Hosting a Pixicade Party Through Tryazon!

I believe that learning can come in many forms for us all. For my family, even in creating video games! Pixicade was started so that kids can see how games work while also seeing their creations in action. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these kits as part of a party pack in exchange for hosting a party and sharing them with others. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own.*

Do you know or have children that talk about designing their own video games? I do. My oldest son in particular dreams of seeing his designs come to life. It was one of the reasons I was drawn to host a Pixicade party. This was also how Pixicade came to be. A technical computer programmer married a high school art teacher. Together, they found joy in designing video games. The programmer had dinner with a friend who showed him the art his kids drew for a game idea he had. This programmer, Martin, suddenly had an idea. Why couldn't there be a way for kids to bring their drawings to life and make games?

What is Pixicade? 

Simply put, it is an app and kit. You download the app, then use the kit to make games in the app. Programmers will tell you that they write programs so that our electronic devices know how to respond to the commands we give it. Pixicade recognizes the colors that are drawn on paper to have meanings in the code. Green, for instance, is the avatar color. You draw in green, it will translate that to the character that moves through your game. This kit, when working through the app, will bring your kids' creations to life. They can play them, share and play others' games as well to earn cool rewards. 

What can it teach children though? 

Pixicade is a great STEAM option for learning. Your kids have to be able to draw the game board that the character will need to get through to win. There is the Art. Science and Technology comes in the form of knowing what the colors mean and why the app programs them  to function as it does. Engineering and Math come in how they have to make the game just so, in order for the character to get through it. My daughter, for instance, created a maze game, but made a wall too tall. Or you could say she made her character too big. Either way, the character couldn't get past this wall and she had to edit the game. Time for a lesson! Walls, need openings proportionate to the objects that are expected to fit through them. 

Where can you get started? 

First things first, you need the app, which can be found at the following apps. It is free to download the apps.

Apple Store: HERE 

Google Play: HERE

Then you need the kits. You get that from the company website as well as on Amazon. They are $25.99 and come with 800 games (that you can create). You can buy additional game making codes as well. I believe it was 20,000 games on the Amazon option that you can purchase in addition. My 3 older children have barely scratched into their 800 so far. They find it enjoyable to also play others' creations. 

What do you think?? Do you know anyone who would like something like this? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you guys.