What Makes MakeCode Arcade So Special?
In the landscape of educational coding platforms, Microsoft MakeCode Arcade may look similar to other popoular offerings. With it’s block-based interface, bright colors, and built-in tutorials, one might think that MakeCode Arcade is just like all of the other platforms…
…but one would be wrong!
Whether you’re a budding video game creator, or a teacher looking to bring programming into the classroom, Microsoft MakeCode Arcade has lots of exciting features that set it apart from the rest.
8-Bit Style Game Creation
Pew Research says that 85% of American teenagers play video games regularly. This number persists across different racial and ethnic groups, as well as households with differing annual incomes.
While some students have a tendency to go into game design with expectations of Halo or Call of Duty (which are relatively unrealistic for a beginner with a budget less than $250 million) the pixelated retro style of MakeCode Arcade right-sizes expectations in the direction of Pac Man and Super Mario Brothers, both of which can be used as inspiration for a single-level designed in about an hour within the first couple of weeks of use.
Comprehensive Built-In Tools
MakeCode Arcade provides an all-in-one development environment. It comes equipped with an integrated sprite editor, tilemaps for creating complex landscapes, and easy-to-use animation tools. These integrated features allow you to create detailed and visually appealing games without needing external software. This self-contained ecosystem not only simplifies the game development process but also keeps students and beginners focused on learning and creativity.
MakeCode Arcade is free to use and web-based, which means it doesn’t require any software installations or significant hardware capabilities. This makes it easily accessible from most educational institutions and homes, no matter what brand of computer you are using.
Real-Time Simulator and Hardware Support
One of the platform’s most distinctive features is its real-time simulator. As soon as you start coding, you see your game come to life in a sub-window. This immediate feedback is valuable for learning and debugging.
Moreover, MakeCode Arcade supports a variety of external hardware platforms, allowing you to take your games from the screen to handheld devices or even transfer to a game Kiosk or Xbox! This capability enriches the learning experience, providing a tangible end product for a digital creation process.
Blocks to Text
Many educational programming environments allow you to code with blocks. Many more allow you to code with text. Few allow you to switch between blocks and text — and only MakeCode allows you to switch back and forth between blocks, JavaScript, and Python…all while seeing your changes in the Arcade simulator window.
AI Loves It
Recent testing has shown us that ChatGPT understands the capabilities and structures of MakeCode Arcade. This means, if you flip to JavaScript and copy/paste your code, ChatGPT can help you identify any bugs or ineffeciencies if you ask the right questions. It can also give you tips and tricks around what blocks to use or methods for creating specific types of games!
Online Multiplayer
Last year, the MakeCode team released an online multiplayer version of MakeCode Arcade. This interface allows users to play their games with up to three other people from anywhere in the world!
This entire process has been built with user safety in mind. There are no “chat” features, and no usernames or avatars are allowed. Additionally, any user is allowed to kick any other user from any game. The kicked user will then be banned from rejoining the same session.
Kiosk
You would never suspect how much fun people can have playing their own games on a full-size Arcade Cabinet! Each of our games is structured with common keybindings, so that they will work with game controllers and homemade wooden or cardboard kiosks.
We also have a special kiosk interface that can be added (for FREE) to any machine that you create, as long as it can access the internet.
Xbox
This is by far the easiest way to get your game on an Xbox!
MakeCode Arcade has a free Kiosk app that can be downloaded onto the Xbox. This kiosk works in a similar way to what is described above for Arcade Cabinets, and it allows users to share their favorite games directly to their Xbox. It’s such a wonderful way for users to experience the joy of the games that they’ve invested so much time into.
Educational and Community Support
MakeCode Arcade is backed by a vast array of educational resources, including detailed tutorials, comprehensive documentation, research-based curriculum, and a thriving community. These resources are tailored to educators and students, making it easy to integrate into classrooms or after-school programs.
The community aspect is particularly vibrant, offering a forum at forum.makecode.com where you can share projects and ideas — fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among users.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
The platform is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. Its simple yet powerful interface ensures that users with various levels of technical ability can participate and create. The emphasis on inclusivity extends to its educational approach, which is geared towards demystifying coding and making game development approachable and fun for everyone.
Conclusion
MakeCode Arcade stands out not just as a tool for learning coding but as a specialized environment for aspiring game developers. Its focus on game creation, combined with robust built-in tools, real-time feedback, and extensive support, makes it a preferred choice for educators and students alike.
By providing a pathway from beginner to advanced levels, MakeCode Arcade excels in bringing the art of game design and the logic of coding into classrooms and homes around the world.
