Teaching through play is nothing new. It’s often used in schools and even the workplace to help people learn new concepts. The video gaming world is filled withgames designed to educate players. As for coding, there are a handful of games out there that are specially made to help those who want to dabble in software development.
From a game where players learn to code while attempting to save the world to one where players need to solve surprisingly complex code-based puzzles to build a cat-to-human translation system, there are plenty of coding games out there. This list will cover a handful of the best games to download when it comes to learning how to code.
8Code Romantic
A Perfect Mix Of Coding And Storytelling
Code Romantic is a rather unique game. It is a post-apocalyptic romantic coding game.Players are tasked with attempting to save the world by learning how to reprogram some rather hostile machines.This game does a great job of teaching players to code while also keeping themgripped by the romantic storytelling.
It’s a perfect game for those who are new to the world of coding as it starts off basic, and then gradually gets more complex as the game reaches its climax.
7Learn Game Development, Unity Code Monkey
A DIY Coding Game
The developer of this game, Endless Loop Studios, created Code Monkey to help people learn about game development. This developer has released 8 games throughout his career. Each of his games can be accessed in Code Monkey. Not only that, but Code Monkey contains all the source files for each game, meaning that players can play the game while also seeing how it works behind the scenes.
This game is great for those who want to learn on the go. Being able to see how lines of code can be transformed into actual video games is an interesting experience that can help those who want todive into the world of game development.
6While True: Learn ()
A Must-Have Game For Cat Loving Code Lovers
This game has thousands of positive reviews. It combines cats and coding for a bizarre yet compelling adventure. The aim of the game is to make cat-to-human translation software. To achieve this,the player must learn to solve surprisingly complicated code-based puzzles to produce the software.
A lot of effort has gone into making the game an immersive yet educational experience. Those who are looking to combine their love for animals with coding should definitely consider adding this game to their library.
5Shenzhen I/O
Build Circuits And Write Code
There’s a lot to unpack with this game. Players can learn to build and test circuits from a variety of different manufacturers. Read through manuals, design sheets, and technical diagrams to learn how each circuit works. It’s a very unique game that is pretty easy to learn but incredibly difficult to master. Shenzhen I/O is great for those who are patient and eager to learn by trial and error.Despite being released in 2016, its lessons in coding are still valid today.
4Joy Of Programming - Software Engineering Simulator
Learn Some Complex Coding Mechanics
The first thing to note about this game is that it’s not a casual game. According to the game’s description, ‘It is one of the most difficult games on Steam.‘This game required plenty of patience, lots of trial and error, andsome knowledge of Python.
This game is a true coding game. Players will learn how to automate and control various machines, robots, and drones while using real Python code. For those who want to take the world of software development seriously, this might just be the perfect game to try out.
3The Farmer Was Replaced
Learn To Program Farming Drones
This clever game combines farming and coding.It uses a language similar to Python to teach players the basics of coding.While it can be frustrating at times, The Farmer Was Replaced is supposed to simulate the real feeling of writing code and developing software.
The path to software success isn’t easy. Players will have to overcome all sorts of technical issues in order to farm the land and progress through the game. The Farmer Was Replaced is all about quick thinking and problem-solving. Overall, it’sa fun farming-based gamethat is great for those with little to no coding knowledge.
2TIS-100
Fix Broken Code In An Open-Ended Programming Game
Released in 2015, TIS-100 is a game centered around fixing corrupt code. Players must re-write the corrupt code in order to progress and learn all there is to know about the game. There are also a couple of other game modes for keen learners to dive into. One of which is a virtual console thatallows players to create their own game inside TIS-100. It’s a well-made game that, while complex, offers a fun learning curve for those who are new to the world of software development.
1GameMaker
Develop Your Very Own Video Game
While this entry stretches the definition of a game, it is perfect for those wanting to dive into the world of game development.This software has everything needed to create somepretty impressive 2D games. This game has plenty of great features that make developing games a breeze.
Players can use a simple drag-and-drop feature to bring in lines of code and play around with the developer tools to see exactly how games work behind the scenes. While some prior coding knowledge will come in very handy, it is possible to go in as a complete novice and learn on the go.
