ArcadeCamp Scratch

Start learning game development with this programming series designed for children aged nine and older. Create playable gaming projects based on the classics, such as Pong, Frogger, Snake or Tetris, meanwhile learning advanced programming commands and concepts used in numerous programming languages. All lessons rely solely on Scratch, so you only need computers and internet access.
Lessons available in monthly and annual subscriptions.

The objective behind this unique series is to introduce students into game development. Every project is designed to teach computational thinking and key programming concepts. Follow this series to complete 10 interactive, colorful and engaging games inspired by arcade classics. Materials for every exercise include:

  • extensive introduction illustrated with graphics and animations,
  • from 2 to 4 programming lessons (24 in total),
  • step-by-step programming guide,
  • downloadable graphics and other extras.
  • access to additional teaching resources.

Lesson plans

SPACE EXPLORER
Maneuver through an asteroid field in a space shuttle and survive for as long as possible. To create this game, you’ll have to program arrow keys, object movement and detecting collision between objects.
BOUNCING GEAR
Create a single player game with the objective to bounce off a gear with a paddle, similarly to the classic Pong. You’ll get the opportunity to use variables and mathematical formulas to calculate the gear movement.
RACE
Stay away from the edge to go faster and face another player in a race against the clock. But first, you must create the game. You will use color detection mechanisms, variables and many other blocks to achieve it.
FALLING BRICKS
Aim the basket with your mouse and catch as many falling bricks as you can. While building the game, you’ll use variables, color detection, score keeping and learn how to make randomness purposefully useful.
SNAKE
If you haven’t had the chance to play the original, now you can create your own snake. The goal remains the same: to eat as many “snacks” as possible, without running into walls or into the snake’s own tail.
BANANA CHASE
Guide a gorilla through a maze, so that it can reach a banana at the end. Create this simple game to find out how to use Scratch to program individual keys, or make it more interesting with animating the character.
FROGGER
Show this frog the way through the water to reach the other side. In this game project, you will create a frog sprite controlled via keyboard and use variables to clone the logs falling down the river.
TETRIS
Some call it the most addictive game ever. This version uses lists, event control and variables to change the game speed and difficulty. Tetris consists of over 100 lines of code in total, but it’s absolutely worth it.
CLICK-A-BRICK
In this skill game, your objective is to remove as many bricks as possible in a limited amount of time. Start this project to learn how to detect mouse cursor location and status in Scratch, or how to create simple animations.
BRICK-MAN
Based on the legendary Pac-Man, this game involves color detection, visual effects and duplicating objects. Your objective is to program it, then “eat” all cross-shaped dots in the maze without getting caught.