Game Design with Bloxels
Bloxels is a hands-on platform used to build and share video games. Using the Bloxels Builder app and gameboard components, teens created their own digital game, complete with original characters, levels, backgrounds, and more. Each teen needed a mobile device (we use iPads), the Bloxels Builder app and gameboard, and a key printed out from the Bloxels website (link included in the Supplements section). There were requirements that each participant had to include in their games. We gave them time to build and finished by encouraging each teen to let other teens play their games and offer friendly critique.
NOTE: This program is fantastic because it can either be self-directed or actively led by a library staff member. The Bloxels Builder app is very intuitive and can be learned by exploring the different features on the app instead of having a program staff member teach the app. Additionally, while I have stated that the cost of this program is $100+, it can also be facilitated for free, as the Bloxels Builder app is a free educational app. If your library is unable to purchase the gameboard elements, game design can also be done in the app!
- Tags: Active, bloxels, critical thinking, Design, game design, Gaming, middle school, self-directed, summer learning, summer programming, tactile
Type: Active
Age: Middle school
Optimal size: 6-10
Estimated cost: $100+
Planning time: <2 hours
Frequency: Monthly
Learning outcomes
1) Teens learned elements of game design and game play.
2) Teens use their interest in gaming to build a game of their own.
2) Teens had the opportunity to think critically about what kind of games they like. What makes these games interesting? This information was used to inspire their own creations.
3) Teens were given the chance to share their work with their peers.
Instructions
Materials Needed:
1 iPad with Bloxels Builder app
1 Bloxels gameboard with component blocks (game design can also occur in the free app itself without the board)
Instructions:
Teens were tasked with creating 1 original character and 1 villain, develop 2 different levels that included at least 5 obstacles (hazards, explosions, etc) in each level, and each level had to have a clear beginning and end with at least 3 power-ups in each.
I gave a brief run-down of the Bloxels Builder app, which included how to scan their gameboards, where to access the editing tabs, and how to play their games as they built it to ensure that it made sense and worked. Another aspect that helped the teens along was having a legend available that described the different cube colors and how they would be translated into their games. For example, red blocks would mean that the block was a hazard; the purple blocks meant that it would be an enemy, etc.
Teens were given 45 minutes to an hour to build and edit their games. Staff were available to help troubleshoot and offer advices if needed.
At the end, we gave them 30 minutes to play other teens' games and talk with them about how to improve their game.
Evaluation
I am consistently surprised at how easy this app and gameboard is to use. I serve teens in an area that's economically disadvantaged and they are often very apprehensive about participating in a tech-heavy program. However, Bloxels is very approachable because it's not straight-up coding. It takes tactile elements and allows teens to build and explore technology and game design in a very unique way. I have structured this program passively and actively. It's great to put some basic instructions (included in the Supplements) out on the table and let them build a character and game on their own. This program is great for teens who are reluctant to explore technology that isn't social media on their own, or who don't often view it as a source for learning and, possibly, as a future career path.
Other resources
Main website- http://home.bloxelsbuilder.com/
Tutorials- http://kids.bloxelsbuilder.com/all-tutorials/