Schools can now teach game design and access high-quality game development course materials and tutorials for free with GameMaker - the fastest and friendliest cross-platform game development engine.

“Making games is a great way of helping students to develop important skills like creative thinking, problem solving and planning," said Russell Kay, Head of GameMaker. "However, when it comes to budgets, schools everywhere are feeling the squeeze. But with GameMaker now free to use, regardless of class size, every school can bring game development to all students wishing to pursue video games as a hobby or career."

Almost all children (93% in UK) enjoy playing video games as a way of relaxing and connecting with their friends online. But for many, video games are more than just a pastime - they’re a way of life. When they’re not playing games, many children love watching gaming channels on YouTube, Twitch or Discord, discussing their favourite game achievements and often visiting physical gaming events at the weekend.

By teaching game design in schools, educators just like you can tap into this passion for gaming to really grab students attention, while also helping them develop and boost core skills needed for learning STEM subjects and more. In fact, 77% of teachers who teach game design courses said it was either “extremely effective” or “very effective” at engaging with students.

However, with schools under mounting budgetary constraints, introducing game design isn’t always a quick and easy decision. This is why GameMaker is proud to introduce a free education version, so that every teacher can now quickly roll out game design courses and classes, access lesson plans, student tasks and tutorials, and start boosting student engagement for free.

From today, schools can access a completely free version of GameMaker - available with all export options (for Non-Commercial use). Schools can apply here by completing our contact form.

GameMaker is the fastest and friendliest cross-platform game engine available, making it easy for students to learn the fundamentals of coding through its intuitive and powerful visual code system, GML Visual. Originally designed as a platform for teaching children how to design games, GameMaker has been downloaded by millions of students and indie games creators and has been used to create hugely popular games, such as Undertale, Hyper Light Drifter and Chicory: A Colorful Tale.

To start teaching game design to your students, visit gamemaker.io/en/education.

Written by Frank Moody

Frank Moody has been using game design to support students and educators in the creation of engaging learning experiences for over 15 years, including working with GameMaker, Unreal, and Unity.