Here’s a list of creative and flexible game parameters for middle school students to follow as they design a game in either Scratch or KODU. These parameters help guide their thinking while still allowing freedom for creativity and problem-solving:
1. Game Type
Must be one of the following:
Platformer
Maze
Racing
Capture the Flag
Tag/Chase
Defense/Tower game
Adventure/Exploration
2. Theme
Choose a theme:
Space
Underwater
Jungle
City
Mythical world
Desert or Ice world
3. Player Character
Must include:
Custom sprite (Scratch) or character (KODU)
At least 3 different animations or behaviors (e.g. jump, run, shoot, dodge)
4. Goal or Objective
Clearly defined win condition:
Reach the end of a level
Collect all objects
Defeat an enemy
Capture a flag and return it to base
Survive for a certain amount of time
5. Controls
Player should be able to:
Move left/right and up/down (or forward/back/turn in KODU)
Perform an action (like collect, shoot, jump, or tag)
6. Game Environment
Must have:
At least 3 unique areas or scenes (Scratch backdrops or KODU paths/terrain)
Obstacles that increase in difficulty
Boundaries or edges that limit movement
7. Scoring System
Must include a visible score or progress indicator:
Points for collecting items
Timer countdown or count-up
Health or lives counter
8. Enemies or Opponents
Include at least 1 type of enemy or challenge
Enemy chases player
Enemy guards an area
Enemy moves along a path or randomly
9. Power-ups or Special Items
Add at least one special item:
Gives more points
Heals player
Temporarily makes player faster or invisible
10. End of Game
Game must have:
A win screen or message
A lose screen or message
Option to restart or try again
Include background music or sound effects
Add a 2-player option
Make it accessible with keyboard and mouse/touch
Use a variable that changes based on player choice