Scratch

Based on Raph Koster‘s instructions for a concrete and helpful game analysis, it is crucial to dissociate one’s experience with the game; only then can one generate a specific analysis of the game itself while avoiding biases. His purpose for creating the article “How I analyze a game” is to look at games from a mechanical perspective, as he uses its criticism to improve his own craft. To put in theory Raph Koster’s critical questions, I will set aside my experience to answer these and analyze Scratch. 

What are the systems?

Scratch is a free platform for anyone to create games or stories with the programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab. Blocks represent a specific code. Depending on how the player arranges the blocks, as they are attached, a code line is created. There are many several ways to use the blocks as you can develop different functions for your sprites to take action. Background coding experience could be useful; however, the game is set so that the player could learn the system by exploring out of curiosity. There is not a specific way of how to play. You establish your own measures for what you want to get out of it. 

What are the systems about? 

The projects created in Scratch could be about anything. It is a place where you can explore your creativity. As the player, you set your limit. However, it is meant to teach the players how to code. Through coding, the players critically engage with the program to achieve actions from their sprite. In this case, the player creates and solves the problems.

How do I touch the system, and how does it touch me?

To give you an insight on how to use the platform, Scratch offers tutorials found on the menu bar (with a lightbulb symbol next to it). Mainly, this would be great for beginners on Scratch. There are a variety of tutorials ranging from how to get started to how to code an animation. The platform interacts with the player by asking the player if they would like to start with a tutorial. After the message is displayed, with the tutorial, you are open to creating anything.  

What is the game experience?

There are three options for you to choose from the toolbar, code, costumes, and sounds. The costume selection allows you to add sprites and modify them. In sound, you can add background music, add sounds to the sprite(s), and add sounds to different actions and backgrounds. In the code section, you can find different color blocks. Each color represents actions to be applied to the animation: motion, looks, sounds, events, control, sensing, operators, variables, and a section designated for blocks the player might want to create. Scratch also allows you to test your code line(s) as well as share and publish your final result to receive feedback from others. 

What is the experience about?

In comparison to other programs like Code Academy, the designers of Scratch were specifically targeting a younger audience. From the home page of the Scratch website to the page where players create, it is clear that the design formulated was to influence kids. The colors of the website are fun, and bright colors, the main sprite (Scratch) is an animated cat. The coding language taught by Scratch is unique and original, chiefly because this language is nothing like Java, C++, or Python. That is to say, the language in Scratch is not designed to program or communicate with an actual machine or computer. 

Do these things all match up? 

Overall, the program incorporates 21st-century skills into a versatile game for a younger audience. The integration of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and technology can potentially have a great impact on kids. These skills can be used in the workforce as well as in other real-life situations. A serious game like Scratch, prepares kids for the future.

What about fun?

For the audience that is intended for (8+), Scratch is considered fun.

Class Interaction with Scratch 

Interacting with Scratch in class brought back many memories and not good ones. I want to start by saying that I do not have anything against the Scratch platform or what it is intended to do. Yes, I think this platform could be of great use for kids who like creating new things and who might want to get an idea of how frustrating it is to code. Scratch is a platform designed to teach kids how to code through their sole coding language. From my own experience, I did have fun creating games, animations, and playing other creators’ games. People can get incredibly creative here! However, I do not think that Scratch should be used in a college class that claims to be the “introduction to computer and their applications,” as it is used at Rutgers. Oddly, this class is prior to CS111, the computer science introductory class, which dives right into Java. Besides the concept of “a coding language,” how can Scratch compare to Java?

I played two to three games with one of my peers, and we both agreed on them being a little confusing, or not finished by the designers. The hands-on resources from the class were not as exciting as the website itself. For the purpose of the course, I would have rather spent time experimenting with Scratch and creating something directly on the website to get some experience in designing a game. 

To conclude, I believe that Raph Koster’s article on how he analyzes a game helped me change my mind about Scratch. Exploring the game using Koster’s theory made me realize the potential Scratch holds as a serious game that incorporates 21st-century skills for kids’ learning and development. Without dissociating myself from the game, I would not have been able to answer correctly the questions Koster uses. I have also gained a better understanding of the purpose of the game (outside of the CS110 class).