It has long been proven that the game learning format brings more results than classical methods of memorizing materials. The same law applies in programming. During the game, children, in addition to gaining knowledge about programming languages, develop cognitive brain functions, emotional intelligence and spatial thinking. 

So the choice of the method of studying programming is obvious. We have prepared a selection of ten games that can be played by beginners. Almost all of them are free. And most of them can be completed just by watching a Youtube video. 

Let's start with them. 

And if you don't know which programming language to start learning for your child, we recommend reading to the end of the article, where we describe the features of each language. 

It's a very easy, but not boring game. 

Duration: If you have experience working with Scratch, you can create it in just 5-6 minutes. 

To do this, you need to:

– Choose a sprite (a character who will fish). In this lesson, this is Scratch's signature character, a ginger cat. 

– program the movement of the rod and fish; 

– Adjust the score of the game for each successful catch. 

The game is based on a popular movie. Only, of course, a simplified version, in the Scratch format. 

The main character plays as a spaceship and fights off an alien invasion. Each downed enemy ship earns the player one point. As soon as the total score becomes 10, the boss of the game appears, who has 35 lives. The task is to defeat him without losing your 3 lives. 

The genre of the game is something like a 2D shooting game. 

Duration: it takes about 30 minutes to create the game. 

What does the game teach?

1. Working with sprites. 
2. The scripts of the program. 
3. Character programming. 

The plot is based on the fact that the United Space Corporation allowed the opening of a space portal through which monsters made their way. Now the whole world is crawling with them. The company's task is to save the world from the consequences of an unsuccessfully opened portal. You can play as the corporation itself, or as an ordinary soldier.

Duration: you can create a game in 15 minutes. 

What needs to be done? 

1. Switch to the sprite creation and drawing mode, make the main character.
2. Create a background and a game world. 
3. Program the actions of the characters.
4. Set up a target to catch monsters.

The game is about a cute monster that moves across platforms by jumping. On the way, he sometimes comes across obstacles that need to be reacted to quickly so as not to fall and lose his progress. The goal of the game is to jump as long as possible and not fall.

Duration: A simplified version of the game can be created in 11 minutes. 

To do this, you need to:

1. Create a character.
2. Draw a platform on which the monster will jump. 
3. Provide the character with movement. 
4. Set up jumps. 
5. Start the timer.

The prototype of the very click-through about the hamster. The goal of the game is to tap on the hamster as many times as possible. For each click, you get points that can be spent on upgrading the hamster and buying clothes. 

Duration of the game creation: 14 minutes.

During this time, you can do the following:

1. Create three outfits for a Hamster — the easiest for the beginner level, a little better for the second level of the game, and the coolest, with glasses and a costume.
2. Develop a reward system for clicks.
3. Apply music, background, and special effects. 

Let's just say that this is already an increased level of difficulty of the games. It will take more time and skills to create them. But if that doesn't scare you, then we suggest you watch these videos.: 

1. How to create game levels in Roblox?

This is a platform for creating 3D games, which are most often written here in the Lua language. In this lesson, you can understand the logic of how games are created and how loops work in Roblox.

Duration: 10 minutes.

2. How to create a horror game in Roblox?

A small but exciting game that you can play with your friends. 

Duration: 9 minutes.

The sequence of actions, as in the creation of any other game:

1. First, we work through the world and create a game map.
2. We are developing a character. In this case, it's a first—person game, so you'll only need to create arms and legs. 
3. We program the character and his actions. 

The goal of the game is to get to the house and prevent the monsters from attacking you. 

Duration: 15 minutes.

What needs to be done?

1. Generate a map, create a relief.
2. Create a defensive fortress.
3. Develop weapons for defense. 
4. Create the main character of the game. 

Suitable for whom?

Children who love creativity and want to learn how the world works around them.

What is developing?

Logical and engineering thinking, problem solving skills, and creativity. 

How to play? 

Crayon Physics Deluxe is an exciting 2D puzzle game developed by Petri Purho, in which each level offers interesting challenges to solve by drawing objects. Players use their knowledge of physics to move the ball to the desired point, applying various game mechanisms and creating their own solutions.

In the game, you will have to work with various tools such as bridges, levers and other devices that help you overcome obstacles and achieve the goals of the game. Despite the simplicity of the concept, each level requires players to be creative and understand the laws of physics.

What's special about Crayon Physics Deluxe?

This is not just a game, but a real simulator for the development of engineering and logical thinking. Children learn the basics of programming by intuitively understanding how objects work, how they interact, and what laws of physics determine their behavior. For those who are just starting to explore the world of programming, this is a game that lays the foundations for conceptual thinking.

The game supports a smooth and intuitive interface that makes the learning process effortless. Each new level is a chance for children to test their wits and learn how to solve problems similar to those that can occur in real life. 

You can also create your own levels here.

Crayon Physics Deluxe also helps children develop patience, as many tasks require time and careful planning. This is a good way for parents and teachers to support their child's interest in science, mathematics, and engineering, as well as to introduce them to important programming principles in a playful way.

Who is the game for?

For beginners in programming, starting at the age of 6.

What is developing?

Algorithmic thinking, understanding of cycles and basic functions.

How to play?

Lightbot is a game designed so that children can start learning programming easily and at ease. In it, you need to help the robot move along the platforms, completing tasks on lighting light bulbs and creating commands. During the game, the child learns the basics of algorithms, loops, and working with functions.

The game is ideal even for preschoolers, as it offers an intuitive interface and does not require knowledge of programming languages. Instead of lengthy theoretical explanations, the game offers practice, allowing the child to immediately practice knowledge using real examples. However, the tasks become more difficult with each level. 

