Creating a video game might seem like something only adults or professional developers can do—but the truth is, kids as young as 12 can make games, and it’s easier than ever with modern tools. Whether it’s a fun puzzle, a platformer, or even a simple multiplayer game, learning to make games can be educational, creative, and a lot of fun.
🛠️ Step 1: Pick the Right Tools
For beginners, especially kids, the best tools are easy to learn, visual, and kid-friendly. Here are some top options:
1. Scratch
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Type: Block-based coding
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Why it’s good: You can drag and drop commands to make games without typing complicated code.
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Try it here: Scratch
2. Roblox Studio
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Type: 3D game creation platform
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Why it’s good: Lets you make multiplayer games, design levels, and use simple coding in Lua.
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Try it here: Roblox Studio
3. GameMaker Studio
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Type: 2D game engine
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Why it’s good: Has drag-and-drop tools and beginner coding options, great for small games.
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Try it here: GameMaker Studio
4. Minecraft: Education Edition or Mods
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Type: Game-based learning platform
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Why it’s good: Kids can create mini-games and mods inside Minecraft.
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Try it here: Minecraft Education
5. Unity (with Tutorials)
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Type: Professional game engine
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Why it’s good: Ideal for ambitious projects; has free tutorials for beginners.
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Try it here: Unity
📝 Step 2: Start Small
For a first game, simplicity is key. Ideas include:
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A maze game where the player collects items
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A platformer with a character jumping across obstacles
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A puzzle game with matching shapes or colors
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A basic racing or adventure game
Starting small keeps the project fun and manageable.
📚 Step 3: Learn the Basics
Even kids can learn coding basics:
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Scratch: Learn to move sprites, detect collisions, and add points.
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Roblox Studio: Learn basic Lua scripting for movement and scoring.
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Unity: Start with tutorials on controlling characters and creating levels.
YouTube tutorials and online courses make it easy to follow step by step.
🎨 Step 4: Add Creativity
Make the game your own:
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Characters: Draw your own sprites or 3D models.
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Levels: Design interesting challenges for players.
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Story: Even a short story makes the game more engaging.
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Sound: Add music, effects, or recorded voice lines.
The more creative, the more fun it is to play.
🔁 Step 5: Test and Share
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Test often: Play your game and fix problems (bugs).
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Ask friends/family: Let them play and give feedback.
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Publish: On Scratch, Roblox, or other platforms, you can share your game for others to play.
🌟 Examples of Young Game Creators
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Kids have created games on Scratch that get thousands of plays.
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Some young developers have even entered competitions like the Google Science Fair or local coding contests.
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Roblox has a community of teen developers publishing games that millions play.
✅ Takeaway
A 12-year-old can absolutely make a game. The key is:
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Start small and use beginner-friendly tools
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Learn by doing, using tutorials and guides
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Get creative with characters, levels, and stories
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Test and share your game with friends
By starting early, kids not only have fun—they also learn coding, design, problem-solving, and storytelling skills that can last a lifetime.