Now that summer break is in full swing, I’m always looking for ways to keep my kids engaged. I don’t want to bore them with straight up homework- it is their summer break, after all. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t keep their brains working in really fun ways!
Game Builder Garage is a brand NEW game coming to Nintendo Switch tomorrow, and it’s the perfect way to get kids to engage in STEM over the summer!
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own video game? That dream can become a reality with the Game Builder Garage software, launching exclusively for the Nintendo Switch system on June 11. With this new software, kids and parents and everyone in between can have fun learning to create and share their very own video games. By connecting colorful creatures called Nodon, anyone can enjoy learning how to create their own game through fun, guided lessons that cover the basics of visual game programming – and no prior experience is necessary! To get an idea of what Nodon look like and how they work in the game, as well as getting a taste of the types of games you can create, check out the announcement trailer for Game Builder Garage right here.
Nintendo recently invited me to a virtual demo of the game and I have to say, it looks amazing!
The game is perfect for kids just starting out with coding OR who know their stuff already. Everyone has to go through the proper steps in order to make their way through building all the games- you start with the easiest one first and then build on that knowledge to make more and more complicated games.
While building those games, you aren’t just clicking things and watching them happen- you’re learning why they happen, and how components of a game are connected. Understanding the basic parts of the game allows you to later customize the game as you want, and even build your own games.
How do you play Game Builder Garage?
The game makes it easy for anyone to understand how games work by using “Nodons”- little creatures who “live” in your Nintendo Switch and make your games work behind the scenes. The idea is that these little Nodons power all of your games by doing their jobs- and in this game, you have to assign those jobs to them.
While building the 7 included games, you’ll be able to check your progress as you go by switching between game view and Nodon view. You can spot check for errors or just get a better look at how things work at any time.
That said, you can’t really make any errors in the game as it’s very hands-on and guided. Later on while you make your own creations you’ll have more freedom to change things but while building the initial 7 games, you’ll be walked through the process.
What games can you make in Game Builder Garage?
There are 7 different games that you will build completely from scratch. Each game has an approximate amount of time that it will take to build, that way you know what to expect. These games include:
- Tag Showdown {40 minutes}
- On a Roll {50 minutes}
- Alien Blaster {70 minutes}
- Risky Run {80 minutes}
- Mystery Room {80 minutes}
- Thrill Racer {60 minutes}
- Super Person World {90 minutes}
How can you customize your game in Game Builder Garage?
The initial 7 games will be made following the step-by-step directions. After that, you’ll have some freedom to create and personalize your own games in Free Programming Mode!
You can add textures using premade assets {you can’t import any} and customize your music to add a different mood. The music can be customized in five ways, including selecting the style as well as the speed and volume.
What age is Game Builder Garage for?
Nodons really help to personify the game, making it appealing even to kids who have never coded anything before. This game does require reading, so it’s best for ages 8+.
Once you understand the mechanics behind the game, you can do even more with it. This game could easily hold the interest of middle schoolers or high schoolers- or even adults who want to learn more about how video games work.
How do you share Game Builder Garage Games and play games other people have made?
One of the coolest things about Game Builder Garage after the initial gameplay is that you can share your games, and play others’ games! If you have a Nintendo Switch Online account, you’ll be able to search by Creator ID to find new games to play or if you are playing with someone locally, you can get their games too.
There isn’t a search function to go find random games to play, but you’ll be able to search social media to find where others have posted their Creator ID and download their games. And if you build your own, be sure to upload and share!
Note: If you upload your game but then make changes to it, you’ll need to reupload it with the changes- those won’t be automatically pushed out to anyone with your game saved.
Buy It: You can find Game Builder Garage at major retailers or online at {affiliate link} Amazon. You can also download a digital copy from the Nintendo eShop.
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