Coding is fun and so useful once you get the hang of it, but it’s learning the basics that can become a grueling experience. A fun and effective way to learn and practice coding is actually by playing video games. Yup, you heard that right. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone. If you’re a newbie and want to gain some serious programming skills, here are 14 video games that teach you coding. So check out the list below for some games you can try out!
Video Games That Teach You Coding
Robocode
Robocode is a programming game where the goal is to develop a robot battle tank to compete against other tanks in Java or .NET in a battle arena. These battles run real-time so players must be quick in writing the AI of the robot, telling it how to behave and react in the arena. The game is free and highly addictive, so get ready to spend a lot of time playing this game AND becoming a pro coder!
CodeCombat
CodeCombat is an innovative HTML5 role-playing game (RPG) that teaches players the basics of programming. Its unique approach to learning encourages students to actively learn and apply the fundamental concepts of Python, JavaScript, and C++. It is free to play for all of its core levels, but you can also upgrade for a fee to add extra levels and get bonus gems.
SQL Murder Mystery
SQL Murder Mystery is a whodunnit-inspire video game designed for players to solve a murder in SQL City. Learn SQL concepts and commands while helping the detective solve an intriguing crime. Beginner or not, this game is for all SQL programmers who want to practice their skills and have fun while doing it!
Codewars
Brush up on your skills by training with others on real code challenges. Whether you want to master your current language of choice or learn a new one, Codewars is the perfect game for you. By training on Kata, you can use your coding style right in the browser, and use test cases to check it as you progress. Complete higher-ranked kata and perform challenges according to your level.
Screeps
Screeps is a fun, open-source MMO sandbox game for programmers, consisting of 70,000 interconnected game rooms. The goal is to control your colony through JavaScript. You can also compile other languages via WebAssembly. Short for “scripting creeps”, Screeps makes use of real programming, not just pseudocode.
Elevator Saga
The aim of Elevator Saga is to program the movement of elevators using JavaScript. Players must find a way to efficiently transport people, and go through all of the game’s challenges. It’s gameplay is pretty easy, as players only have to input the code in the input window of the browser. Feel free to get creative with your codes!
Human Resource Machine
This game is a visual programming-based puzzle video game. It focuses on a corporate office worker who must perform certain tasks such as moving objects between an inbox/outbox to and from storage areas. The player must accomplish a series of puzzles in constructing a program to complete a particular task.
Untrusted
Untrusted is an online multiplayer hacking, social deduction game. Some players take on the role of hackers from the fictional NETSEC group who are tasked to hack a specific computer network. They must outsmart undercover agents and snitches who are out to get them. This game is all about role-playing, deception, and deduction, featuring 23 playable classes with over 80 exciting skills.
Shenzhen I/O
This one’s another puzzle game about building circuits with a variety of components from different manufacturers. Here, you’ll be an engineer employed at the electronics capital of the world, Shenzhen Longteng Electronics Co., Ltd. The programming language used in the game is similar to assembly language, and the circuit elements resemble simplified versions of real-life electronics.
Duskers
Duskers is an intense and spooky strategy game where players must explore mysterious spaceships using drones to uncover how the universe became a giant graveyard. They must also continually adapt to the different dangers they must face along the way in order to survive the mission. As the game’s motto goes, “Explore. Adapt. Survive.”
CSS Diner
CSS Diner is a game designed to let players learn CSS3 advanced selectors. To complete each level, you just have to type in the correct selector to pick specific elements on a diner table.
Blockly Games
Blockly Games are a series of block-based programming games for beginners from Google. Made for “tomorrow’s programmers”, it is designed for kids who have no experience with computer programming.
Ruby Warrior
Ruby Warrior is a fun coding game that involves writing Ruby code to move your Knight through several levels. It is a great way to learn the programming language which has many applications such as data analysis, prototyping, building web applications, and proof of concepts.
Game Builder Garage
This game from Nintendo teaches its players how to create their own video games. So if video games are your passion, Game Builder Garage is a great place to learn the basics of game design and visual programming.
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