The Game programming & development Program (ages 10-17) is a Codekids’s programming subject.

The program will teach students the full game development process, including both game design and game programming skills. By the end of the program, students will have taken their own game idea from concept to a final product, ready to compete in the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge. Students will become proficient in using Godot – a game engine which combines python-like programming with industry-level development tools.

Learning game development will allow students to express their creativity, while also combining this with logical thinking and problem solving skills. The development of these skills are crucial for equipping students with the necessary skills for their technology-based future.

What is Godot?

Godot is an interface for combining programming with a huge set of common game development tools, ranging from built in complex physics to animation to graphical user interface tools.

Godot uses GDScript, a programming language which is very similar to python, which makes controlling these tools through code a breeze! Godot is also an industry standard technology, even used by SEGA to make Sonic the Hedgehog games.

The Australian STEM Video Game Challenge

The goal of the Game Development Course is for students to produce a video game to enter in the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge, run by ACER (https://www.stemgames.org.au/). This is a nation-wide annual competition for students ranging from year 5-12, tasking students with creating their best video game in accordance with a theme.

The first phase of the program will teach students how to use all the essential tools in Godot and control them through code. The next stages involve using these skills to develop their very own game for the competition, with expert mentors helping them to build their dream games.