Want to Create Video Games? Start by Learning the Basics of Programming
Editor's Note: This post was written for Computer Science Education Week. Learn more about Computer Science Education Week and how you can get involved here.
Video games provide exciting and entertaining experiences for millions of people around the world. The production of video games is now bigger than those of film and music—and growing each year. If you’re interested in designing and developing your own games, there’s never been a better time to start learning! There are now many learning opportunities available for students and teachers online.
The video game development process begins with programming.
Programming, or coding, is the underlying practice behind creating games, applications, websites, and a wide array of other digital products. To start programming, you’ll need to learn a language—not one that lets you speak to other humans, but one that a computer can understand. Most programming languages use the same basic structure and building blocks, so once you learn one, you’ll have a much easier time with others.
For me, what’s exciting about programming is that I can create anything I can imagine. Using simple logic, I can build a world of my own design. I can take my ideas and make them real. I can create experiences that can be enjoyed by a wide and diverse audience. I can change the way people think about the world. And so can you.
You can start by building your own game using Scratch! Or you can use our game below to remix your own!
Use the up and down arrows to collect all of the tasty cheeseburgers but watch out for the turtles!