Scratch is a brilliant way for kids to be introduced to coding. It uses a block-based coding approach which makes learning programming concepts much easier for beginners. If you, or your child know want to now progress more, here are 13 game ideas for Scratch.
Scratch game ideas
1. Create a platformer game in Scratch where you control your character needs to get through different levels of difficulty to reach the end goal.
2. Create a puzzle game in Scratch where you need to complete a sequence of actions correctly to progress to the next level. This game idea for Scratch will be popular with the whole family.
3. Create a farm simulator in Scratch where you look after animals and grow crops successfully. This game idea combines strategy with fun.
4. Create cooking game in Scratch where the player must follow a recipe correctly to complete different dishes. As well as being a Scratch game idea, it can also give you ideas of what to help cook in the kitchen!
5. Create an educational game in Scratch where the idea is you answer questions and solve problems in topics including maths, science, geography, and history.
6. Create a virtual pet game in Scratch where you must feed, pet, play with, and look after the cat or dog.
7. Create a space invader game in Scratch where you need to destroy different enemies as the progress down the screen towards you.
8. Create a city simulator game in Scratch where you build your own metropolis, then need to successfully manage it, a bit a like a mayor, or council would.
9. Create a music game in Scratch where you play different instruments, with the aim being to your complete own tunes.
10. Create a world cup football game in Scratch where you choose a team then compete against computer teams to win the trophy.
11. Create a maze game in Scratch where you must navigate a path to the end, but at the same time avoid baddies and obstacles.
12. Create a dodging snake game in Scratch where your snake moves around the screen collecting coins but avoiding traps at the same time.
13. Create a pong game in Scratch where you need to stop the ball from coming off the screen by bouncing it back with your flat paddle.
Tutorials for all the cool Scratch game ideas above can be found on YouTube.
How to come up with your own cool Scratch game ideas
1. Explore Different Genres
- Platformer: Create a game where players navigate a character through levels, avoiding obstacles and collecting items.
- Puzzle: Design a game that challenges players to solve problems or match items.
- Adventure: Develop a story-driven game where players explore different environments within which they can interact with the different characters you created.
- Simulation: Simulate real-world activities. This can include running a shop or caring for a virtual pet.
- Arcade: Think of classic arcade games (like Pong, Space Invaders) and put a unique twist on them.
2. Mix and Match Ideas
- Combine elements from different genres. For example, create a platformer with puzzle-solving elements, or a racing game with a story mode.
3. Think About Themes
- Nature: Games set in forests, oceans, or outer space.
- Fantasy: Incorporate magic, mythical creatures, and enchanted worlds.
- Historical: Base your game in a specific time period, like ancient Egypt or the medieval era.
- Futuristic: Imagine life in the future with robots, spaceships, and alien worlds.
4. Adapt Existing Concepts
- Take inspiration from games you enjoy. Consider what you would change or improve, and create your own version with a new twist.
- Look at classic board games, card games, or playground games for ideas that can be adapted to Scratch.
5. Use Simple Mechanics
- Focus on simple game mechanics that are easy to understand and implement, such as clicking, dragging, and jumping. Build on these to create a more complex experience.
- Example: A “clicker” game where players earn points by clicking on certain items, with increasing difficulty.
6. Challenge Yourself
- Set constraints to spark creativity. For example, challenge yourself to make a game with only three sprites, or within a certain time limit.
- Try creating a game that fits a specific theme or style (like a retro game with pixel art).
7. Start with a Story
- Develop a story first, then create gameplay elements that fit that narrative.
- For example, if your story is about a treasure hunt, design levels where players collect items, solve riddles, and avoid traps.
8. Look at Scratch Projects
- Browse Scratch’s “Explore” section to see what other creators are making. This can inspire you or help you identify gaps in available content.
- Remix existing projects to see how they work, then use that knowledge to create something original.
9. Incorporate Randomness
- Add elements of randomness to your game, like randomly generated levels or unpredictable enemy behavior. This can make your game more exciting and replayable.
10. Get Feedback
- Share your ideas with friends or the Scratch community to get feedback. This can lead to new ideas or help you refine existing ones.
11. Educational Games
- Create games that teach something, like math, spelling, or coding concepts. Think about how you can make learning fun.
12. Think About Player Interaction
- How will players interact with your Scratch game idea? Consider using different input methods like the keyboard, mouse, or even the microphone.
13. Reimagine Everyday Activities
- Take a mundane activity and turn it into a game. For example, create a game where players manage a virtual garden, cook recipes, or sort recyclables.
14. Use Prompts
- Generate random prompts or challenges and base your game on them. You can use online random idea generators or write down different elements (like “space,” “time travel,” “cats”) and draw them from a hat.
15. Experiment with Aesthetics
- Focus on visual or audio styles. For example, create a game with a minimalist design, or one that uses only certain colors or sounds.
16. Collaboration
- Work with others. Different perspectives can lead to unique ideas that you might not have thought of alone.
Take your Scratch game ideas to the next level
Did you know that FunTech also offers Scratch courses that can be taken virtually or in-person as a summer camp.
Beginners will find Scratch easy to learn since it is use visual elements and simplified drag and drop functionality.
The course has been created specifically for kids with the primary purpose of giving them an early exposure to understanding the basics of coding and programming. They could also have the opportunity to develop one of these game ideas for Scratch shown above.
Despite the simplicity of Scratch, it is good for learning programming and lets kids create projects that have a relatively high level of complexity as they learn more and more.
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