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2D Game Development Class - Make & Publish Your First Video Game!

Duration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes | Ages: 8-14 | Class Size: Small Groups

Learn to Code by Creating a Platformer Game!

In this beginner-friendly, hands-on class, kids will explore the fundamentals of video game development and design by creating a fully playable 2D platform game using Bloxel and GameSalad tools. Students will design a level, customize game logic and publish a working video game, all while learning how real game engines work. From creating ideas on a level design tool to testing and launching a finished game, this class combines, coding, art, logic, and fun in an unforgettable experience!

Hands-on Learning Plan your level on a block tool, scan and test your level, then build the same level using real game engine!

STEM & Logic Foundations Kids learn about attributes, rules, conditionals, and game mechanics in a playful way.

✔ Creative Thinking Students design their levels, create and test their experiences from scratch.

Collaboration and Problem SolvingClassmates work together to debug logic, test mechanics, and improve designs.

Spots are limited!
Secure your child's spot now.

How the Class Works

Step 1:
Plan Your
Game World

Using Bloxel tools, students sketch their first level by using level design blocks, place environment tiles, and enemy placements with a physical board.

Step 2:
Test and iterate
Your Level Design

Students scan the level design  and convert blocks to playable objects.  Then, they playtest and edit it until they are happy with the results.  

Step 3:
Build in

GameSalad

Students use GameSalad and learn, drag-and-drop coding, and actor behaviors to create similar level in a more techinical game engine.

Step 4:
Test, Debug,
and Publish!

Students run live previews of their game, test functionality, make updates—and finally publish it with their name in the credits!

What Kids Will Learn

🎮 Game Design Concepts

  • Understand how scenes, actors, and game logic come together in 2D platformers.

🧠 Coding Logic

  • Build rules using conditional logic and attributes, no prior coding needed.

🎨 Bloxel Level Design & Visual Layout

  • Use physical blocks to design a level before building it inside the game engine.

⚙️ GameSalad Engine Tools

  • Learn GameSalad’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface to build, test, and iterate.

📲 Game Publishing

  • By the end of class, kids publish their very own game and receive a custom QR code to play it anywhere!

Book Your Spot Today!

  • Age Group: 8-14 years

  • Class Length: 1 Hour 30 Minutes

  • Location: On Site

  • Availability: Limited spots per session

Why This Class is a Game-Changer

  • 🎮 Make a Real Game!

Kids don’t just imagine, they build and publish their own 2D platformer!

  • 📱Tech Confidence!

Students use professional tools like Bloxel and GameSalad in a fun, guided setting.

  • 👥 Small Class Size

Personalized help and peer collaboration make the experience engaging and rewarding.

📢 Ready to sign up?

Limited Spots Available!

FAQs

Q: What is 2D game development?

A: It’s the process of building video games with 2D visuals using coding logic, visual elements, and bloxel tools and game engines like GameSalad.

Q: Will my child write actual code?

A: Students use visual coding blocks to assign logic to game characters and actions. They’ll learn how real developers think, without complex syntax.

Q: Do kids need coding experience?

A: Nope! This class is perfect for beginners and first-time coders.

Q: What tools will they use?

A: We use iPads, Apple Pencils, keyboards, Bloxels board and app and the GameSalad game engine, which offers a user-friendly way to build real games.

Q: What will my child take home?

A: Every student will publish their game with a custom QR code, playable on mobile devices!

Q: How is this different from just playing games?

A: Kids learn the logic and creativity behind how games work, turning them from passive players into confident creators.

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© 2025 Game Design Academy

Game Design Academy offers hands-on and digital learning experiences for kids aged 8-14 in Bergen County, NJ. Discover creativity, collaboration, and skill-building through interactive game design classes.

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