How to Make an Enjoyable Educational Video Game

An educational video game can be useful and fun. There are ways to combine learning with laughter without being a programmer. Strive to make an educational video game that excites and educates the user.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Learn about video game software that doesn't need programming knowledge. Do a website search to see what software is available with free downloads such as Genesis3D or Reality Factory game development sites. Determine if Genesis3D, a 3-D service site providing support to game developers including free online forums or Reality Factory, a set of Open Source Tools for making games is appropriate. Download the program into your computer and then play around with the installed software. Read the tutorials and help sections.
2. Keep a journal to write down important points from the software. Refer to these tips while making the educational video game. For example, write down common keystrokes or ways to complete specific tasks. Understand how to use the information rather than memorize it.
3. Visualize the theme of the video game and write down the story, plot and players. Decide what educational tools to teach and discover what skills match the user's age and grade level. Consider a math theme that teaches fractions to fifth graders or multiplication tips for third graders. Find fresh ways to combine learning with fun such as increasing the difficulty level for correct answers. Design a framework for scoring and winning.
4. Play around with the video game software. Experiment with simple shapes like buildings and create the game environment. Build structures that populate the game world and leave other things like colors and lights for later. The goal is to make sure the game is played correctly so put in a character to walk around the new environment.
5. Ask the user to play the game to see if the objectives make sense. Decide what to change based on the user's comments and ask the user to grade the game according to its fun and usefulness. Welcome feedback on what's missing and what was learned.
6. Go back to the video game software and put in the user's suggestions. Add lights, textures, colors, sound, snow, rain or other attractions. Click on features such as tables and chairs to add them to the environment.
7. Title the game based upon the skill taught or its purpose.

Tips & Warnings

• Put in screens that explain game rules and offer tutorials.