Showcasing Your Arcade Creations: Racers!

Today, I’m showcasing Racer! another fantastic project from UnsignedArduino, a talented MakeCode forum member! This project also contains additional maps by Lucas_M-DangerKitty.

Racer! is a fast-paced game that brings back the nostalgia of the original Super Mario Kart from 1992, with an updated, local feel. Notice that the contestants you’re racing against are also well-known members of our forum. First to three laps wins!

This game represents around 20 hours of coding, not including the art and details from the many varied maps. While it was originally developed in blocks, it represents over 1,000 lines of JavaScript code and contains a network of nearly 20 extensions! It’s such a great example of how extensible MakeCode Arcade can be.

About the Creator

UnsignedArduino is a respected forum member that has been using MakeCode for around three years. He discovered Arcade when trying to find alternative programming languages for his Adafruit PyGamer…and after the first tutorial he was hooked!

As well as coding in Arcade, UnsignedArduino also uses C/C++, (typically for microcontroller development with the Arduino framework) Python, and JavaScript/TypeScript for the web.

When asked if he has any advice for readers who are interested in learning how to make games but don’t know where to start, UnsignedArduino said, “I would suggest using a block-based programming language like MakeCode Arcade — it allows you to not have to deal with syntax errors and let you focus on your game idea! Obviously, I think MakeCode Arcade is one of the best ways to start learning game programming 🙂 The tutorials are also a great way to learn essential game concepts, like sprites and events! I also highly recommend that you do a little bit of coding every day.”

If this game inspires you, you can take the first steps toward coding yourself by heading over to arcade.makecode.com and giving one of our skillmaps a shot…I recommend Monster Racer!