Construct 3

Construct 3 is a 2D game engine that can be used to design and create your own games, such as puzzles, platformers, role-playing games (RPGs), shooters, racing games, or even storybooks. Construct 3 also includes the Box2D physics engine for creating physics-based games. The development environment runs in a browser with both online and offline file saving, so it can be used on just about any operating system, including Chrome and Android.

When students create a new game, they'll create a background, add objects, and then give behaviors to objects. Then they can add custom logic through events (conditions and actions) to make the game go. Plenty of tutorials help them get started. There's no language to learn when designing games through Construct 3; it's all drag-and-drop, along with clicking and a little typing. In addition, there's a tile map editor and an object editor, so students can create the look of their game right in Construct 3, though they can also use images created outside the interface. Objects can then be arranged on layers, which can all move independently of each other, allowing for a sense of depth. Special effects options are available, such as particle and lighting effects.

Completed games can be published on the web (HTML5), Steam, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Windows UWP, Facebook, or Xbox One. Games can take input from the mouse, keyboard, or even a game controller, along with multi-touch on mobile touchscreens.

With Construct 3, students can learn to build simple games quickly, but there's an amazing amount of depth to keep even advanced students creating for years. The opening tutorial orients students to what's possible, and then students can take off from there, implementing their own ideas. By studying the three games included within the environment, students will learn how they're designed and can learn new strategies. The site also includes an active community to learn new tips and tricks.

Using the Event Sheets helps students learn to think in logical ways, and to learn some basic programming concepts, such as functions, loops, arrays, and variables, along with using inputs. Having this kind of solid foundation makes it easier to transition to a coding language later if desired. The built-in expression auto-complete feature keeps the code clean and functional. The built-in debugger makes it easier for students to fix any problems in their game design.

One of the most useful parts of the interface is the Preview option. With it, students can visualize what's been created so far, helping them decide on their next steps. Students can also preview individual layouts in the game, rather than always having to start at the game's beginning. Also, Remote Preview allows others to preview the game on another device, or the link can be shared, helping students collaborate on a group project or development team. With Construct 3, students can learn basic principles of programming, how to work as a team, how to prototype ideas, and how to publish and market their game titles, if desired.