Community reviews for Gamestar Mechanic

Once you get the students logged into your 'class' on Gamestar, it is so easy to get going. The Quest, or story, is broken down into different Episodes and Missions, so it is easy to assign certain episodes for any given day. I usually started the class by reading the opening of the graphic novel together, to make sure the students understood what their goal was for the day. Then I would assign an entire episode or a certain number of missions for the remaining class period. This way it kept everyone on the same part of the adventure. When a student finished his missions for that day, he was able to either play in the "Game Alley" (student created games that have been published) or tinker around in the "Workshop". You are also able to assign Projects to students that can be worked on during free time, homework, or over a vacation. Another great thing is that Gamestar has ready made lesson plans, projects and even things like vocabulary card games that you can print out and have as reference. There is a free account students can use to complete the first Quest, but trust me, they will want the next two! The Premium accounts are only $2 per student, so it is really reasonable and so worth it!

Gamestar Mechanic has completely captivated my students. They love the ease-of-use that comes with the templates. It is extremely engaging and very exciting. The students love the ability to create something that can be so easily shared with the online community. The challenge is to make sure that if the students are creating content-area games, that the games contain constructive, meaningful information.

Great tool to introduce game design and the importance of problem solving.

I like this software for the students. Since they play video games, they are progressing through the levels rather quickly so they can create and publish games. On the other hand, I am stuck on a level, so I can not create as much as the students. But they are requesting to create games. I am challenging their logical thinking to make more than a basic game.

Gamestar Mechanic helps students study "game design" or the concepts behind the basic elements of a game, and how the balance of fun and challenge in games creates flow. It is also concerned with the iteration feedback loop and how games are a complex system designed around creating a satisfying user experience. Game design is a great jumping off point for introducing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) learning through the lens of systems-thinking and user-centered design. Working with these complex concepts requires creativity and critical thinking in generous amounts. Basically, students have to figure out how a user is going to interact with a system that hasn't been invented yet. Further, the iterative feedback loop requires real collaboration. I appreciate that there's a lot I can do with this for free. I am disappointed that some of the tools available require a substantial membership fee, as most public school would not be will to support anything with the word "game" in it, no matter how good.

Students really love to play Gamestar Mechanic.

Gamestar Mechanic does teach the students the basics of game creation. It is great for teaching problem solving. However, the kids have to play the game for an hour or more before they can earn the tools to begin building their own games.

This program is about "figuring it out" and systems thinking. It infuses concepts such as cause and effect, synthesis of variables (components, design, space, etc), creativity, and understanding objective/goal/audience. It also teaches balance--elements, hard vs. easy, engagement. My students were engaged, begged for more, interacted with each other offering feedback and help. Students persevered and focused on trying to "figure it all out." This is a great platform for creative problem solving. It also has curriculum for teachers.

Kids love playing games, yet they seldom stop to think why they like the games they do. This game forces them to that, and it does it in a very engaging way.

Gamestar Mechanic provides a great introduction to design thinking and Game Design. Students play through missions to experience game design elements and apply them as they fix broken games and create their own games.