How to Make a Game on Scratch

Coding skills come quickly for kids who learn on Scratch. Not only is it an entry-level, highly visual, easy-to-learn programming language, but it’s rewarding for kids to be able to create, customize, and play their own games. Created by the MIT Media Lab, Scratch projects help kids learn more about coding simple computer games. Designing simple games is the first step to help children understand how code blocks work and gradually prepares them for more challenging languages such as Python, C++, and Java. In Scratch programming camps, online classes, or after-school programs, students learn the basics and come away with new skills. Scratch reinforces problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity. Even the youngest coders can get a taste for coding with Scratch, but most programs are best for kids ages 8-11.

What Kind of Games Can I Make on Scratch?

Kids can make all kinds of interactive stories, games, and animations on Scratch. Our tutorials allow kids to use their creativity when planning games, designing characters and elements (a.k.a. sprites), and developing objectives. Few firm rules apply, but with any type of game, kids will learn to create a player with control over something and define a goal. Popular games made by kids include:

Platformers
Scrollers
Tycoon
Battle Royale, or fighters
Create-a-character or switch costume games
Art pixels
Pac-man
Cloud-based multiplayer racing games
Pong
Mazes

Looking for more ideas? Check out the Scratch website, which hosts games submitted by real kids all over the world.

Make Your Own Scratch Video Game in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Make a plan and choose your themes

Designing a Scratch game and having a plan for what it will do is the first step. It might seem daunting for some kids to envision their first game before it’s built, but thinking through the theme (how it looks), what the players will do, and what a player has to “complete” or “win” are necessary considerations before coding.

Step 2: Build and program your sprite

Choose a sprite image to represent your main character and program how you will control its movements. Often, students start with simple commands operated by an easy right-click or arrow keys.

Step 3: Choose a backdrop for your theme

Think about your theme as you select a background for your game. You can choose a premade backdrop, draw your own, or even upload an image from your computer. The student will enjoy seeing the plan coming to life at this stage of the process.

Step 4: Program the objective for your sprite

Establish the objective of the game. For example, maybe the main character sprite needs to answer questions, do a puzzle, collect items, or jump over enemies. In this step, you can create new sprites to represent the objectives or components that the main character will interact with in the game. Once this step is completed, students can press the green flag and actually try to play the game!

Step 5: Add new objectives to advance your game

Most Scratch students are encouraged to keep functionality simple while learning the step-by-step process, but they’ll quickly find that it’s easy to enhance the design and add challenges, sound effects, and new sprites to take their game design to the next level. When it’s “game over,” a student can start from Step 1 and make a new game.

Why Scratch Coding is Great for Kids & Beginners

Scratch is a simple interface for young coders, and serves as a great intro to the world of computer science. Made up of drag-and-drop, color-coded control blocks, it’s an easy way to show kids how programming languages work. Kids who express interest in video game development or app creation use Scratch as a building block for more challenging syntaxes. It’s easy to get your kid learning about coding through Scratch camps and programs, and it’s hard to find a better place to start than through theCoderSchool.

Find a Kid’s Scratch Coding Class Near You

If you’d like to help your child learn more about coding in a fun, visual way, sign up for Scratch coding classes at theCoderSchool. Our approach to teaching young programmers guarantees that they’ll learn a new skill and be challenged along the way. With after-school programs, virtual classes, and summer camps available for children all across the United States, it’s easy to introduce your kid to fun games in the world of coding today. Whether your child is interested in video game development, Minecraft coding camps, or needs a new programming challenge, contact us today to find camps and coding classes near you.