Imagine the possibilities when you combine coding with video game design. Kodu is free software featuring a visual programming language appropriate for both young children and young adults. It can be used to create video games and to publish them online. Take a tour of the software, learn how to get started, and examine best practices. Discover flexible options for introducing a wide range of ages to coding and video game design.

1. KODU TOGETHER: VIDEO
GAME PROGRAMMING &
PUBLISHING
Nick Tanzi
Assistant Director, South Huntington Public Library

2. WHY USE VIDEO GAMES
TO TEACH CODING?
• Video games are fun!
• Easy sell
• Passive learning
• Video games are of growing economic
importance!
• Video Game Designer ranked 33rd
best job in America (CNN Money)
• eSports up 40% since 2015
(Indeed)
• Twitch streamers

3. THE IMPORTANCE OF CODING SKILLS
 It’s the economy, stupid.
 Jobs requiring coding skills pay $22,000 per year more than
jobs that don’t.
 Programming jobs are growing 50% faster than the market
overall.
 It’s not limited to just the tech sector
 Accounting
 Graphic design
 Need to understand Big Data
Source: Burning Glass Technologies Coding Skills
Report

4. WHAT ELSE CAN WE LEARN FROM
VIDEO GAME DESIGN?
Language
Writing
dialogue
Plot
development
Math
Scorekeeping
Assigning
Damage
Tracking
Health
Art
Designing
worlds
Creating game
aesthetics
Incorporating
sound effects.

5. SO WHAT IS KODU?
 Software created and maintained by
Microsoft.
 Kodu is a visual programming language
made specifically for creating video games!
 It has received continuous updates since
2009.

6. WHY CHOOSE KODU?
• It’s FREE!
• Visual programming language =
flexibility
• Learn by doing model
• Doesn’t require a high-end
computer!
• Accommodates PC or console
gaming.
• Capable of designing many
different types of games.
I want you to
teach video
game design!

7. WHAT KINDS OF GAMES CAN YOU
DESIGN USING KODU?
Racing RPGs Shooters Adventure

8. LET’S HAVE A LOOK

9. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO RUN A
PROGRAM USING KODU?
 Kodu! (kodugamelabs.com)
 Time!
 At least 3 hours.
 Multi-session or longer workshop?
 Computers/Laptops
 1 per participant or buddy system.
 Staff
 8-10 per instructor (unless experienced)
 Internet connection (only necessary for publication)

10. 3 (GENERAL) STAGES OF A GAME
DESIGN PROGRAM
Design Phase
•Build game environment
•Deciding on plot
•Choose protagonist
Programming Phase
•Establish protagonist control scheme
•Code game elements
•Test & debug.
Publishing Phase
•Establish conditions for winning.
•Play & complete demo game.
•Conduct final debugging.
•Publish game online.

11. Exploring the
Design Phase

12. KEY BENCHMARKS FOR THE DESIGN
PHASE
 Understanding of the basic controls
 Comfort with the brush and terrain tools
 Aware of the resource limit tool
 A good rough draft of the game world
 Saved their progress!

13. Exploring the
Programming Phase

14. KEY BENCHMARKS FOR THE
PROGRAMMING PHASE
 Workable control scheme
 Navigable environment
 Appropriate game physics
 Manageable resources
 (Mostly) bug-free

15. Exploring the
Publishing Phase

16. KEY BENCHMARKS FOR THE PUBLISHING
PHASE
 Achieve a “playable game”
 Ideally, a winnable game!
 Final touches
 Title screen, narration
 Complete debugging
 Publish game online!

17. THE GAMES ARE PUBLISHED, SO NOW
WHAT?
 Show participants where they can find
each others games.
 Consider using a hashtag
 Schedule a show and tell event!
 Encourage continued exploration
 Add Kodu to public computers
 Continue building upon their games or
those of others.

18. THANK YOU!
Nick Tanzi
ntanzi@shpl.info
(631) 549-4411 ext. 243
the-digital-librarian.com