My son wants to be a gamemaker, how can I help?

Question

My 7-year-old son is super bright and wants to become a gamemaker. Already he is coming up with concepts - characters, storylines, rules, etc...
I know little about computers. How can I help him develop this interest?

Answer 1

Take it from another programmer, try reading this:

http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_become_a_computer_programmer.html

If you/he is still interested afterwards, this following site is great for learning some programming skills:

http://www.w3schools.com/

Have fun!

Answer 2

I love the article the first poster linked to - it's all so true. My son is 12, and he too wants to be a game programmer. I tell him that programming is much different than playing, and involves the use and understanding of advanced math and science, like physics, trigonometry, and calculus. I also do encourage him to use the computer, but instead of playing video games, I let him code some HTML stuff (like the guy in the article suggested) as it is relatively easy, and all you need is notepad, and a browser (Internet Explorer, FIrefox, etc) to view the content.
I would also remind him that he is young, and has plenty of time to make up his mind about career choices. He may be more inclined to enjoy the graphic design part of video game creation - who knows - he's only 7! ha ha
Good luck mom (I think you're a mom???)

Answer 3

Lol sounds like me. I'm 15 and have wanted to do the same since i was like 5. Mainly if its programming he wants to focus on like me, then he needs to learn some basics,with things like like LOGO to teach him the basics and concepts of things. I don't know if a 7 year old can grasp some of the concepts but it couldn't hurt. then he should probably take some classes, see if the schools offer any. Another thing is he should probably choose a language he likes. All i did was read a lot of For Dummies books and experimented with the programming.
If he wants to focus on the creation of the storyline and and graphics , thats a different story. and if he becomes any good, I need a good storyline to build a game off of. Wouldn't mind hearing them either.
I dunno if thats the way to go but thats my personal experience.
Also if your not talking about computer games ignore this whole answer.

Answer 4

Programming and graphic design are going to help majorly. A gamer that wants to create a game has to be able to code and put the graphics together unless they just sell the idea to a company. I put together some games but mostly on the coding side using Java and HTML.

Answer 5

Here in austin tx we have a computer game programming camp for kids, they spend around a week learning the elements of game design, its here because we have MANY game companies including X-box 360's home office.Hope that helps.

Answer 6

Convince him why YOU couldn't be a game programmer...and convince him it's a hard roe to hoe. He needs to get after some basics first! Like...math! Reading! And it's surprisingly important to learn typing. Please help him be, not a pure geek, but well rounded. He needs to know how to run around in the grass and play tag, too.

Answer 7

What sort of games is he interested into?

If its MMOCC's id suggest using this forum -
www.mmoccforum.com

Or if its more RPG way - here are a few game makers

http://www.yoyogames.com/make
http://www.vbgore.com
http://xtremeworlds.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
http://www.engine001.com

Its a young age to start at good luck from me.