GAMESTAR
What is GameStar Mechanic?
GameStar Mechanic is an online game and community designed to teach kids the principles of game design and systems thinking in an engaging online environment. This is a free tool that teaches kids how to build games, while they play games.
The game features three fully integrated components:
GameStar Mechanic is designed for 7- to 14-year-olds but is open to everyone. In fact, the designers of the system strongly encourage intergenerational gameplay: parents playing with kids, older siblings playing with younger siblings, even getting grandparents involved!
GameStar Mechanic is designed so that kids can jump in and begin playing with little or no help. That said, system designers do believe that there are great benefits to parents engaging with their children through the game. Most parents don't think twice about reading a quality book with their child or 'co-viewing' a quality television show - but few think about 'co-playing' a quality videogame with their children. Games are interactive, complex and highly engaging - making them a fertile environment for intergenerational gameplay.
http://gamestarmechanic.com/about/gsm_app
The game features three fully integrated components:
- Play. GameStar Mechanic features a rich single-player Quest where players learn the principles of game design through an exciting adventure game. Set in a 'steampunk' world created and run by game designers, the narrative provides critical scaffolding for the player. As the player progresses through the Quest they learn the principles of game design and earn 'sprites' that enable them to design and publish their own games.
- Design. Once players have shown a certain level of mastery they earn a game design workshop where they can use their 'sprites' to design their own original games. The workshop features a drag and drop game building tool that enables players to design a wide variety of games, which they can publish for others to play and review.
- Share. The game also features a vibrant community called Game Alley where players can publish, review and collaborate on games designed by other players. Game Alley creates a community of practice allowing designers to get feedback from their peers as well as professional game designers and offers regular challenges and contests.
GameStar Mechanic is designed for 7- to 14-year-olds but is open to everyone. In fact, the designers of the system strongly encourage intergenerational gameplay: parents playing with kids, older siblings playing with younger siblings, even getting grandparents involved!
GameStar Mechanic is designed so that kids can jump in and begin playing with little or no help. That said, system designers do believe that there are great benefits to parents engaging with their children through the game. Most parents don't think twice about reading a quality book with their child or 'co-viewing' a quality television show - but few think about 'co-playing' a quality videogame with their children. Games are interactive, complex and highly engaging - making them a fertile environment for intergenerational gameplay.
http://gamestarmechanic.com/about/gsm_app
To Learn More about GameStar Visit:
http://gamestarmechanic.com/parents
NOTE: Joliet Junior College does not directly endorse any software program or product. JJC can not give any advice about which software programs to use, or purchase. Parents are responsible for monitoring their children’s safe use of online gaming systems.
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