PlayCrafter

This web site is pretty complicated when it comes to the number of things going on, on the screen – however it does have a lot of tools to use to create your own games (or play the games others have created).  You can either start from scratch or go with one of the templates they provide, such as action game, golf game, ninja game, jumping game and more.

Sploder

With Sploder, you are given the option of creating either a platformer game or a shooter game.  Also giving you the options of sharing your creation, I liked Sploder because it was a little more on the simple side.  So, if you want to show this off to a kid – it might be a lot easier for them to wrap their minds around. 

Mockingbird

Mockingbird is the last pick on my list.  They too give you a lot to work with, but instead of simply building one kind of game – they offer several kits (or the ability to build your own kit) with programmable sounds, actions and more.  If you wanted to get somebody into the mindset of programming a game – this would be the one I would have them play with.  Why?  Well, with having to set, for example, a bomb to be able to jump and assign the farting noise when he does so – gives a much better cause and effect result I think anybody from any age group could understand.

Although none of these games will have you programming your own games, each site delivers a unique way of getting a younger child, nephew, or sibling interested in the idea of game development.

Here is one I just whipped up… 

What, you don’t fear the Scottish Terrier?!  Here are a few more “Make a Hero” online tools.

• UGO.com – Hero Machine
• Marvel – Make Your Own Super Hero
• MakeMeSuper.com

Hopefully, this will come in handy.  Never know when you might need a hero! *cue the music*

Oh Johnny 5, where are you when we need you the most?

You can check out the creator here:  http://www.fyrebug.com/create/

On this page you can select what type of game you wish to create, and then edit each feature as you see fit.  You have shoot ‘em ups, arcade clones, word search, action games, fighting games and more.    Once you are done creating you can play or share you game with others.  Take for example, this game where I am a bouncing Harrison Ford head.

Click here to make your own Fyrebug game

This is one of those web sites that is fun to spend some time with when there is nothing else to do.  Therefor, I put it in my time wasting hall of fame – right next to Friv.