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What is a computer game?

Computer games are like a story or film. They usually have a beginning, a middle and an end.

We start at the beginning and meet other characters and visit different places.

After playing the game for a while we get to the end - just like in a story or film!

Although computer games are like stories and films, some things are different.

In a computer game we control the characters inside the story. We can:

• make the characters on the screen move around
• make them run, jump and pick things up
• choose what happens next

Some computer games have lots of players and some only need one player. Its fun to share a game with our friends.

What type of computers games are there?

There are lots of different types of game to choose from.
We can:

• choose a game with a maze to find the treasure
• play a puzzle game and look for clues
• play a running and jumping game and collect things on the way
• play a sports game where we pick a team and try to win

What is your favourite type of game?

How are computer games made?

It takes a lot of different people working as a team to make a computer game.

• Writers will choose the story and characters for the game.
• Artists will draw all the characters and the background.
• Musicians will make the music, songs and other sound effects.
• Actors will say the words that the characters speak in the game.

All these parts are put together to make the game. The game needs to look and sound good so that people enjoy playing it.

How does the game work?

Each character and object in the game has a list of hidden instructions. These instructions explain what happens when someone is playing the game.

• When a player clicks the controller button a character might jump.
• If a player clicks on a magic hat it might make a magical sound.
• When a player collects enough points they might win the game.

These instructions are called a computer program.

Can we make our own game?

If you want to learn how to make your own computer game, you can use a special app or program that will help you make pictures of the characters and backgrounds.

It will also help you to write the program to set the rules for playing the game.

You can ask a trusted adult to help you find a game making app or program that is right for your age.

You might also learn how to make a game at school as part of your computing lessons. Good luck!

Glossary

Here's the meaning to some important words.

Computer - A device that can follow instructions stored in its memory.
Digital device - A machine that has a computer inside.
App (short for application) - A type of computer program that runs on a digital device.
Computer game - An interactive game played on a digital device or computer.
Program - A list of instructions a computer can understand.
Trusted adult - An adult that you know and will keep you safe.

Activities