CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
codespells.org
CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
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Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#2Man do I wish I had something like this to play when I was in high school.
That quote at the beginning of the video is fascinating to me too. With all that is happening around wearable devices, the internet of things, etc., we're not too far away from a future of people gesturing and incanting various things and having their environment respond to them.
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic (and of course the corollary).
Reminds me of a (somewhat cheesy but fun) fantasy book called The Wiz Biz[1] I read once.
[1] http://www.amazon.com/The-Wiz-Biz-Rick-Cook/dp/0671878468/re...
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#3While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I question whether such a simple "recipe" construction of primitive, limited algorithms will really provide any real skill development over what a child would learn from a chemistry or electronics set or even a cooking course.
Based on this, calling your game "CodeSpells" is a bit of a stretch. You've made your definition of "code" so vague that MineCraft may as well call itself CodeCraft and market itself as a computer science education tool.
Sorry to be harsh and I applaud the effort but where you're currently at is like saying "I'll teach people to drive and then they can become automotive engineers," which is, while somewhat true, obviously not going to be all that effective.
Now, "something" may be better than nothing but if you really want to have an impact you desperately need to broaden your concept. What you have isn't enough, from my perspective. That said, you obviously know the whole "teaching code" thing is trendy and maybe you might get something out of your Kickstarter. Best of luck with that.
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#4While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I question whether such a simple "recipe" construction of primitive, limited algorithms will really provide any real skill development over what a child would learn from a chemistry or electronics set or even a cooking course. Based on this, calling your game "CodeS…
This is not only harsh, but close minded. MineCraft and Legos provide tremendous values to kids in developing at least creativity, and often fire technical interests that drive kids to learn "real skills" later on in life. CodeSpells is just pushing that to the next level.
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#5Never forget Code Hero: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_Hero
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#6While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I question whether such a simple "recipe" construction of primitive, limited algorithms will really provide any real skill development over what a child would learn from a chemistry or electronics set or even a cooking course. Based on this, calling your game "CodeS…
The blocks allows instant gratification to hook people in.
I see no problem if they want to add an advanced mode where you can drop down into an actual programming language like lua, python or scheme.
Seeing more advanced spells from other players might even encourage people to do so, just so they can have status in the game too.
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#7While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I question whether such a simple "recipe" construction of primitive, limited algorithms will really provide any real skill development over what a child would learn from a chemistry or electronics set or even a cooking course. Based on this, calling your game "CodeS…
This is not only harsh, but close minded. MineCraft and Legos provide tremendous values to kids in developing at least creativity, and often fire technical interests that drive kids to learn "real skills" later on in life. CodeSpells is just pushing that to the next level.
I'm not discounting that CodeSpells has a certain value, but many other things in this context do as well. If it really wants to succeed in its "vision" CodeSpells needs to become much more than what it is. Hope it does.
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#8While I love anything that encourages kids to learn basic computer science skills (since this is also my niche) this isn't the approach I would take, and I question whether such a simple "recipe" construction of primitive, limited algorithms will really provide any real skill development over what a child would learn from a chemistry or electronics set or even a cooking course. Based on this, calling your game "CodeS…
I can agree with you that maybe, at this early stage of the game development, the "Code" part in the "CodeSpell" name may be a bit inaccurate. But nothing tells us it won't evolve to something RPG-like, where you'll have to actually code your spells effects with raw instructions to reach higher levels.
I totally love those games where the players bring all the value by being creative, when the conceptors have absolutely no idea of what the in-game will look like 6 months from now.
It's not about teaching raw code and basic algorithms, but using code as a tool to achieve what's in your mind, and I think that's the most important part to prepare someone for the future of programming.
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#9I just played the alpha I downloaded from their website and it was great, has the player crafting actual code. Not sure what happened between that version and what they have now.
I realise they're trying to lower the barrier-to-entry with the blocks and whatnot but I'd expect that if I bought my kid a game called CodeSpells they'd be writing code, so I'm not sure barrier-to-entry is really much of an issue in this case.
I wish they'd have kept at their original concept.
Re: CodeSpells – Craft Magical Spells Using Code [video]
#10Man do I wish I had something like this to play when I was in high school. That quote at the beginning of the video is fascinating to me too. With all that is happening around wearable devices, the internet of things, etc., we're not too far away from a future of people gesturing and incanting various things and having their environment respond to them. Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from m…
The idea that magic is a branch of maths (mixed with heavy doses of Lovecraftian horror and dour cold-war spy thrillers) is the basis for the splendid Laundry series of novels from Charlie Stross:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Literature/TheLaundryS...