Game Features:

1. Intuitive interface. Lightbot is adapted to the perception of children, the game controls are as simple as possible.
2. No boring lectures. The game focuses on practical tasks, excluding abstract explanations.
3. Visual blocks instead of text. The child works with visual tools, so he doesn't even need to know the code. The principle of the game is similar to Scratch, which we wrote about at the beginning of the article. 

How to play? 

1. Installation. Lightbot can be installed on mobile devices (iOS and Android) or played through a browser on the web version of the game. Just download it from the App Store or Google Play or go to the website.
2. The beginning of the game. The game starts with simple tasks where the child learns to control the robot and use basic commands.
3. Gradual increase in complexity. In the future, the player will master cycles, subroutines and other algorithmic elements, with hints for each new task.
4. Regular practice. To effectively master the program, it is recommended to play for 15-20 minutes a day in order to consolidate the material well and at the same time avoid overloading.

Suitable for whom?

Children from 5 years old and schoolchildren.

What is developing?

Basics of Python, JavaScript, HTML.

How to play?

CodeCombat is an exciting online game that allows children to learn programming while immersing themselves in a world of adventure. Players become heroes who complete tasks by writing commands in different programming languages. This is a great opportunity for beginners to learn how to work with code, learn syntax, functions, parameters and loops, as well as for more experienced children to deepen their knowledge of programming.

The game perfectly combines learning with exciting gameplay, allowing children not only to program, but also to complete adventure quests. In the process, children control magical characters using commands and spells that are implemented through code. It helps to develop logic and algorithmic thinking, and also instills an interest in programming from an early age.

What can you learn using CodeCombat?

• The basics of Python and JavaScript.
• Programming in HTML.
• Create your own games and develop scripts.
• Preparation for exams and exam assignments.

How do I start learning?

1. CodeCombat is available in various languages, including Russian and English. 
2. The game starts with simple tasks and gradually gets more complicated. It helps kids learn coding step by step.
3. CodeCombat covers topics from basic to more complex, suitable for both beginners and those who are already familiar with the basics of programming.
4. In the game, you can create command spells and magical characters. 

For whom?

For children from 4 to 14 years old.

What is developing?

Logical thinking, problem solving skills, programming basics.

How to play? 

1. A game-based learning format. Children program by helping a monkey pick bananas, solving logical problems and applying programming principles in practice. 
2. Real programming languages. The platform offers training in popular languages: CoffeeScript and Python. 
3. Gradual complication. The levels of the game become more difficult as they master new knowledge and allows children to deepen their knowledge of programming step by step.

How do I start working with CodeMonkey?

1. Registration. First you need to create an account on the official website of the platform.
2. Level selection. CodeMonkey offers age- and level-specific lessons. This allows you to choose the appropriate field of study for each child.
3. Completing tasks. Children follow step-by-step instructions, solving tasks and moving through the levels.
4. Tracking progress. The platform allows parents and teachers to track their child's progress and monitor their achievements.

Age recommendations:

1. The CodeMonkey Jr. course has been developed for children aged 4-6 years, which introduces the basics of block programming.
2. Older children (7-14 years old) They can move on to text programming in CoffeeScript and Python, learning more complex aspects of coding.

For whom?

For children aged 10 years and older.

What is developing?

Programming skills, logical thinking, fundamentals of robotics.

What kind of game is this?

Ceebot is an educational game from Epsitec that helps children learn programming through controlling virtual robots. In the game, users write code to perform a variety of tasks, such as moving objects, avoiding obstacles, and interacting with the environment.

Ceebot uses a programming language similar to C++, which allows children to learn about the real syntax structures and code logic. This is a great way to understand the basics of programming while gaining skills that will be useful in real software development.

What is the plot of the game based on? Players are immersed in a futuristic world where they take on the role of programmers controlling robots performing various tasks. Each new task requires writing a program that determines the robot's actions. Whether it's collecting resources, building or defending a base, the decisions are made by the player himself, creating code for the robot. With each level, the tasks become more complex and require deeper immersion in the principles of programming and robotics.

Ceebot options for different age groups:

• CeeBot-A: for children aged 15 and over.
• CeeBot-Teen: for teenagers 10-15 years old.
• CeeBot-3: for children 10-15 years old.
• CeeBot-4: for teenagers 15 years and older.

If you are just starting out in programming, let's find out which programming languages exist in the world of code and which one is suitable for your little developer.

Scratch is like a LEGO construction kit, only for programming. Instead of boring lines of code, children drag and drop colored blocks and create games, cartoons, and even music.Why choose Scratch?

• Everything is visual and simple.
• Instant result: the child immediately sees how his ideas come to life.
• Suitable for children from 6 years old. In the Scratch Junior version, you can start studying even earlier. 

Minus: you won't become the next Bill Gates if you only know Scratch. But it's the perfect playground to start with!

Python is a language that both beginners and professionals alike love.

Why Python?

The code reads almost like English text. For example:print("Hello, world!")

• This is the command for the computer to say hello. It's easy, isn't it?
• Python is used to create games, applications, and even artificial intelligence. 

Cons: it can be a bit difficult for the youngest, it's better to start at the age of 10.

JavaScript is the language in which websites come to life. If your child dreams of creating their own website or cool animations, then this is what you need.Why JavaScript?

• You can immediately see the results on the browser screen.
• It's used everywhere, so the skills will come in handy.

Cons: it can be moody, you can easily make mistakes. 

If your child loves Minecraft, then you can try working with platforms where you can program the behavior of characters and build worlds. 

Remember: it doesn't matter which language you choose, the main thing is that the child enjoys the process. Let his first programs be funny, with mistakes and strange ideas — this is how the love of coding grows.