After writing the previous article about various FREE software for making video games, I realized I left out a few more possibilities. These may in fact be better suited for entry level game making than some of the others mentioned in the previous post.
Construct is a game creation program that seems to be fairly easy to learn how to use. It seems to be a mixture of Game Maker 8.0 and Multimedia Fusion 2. One of the strengths of Construct is that it is an open-source software that is continuously being updated. They have a growing community that welcomes the input from the users to make the software better. In some instances it is easier to use than either Game Maker or Multimedia Fusion 2. Some users report that it does have a moderately steep learning curve, but they point out that the forum is an excellent place to seek help and guidance. Many of the users say that this product is better than the two programs mentioned above. Currently, Construct is only available for PCs; sorry Mac users.
Roblox is free to use, but to gain the full benefits of the program you will need a subscription that starts under $6 a month. Roblox allows the user to create interactive 3D worlds using blocks. There are plenty of user created content that shows the software’s ability to make various types of games. It interfaces very well with the internet to play games, but in order to build levels you will need to install Roblox Studio. There is helpful information for parents about online safety since this interfaces with the Roblox website.
Ren’Py is a visual novel engine for creating simple games. Of all of the programs I have mentioned, this one requires the most computer programming, but can result in terrific projects. You can think of this software as creating interactive comic books. It mixes art, games, and literacy into one medium. It is truly an amazing piece of software that could easily be incorporated into classrooms. The only problem is the learning curve for the programming language that isn’t too difficult, but is not as much fun for children to learn how to use. It runs on PCs, Macs, and Linux computers.
If you like the idea behind Ren’Py, but do not want the difficulties of learning that programming language, then Inform is a great alternative to it. Inform is capable of creating truly interactive fiction. Interactive fiction had its beginnings with the very first computer games, but regressed in popularity as computers became more powerful in the 1990s. To get a better idea of what Inform7 does and what interactive fiction is, you visualize the Choose Your Own Adventure books as a computer game, this is the result. The programming language is very nature and easy to learn. It is based on typing code in normal English. It allows the users to create intricate stories where the reader chooses what happens based on decisions that get made in the story. There are several tutorials on how to get started. There is a lot of material designed specifically for educators and students as well. This software looks absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend this as an alternative to just teaching writing in schools. It is heavily based on reading and writing, so it would fit naturally in an English or foreign language classroom. The great news is it is available on PCs, Macs, and Linux computers.
Final Thoughts
Between the suggestions in the previous article and this one, you should not be for a lose of programs that can be used easily in the classroom for creating video games while still teaching the content. I have not specifically talked about how to teach content and video game making at the same time, but will write an article about that in the near future. Until then, look around at these options and try them for yourself. You will be surprised what you can come up with using these and even more surprised by what your students create and learn in the process.
Related posts:
- Software for Making Video Games in the Classroom
- Video Games for Learning
- Free Screenplay Software
- The Classroom of Tomorrow (Part 1 of 2)
- 10 iPad Educational Game Concepts
- Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants
- Cellphones in the Classroom???
- The iPad IS a Media Creation Device
- Hands on with the iPad (video)
- Helpful Link: Classroom Learning 2.0
