Learn to make your own games with the ‘Game Builder Garage’ coming to Nintendo Switch
Have you ever wanted to build your own video game? Or do you want your kids to learn programming in a fun way?
Nintendo recently announced that Game Builder Garage will teach users the basics of game design and visual programming with step-by-step lessons to help boost the next generation of game designers.
The new software title for the Nintendo Switch next month uses pre-built lessons and games to make programming fun for younger audiences.
As reported by The Verge, Game Builder Garage builds off of some of the ideas featured in similar Nintendo projects in the past, including DIY game Super Mario Maker, which allowed users to craft their own 2D, side-scrolling levels in Super Mario.
The game makes use of playful, visual programming language that utilizes cute characters called Nodon that you can move around and assign properties to.
The colorful cast of creatures take charge of actions like moving your character, pressing buttons and adding sound effects.
Similar to Super Mario Maker, players can move back and forth between building and playing in order to develop and perfect their ideas. The app also features several different control options: Joycon controllers, touchscreen, or a USB mouse.
— Nintendo Switch (@NinSwitchNews) May 5, 2021
Game Builder Garage comes with seven pre-made games ranging from a 3D platformer to a multiplayer game of tag to a side-scrolling shooter. The tutorial will take players thorugh how the games were built, so everyone can see the process from scratch.
Each of the games is broken down into several steps, starting with basic concepts like movement, before moving on to more complex design features like adding a counter or game-over screen.
Aside from the seven pre-built games, there’s also a “free programming” mode, where players can unleash their creativity and build whatever they want. This mode is also available from the beginning if you don’t want to go through the built-in lessons.
Players will be able to share their creations via a code that can be sent to other players via a Nintendo Switch Online connection.
Once you download someone else’s game, you’ll not only be able to play it but also look at the programming view to see how it was designed. You can even make a copy to build on top of another player’s creation.
Over the last few years, Nintendo has steadily been putting a bigger focus on building user-friendly creation tools and bringing them to a wider audience.
Watch the announcement trailer for Game Builder Garage below.
Game Builder Garage will be priced at $29.99 (roughly P1,431) and will be available on June 11, 2021 for the Nintendo Switch.
(Images via Nintendo Switch)