Microsoft Releases for the PC: Kodu Game-Creation Tool for Kids
Redmond-based software giant Microsoft has announced the release of a brand new software application for PCs. Named Kodu, it is a game that helps children learn to program and create their own video games. Kodu was initially designed as a learning tool for children who played with the Xbox 360. Now it has been ported to the PC, thus letting a lot more youngsters learn the basics of game development.
The only downside is that Kodu for PCs is still in the Beta phase of its development process – public Beta to be more precise. Microsoft is confident though that Kodu will be an attractive software application for schools. By porting Kodu to the PC, Microsoft dealt away with the need for controllers – and so schools can get the software, and simply install in on their PCs, they don’t need to get special equipment to use Kodu.
Why would schools want to get Kodu? According to Kodu creator and Director of the Redmond FUSE (Future Social Experiences) Lab, Matthew MacLaurin, the game will introduce youngsters to programming and will help them advance their design, math, and problem-solving skills. Children experience computers in a passive manner; Kodu is a means of encouraging them to truly engage with computers.
“Today, it seems like the simple magic of programming has been completely lost in the shuffle. We need to show kids how exciting and creative it can be. I think there’s a pretty common feeling that programming is when you directly get in touch with the magic that computers are capable of. For me and people of my generation, we were introduced to computers in that magical mode of creating something out of nothing through code,” said MacLaurin.
If you would like to learn more about Kodu and perhaps download the Beta for PCs, check out the official page here.
The only downside is that Kodu for PCs is still in the Beta phase of its development process – public Beta to be more precise. Microsoft is confident though that Kodu will be an attractive software application for schools. By porting Kodu to the PC, Microsoft dealt away with the need for controllers – and so schools can get the software, and simply install in on their PCs, they don’t need to get special equipment to use Kodu.
Why would schools want to get Kodu? According to Kodu creator and Director of the Redmond FUSE (Future Social Experiences) Lab, Matthew MacLaurin, the game will introduce youngsters to programming and will help them advance their design, math, and problem-solving skills. Children experience computers in a passive manner; Kodu is a means of encouraging them to truly engage with computers.
“Today, it seems like the simple magic of programming has been completely lost in the shuffle. We need to show kids how exciting and creative it can be. I think there’s a pretty common feeling that programming is when you directly get in touch with the magic that computers are capable of. For me and people of my generation, we were introduced to computers in that magical mode of creating something out of nothing through code,” said MacLaurin.
If you would like to learn more about Kodu and perhaps download the Beta for PCs, check out the official page here.
