Scratch is a programming language that was developed by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) in 2007. It has been designed to enable kids and beginners to learn programming easily by visually producing blocks of code. Anyone can create stories and interactive games like platformers using Scratch without prior coding knowledge. In this article, we are going to guide you through the steps that will help you create your very own platformer game using Scratch.

Creating a platformer game may sound like a difficult task, but with Scratch, anyone can create one with ease. A platformer is a classic game that involves jumping and running through various levels while avoiding obstacles and enemies. In this tutorial, we will give you a comprehensive guide on how to create a platformer game from scratch using Scratch. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced programmer, this article has got you covered!

Creating a Platformer Game in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you someone who loves playing platformer games? Do you wish to create your own game but don’t know where to start? Scratch is the perfect platform for you to turn your dream into reality. Easy to use drag-and-drop interface and simple coding concepts make it the perfect tool for beginners to create a game without getting overwhelmed. In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a platformer game in Scratch.

1. Plan your game: Before you jump into Scratch, you need to plan your game. Decide on the characters, theme, background, obstacles, and other game elements. Plan each level and make a sketch of the gameplay.

How Much Money Does Avatar 2 Need to Make?

How to Make Refreshing Tea from Fresh Mint Leaves

2. Create a new project: Open Scratch and create a new project. You’ll see a blank canvas with a cat sprite. Rename the sprite to “Player” or any other name you like.

3. Set up the background: Choose a background for your game and set it up using the “Backdrops” option. You can also add music and sound effects to your game using the “Sounds” option.

4. Add platforms: Use the “Sprites” option to add platforms to your game. Platforms are the essential elements of a platformer game. You can create a platform by drawing a rectangle or use an existing platform sprite from Scratch’s library.

5. Add enemies: A platformer game is incomplete without enemies. You can use the “Sprites” option to add enemies to your game. Add movement and behavior to the enemy sprite to make it challenging for the player.

6. Add collectibles: Collectibles such as coins, gems or power-ups are important elements of a platformer game. Add them to your game using the “Sprites” option. Make sure to add behavior and create a score system for the collectibles.

7. Add movement to the player: The player sprite must move left, right and jump. Use the “Scripts” option to add movement to the player sprite. You can use the arrow keys or any other keys on the keyboard to control the player.

8. Add collision detection: Collision detection is an essential part of a platformer game. Make sure that the player sprite collides with the platform sprites and collectibles. You can use the “Sensing” option to add collision detection.

9. Create multiple levels: A platformer game usually has multiple levels. Use the “Switch backdrop to” option to create multiple levels for your game. Make them progressively more challenging and interesting than the previous one.

10. Test and share: Test your game thoroughly before sharing it with others. You can share your game on Scratch’s website, social media or embed it on your website.

In conclusion, creating a platformer game in Scratch is an excellent way to learn programming concepts and unleash your creativity. With these step-by-step instructions, you can easily create a game and share it with others. So what are you waiting for? Start creating your own platformer game in Scratch today!

Table of Contents

Getting Started with Scratch

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a platformer is, it’s time to get started with Scratch, the popular drag-and-drop programming language. Here are the steps to follow to make your own platformer in Scratch:

1. Open Scratch and Create a New Project

When you first open Scratch, you’ll see a blank project. Click on “File” in the top left corner and choose “New” to create a new project. You’ll now see the programming environment, which is where you’ll be doing all of your work.

2. Add the Background and Sprites

To create a platformer game, you’ll need a background and a sprite. Click on the “Backgrounds” tab on the left-hand side of the screen and choose a suitable background. Next, click on the “Sprites” tab and choose a character or object to use as your main sprite.

3. Create the Ground and Platforms

The ground and platforms are the foundations of a platformer game. To create them, click on the “Paint Brush” tool and draw a rectangle on the stage. Then, click on the “Costumes” tab and choose an appropriate texture or color for the ground.

Repeat this process to create platforms at different heights, using different textures or colors to differentiate them from the ground.

4. Add Movement and Controls

To make your sprite move, you’ll need to add code blocks to the scripting area. Click on the “Scripts” tab and drag the “when green flag clicked” block to the scripting area. Then, add a “forever” loop and a “move” block to make your sprite move left and right.

You can also add controls to make your sprite jump or crouch. Simply add “if” statements and “key pressed” blocks to detect when the arrow keys are pressed.

5. Add Enemies and Obstacles

Enemies and obstacles add challenge and excitement to a platformer game. To add an enemy, choose a sprite from the “Sprites” tab and add code blocks to make it move across the screen. You can also add obstacles such as spikes or pits by drawing shapes with the “Paint Brush” tool and adding code blocks to detect when the sprite touches them.

6. Add Power-Ups and Collectibles

Power-ups and collectibles are a fun way to give the player an advantage or encourage exploration. To add a power-up, choose a sprite from the “Sprites” tab and add code blocks to make it give the player an extra life or increase their speed. You can also add collectibles such as coins or gems by creating new sprites and adding code blocks to detect when the player touches them.

7. Add Sound Effects and Music

Sound effects and music can enhance the immersion and excitement of a platformer game. To add a sound effect, click on the “Sounds” tab and choose a suitable sound from the library. Then, add code blocks to play the sound at the appropriate moment.

You can also add background music by importing a music file and adding code blocks to play it on repeat.

8. Test and Debug Your Game

Before sharing your game with others, it’s important to test and debug it to ensure it works correctly. Click on the “Green Flag” button to test your game and look for any errors or bugs. If you find any, go back to the scripting area and make adjustments until the game works as intended.

9. Share Your Game with Others

Once you’re happy with your game, it’s time to share it with others. Click on “File” in the top left corner and choose “Save to your computer” to save a copy of your game. You can then share the file with others or upload it to the Scratch website to share it with the community.

10. Continue Learning and Experimenting

Making a platformer game in Scratch is just the beginning. With practice and experimentation, you can create more complex and engaging games. Keep learning new coding concepts and techniques, and don’t be afraid to try out new ideas and approaches. Who knows, you might just create the next hit platformer game!

Getting Started: Creating the Player Character

The player character is the cornerstone of any platformer game. You’ll want to start by creating a sprite or importing a character graphic to use as your player. Here’s how to get started:

Step	Description
Step 1	Create a new sprite. Click the “paint new sprite” button in the bottom left corner of the Scratch window, then select an option. You can draw a new sprite, import an image, create a text sprite, or choose a pre-built sprite from the Scratch library.
Step 2	Resize the sprite if needed. Select the sprite and use the corner handles to adjust its size. Or, in the sprite editor, use the “resize” tool to change its size numerically.
Step 3	Add movement controls. To make your character move, you’ll need to add code to the sprite’s scripts area. For example, you could use the “when flag clicked” block and the “move 10 steps” block to make your sprite move 10 steps when the green flag is clicked.
Step 4	Create variables. Variables can be used to keep track of important game elements, like the player’s score or health. To create a variable, click the “data” category and select “make a variable.”
Step 5	Add animations. To make your character move more smoothly, you can add animations using the sprite editor. Select “Costumes” in the sprite editor and add a new costume to create a new animation frame. Use the “next costume” block in your scripts to switch between animations.

It’s important to keep testing your game as you build it. Click the green flag to start the game and make sure the player character moves as expected. If there are any glitches, go back and adjust your code or sprite accordingly.

Once you have a functional player character, you can start to build out the rest of your platformer game.

Happy Platforming!

I hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to create your own platformer in Scratch. Don’t forget to explore and experiment with different features to make your game unique. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope to see you again soon for more tips and tricks on game design. Keep on coding!

Creating a Platformer in Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide