty of OC Watchdog.
Are any of these programs useful for helping students create their own games? That seems like a useful angle, as long as it can be about the design of the game, not about the technology and e coding.
ReplyDeleteDitto to Rick's question above. If students can create games that are strategic in various subject areas and not just in programming they could be very useful. We are lucky to have your depth in technical matters so I am all for picking your IT brain!
ReplyDeleteYes, these are tools that do allow someone with no programming experience to create games. It's the content that you provide what's given to you is a template so to say. The techy stuff is already done (the yoyo games one isn't educationally focused, and I wouldn't recommend it to someone who is not comfortable using software).
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