Game Builder Garage

Game Builder Garage enables anyone to make video games. Unlike other game makers, this offers in-depth lessons to take you from the basics to advanced techniques. The cute Nodon characters that power the visual drag-and-drop construction, enable players of any age to make and share their own experiences on the Switch.

CONTENT RATING

Violence

PLATFORMS

Nintendo Switch

POSITIVE GAMEPLAY

Career Aspirations

Designing

Digital Nutrition

Leadership

Popular Choice

Experimentation

Generosity

Planning

PLAY STYLE

Multiplayer With Portable Devices In The Same Room

The Nodon are the star of the show. They not only lead you through your lessons, but each offers a set of abilities and tools specific to a particular part of game making. You drag and drop them into place to do things like getting a character to jump when you hit a button, setting the mood with some funky music, or cranking up the gravity to 11.

As you progress with the game, two teacher characters Bob and Alice introduce different Nodons and take you through step-by-step lessons from the absolute basics to more advanced concepts. The result is a game that not only shows you how to make your own levels but offers a viable pathway to enable you to do that.

Another great way to learn, along with the lessons, is to see what other people have mode. You can share things you built and download creations from other people using a special code with friends/family. Parents will like that you need to have been given a code in the real world to find a game, so kids can share with the people they know. There's no browsing of content made by strangers like in other game make games.

You can control the programming in different ways, and in particular the on-screen cursor:

Mouse: You can plug in a mouse to the front USB port when the Switch is docked for easier control.
Joy-Con Pair: You can use a pair of Joy-Cons to navigate and edit your games.
Joy-Con Motion: You can use the pointing feature of the Joy-Con to direct the editor cursor.
Touch Screen: You can use the touch screen when using the Switch in handheld mode.

The result is a surprisingly powerful way to make all kinds of games. From 3D platforming games to high-speed racing or side-scrolling shooting. Essentially, whatever you want to make there is a way to make it with Game Builder Garage.

GAMEPLAY TRAILER

Good to know

Insights to ensure your child's gaming experience remains safe and enjoyable

Improve learning

Creative games can be very educational. They can help kids solve problems, think creatively and use critical thinking while sparking imagination, which are skills that can support learning in other areas.

Manage Online Interactions

Many creative games offer online multiplayer modes or user-generated content sharing. Be aware of potential risks associated with online interactions, including cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Set clear rules, talk about positive online communication and use available parental controls to manage who kids can talk to.

Manage in-game purchase

Some creative games offer in-game purchases for skins, costumes, or virtual items. Use console or in-game parental controls to set spending limits or disable spending features if you want to control expenses.

Skill level age

Suggested by Family Gaming Database

10+

You need to be able to plan, experiment and adapt your levels for the player. You also need to be able to finish them yourself before you can share them.