Moving, jumping, and scoring are standard features in almost every game we play. Kids can learn how to add these popular game mechanics to their Scratch games in just a few clicks.
In our elementary school coding classes, kids use Scratch to code their own games that they can play and share with friends. When they are beginners, they’re often asking how to include these simple game mechanics and it’s easier than they think.
Here are five popular game mechanics that take just 60 seconds to add to any game in Scratch.
- Move left and right
- Add gravity
- Jump
- Follow the Mouse
- Keep Score
Kids Can Quickly Code Games in Scratch
Scratch is a free block coding language and online community that allows kids to create programs and games using drag-and-drop.
Scratch is an excellent choice for kids who want to build games fast. There’s no setup and the drag-and-drop coding interface is easy enough for any beginner. In Scratch, kids can really focus on understanding coding concepts rather than learning syntax.
We teach these fundamental concepts through engaging projects in our Scratch classes. Elementary school students learn to code games and apps using Scratch first. This helps them build a solid understanding of fundamental coding concepts before they move on to text-based coding.
What are game mechanics?
Basic game mechanics refers to the fundamental rules, interactions, and systems that govern how a game operates.
These make up the core framework of a game, shaping the player’s experience and defining the rules of engagement within the game world.
When you start a new game, you learn the basic mechanics first in order to play.
Game developers use basic game mechanics to create engaging and enjoyable gameplay, providing structure, and a sense of progression for players. A few examples include:
Player Controls: Player controls define how users interact with the game. This includes keyboard and mouse inputs, gamepad controls, touch gestures, or any other input method.
Developers design controls to be intuitive and responsive, allowing players to navigate the game world, perform actions, and interact with objects.
Objectives and Goals: Games typically have specific objectives or goals that players must achieve to progress. These objectives can include completing missions, solving puzzles, defeating enemies, or reaching a specific destination. Well-designed objectives create a sense of purpose and motivation for players.
Scoring and Rewards: Scoring systems track players’ performance and provide a quantifiable measure of success. Rewards, such as points, items, or in-game currency, are often tied to achievements and milestones. Scoring and rewards incentivize players to strive for improvement and mastery.
Physics and Collision Detection: Physics engines simulate realistic movement and interactions within the game world. This includes gravity, friction, and object collisions. Collision detection ensures that objects interact believably, contributing to a more immersive and coherent game experience.
You can see some of these at work in the 25 best Scratch games.
5 Popular Game Mechanics in Scratch
Watch the 60-second Scratch video lessons to add these features to your next game!
1. Move Left and Right
Moving left and right is a fundamental part of many games, particularly in 2D platformers and side-scrolling games. This basic movement mechanic may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in the gameplay experience. It can also influence player control, level design, pacing, and even contribute to the narrative impact of the game.
In the Rocket Landing game, the rocketship moves left and right.
If we want our rocket to move left and right, we need to change the X value.
- In your code, select the When Key Pressed block then choose right arrow.
- Use a motion block to Change X by 5.
- Use the When Key Pressed block again then choose left arrow.
- Then use the motion block to Change X by -5.
- Now, press the green flag and use the arrow keys to test your movement.
Add this to your Scratch code:
2. Add Gravity
Incorporating gravity into a game world will add realism and can be an added layer of challenge. Games that involve falling or flying heavily depend on gravity. Changing gravity can lead to shifting landscapes, floating platforms, or other dynamic elements that keep the gameplay experience fresh and unpredictable.
In our Rocket Landing game, the rocketship falls from the sky.
If we want our rocket to move from top to bottom, we need to change the Y value.
- In your code, drag a When Green Flag clicked block in events.
- Select the Repeat loop and loop 200 times.
- Use a motion block to change Y by -2. Put that inside the loop, so the rocket goes down by -2 , 200 times.
- After it falls, set it back to the top with the Go To block x = 0 and y = 130
- Now, press the green flag to test your rocket. It’s falling!
Add this to your Scratch code:
3. Jump
Jumping is another fundamental game mechanic that you’ll see in virtually every game. Players can jump to navigate vertically, overcome obstacles, or reaching higher platforms. The ability to jump make a game more dynamic because they can introduce features like moving platforms or changing landscapes that require players to adapt their jumping skills in real-time.
In the Frog Jumper game, the frog jumps over a snake when you click the spacebar.
To move the frog up and then down, we need to change the Y position in Scratch.
- In your code, select a When Space Key Pressed block in events.
- Use a motion block to Change Y by 15.
- Select the repeat loop and repeat the change in Y 15 times. Add this around the motion block.
- Right-click to duplicate your loop and change Y to -15. This moves the frog down.
- Now, press the green flag to test your frog. It jumps!
Add this to your Scratch code:
4. Follow the Mouse
The “Follow the Mouse” game mechanic, also known as mouse tracking or mouse-based control is important in certain types of computer games. It is crucial in certain genres like point-and-click adventures or real-time strategy games. Players may move the cursor with the mouse to explore the environment, interact with objects, or solve puzzles.
In the Candy Collector game, the ghost follows the mouse. Anytime the mouse moves our ghost will move.
- Add a When Green Flag clicked block.
- Choose the motion block for Go To and select mouse-pointer.
- We want the ghost to follow the mouse pointer forever, so use a forever loop.
- Put it around the Go To block to repeat that action.
- Click the green flag and move your mouse. Does your sprite follow your mouse?
Add this to your Scratch code:
5. Keep Score
Keeping score is a fundamental game mechanic that serves various purposes across different types of games. Whether it’s a simple arcade game or a complex strategy game, the scoring system adds a competitive element to games, motivating players to improve their skills and achieve higher scores. It also provides clear goals for players to achieve and gives immediate feedback on player performance.
In the Monkey Tickler game, the score goes up when you click on the monkey.
- The score changes, so first go to variables and Make a Variable called score.
- In your code, drag a When Green Flag clicked block in events.
- Set the score variable to 0 when you start your game.
- Then, get the event block When This Sprite is Clicked.
- Every time we click the sprite, the score will change by 1.
- In variables, get Change Score by 1.
- Now, press the green flag to test your game.
- The score increases when you click your sprite.
Add this to your Scratch code:
Take your Scratch skills to the next level.
Now that you have your basic game features, take your Scratch skills to the next level! The elementary school core track, for kids ages 8-11, is a structured and fun way to advance your child’s coding skills. Kids will build a foundation in coding and practice skills like logical reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Encourage your child to learn Scratch and empower the next generation of creators. See Scratch classes and enroll.
