Create an RPG Video Game for Kids
If your kids love playing role playing games (RPGs) but you are worried about the type of language in their dialogue or their violent content you can make your own for them to play. Programming video games of any kind is a daunting task because of the level of effort involved, but role playing games in particular are more challenging because of how complex they are. You can make the process much easier on yourself by utilizing a prebuilt game engine specifically designed for RPGs.
Instructions
1. Write down all the features that you want the game to have, such as an inventory screen, leveling system, ability for the game characters to wear different kinds of equipment, and a world map. Spend some time working out the game's background, storyline, and playable characters. Decide who the main characters will be, where they will start the game, and what their motivation is for doing the things they will do. Keep the concepts simple so that kids can understand them, but compelling enough to make them want to keep playing.
2. Download a compiler for the C++ programming language so that you can turn your game code into a form readable by your computer. Choose either a free compiler that has a large community support base that can help answer your programming questions, such as Bloodshed Dev C++, or a more expensive compiler with extensive help files and debugging abilities such as Microsoft Visual C++.
3. Find a prebuilt game engine meant for 2-D role playing games such as "Sphere RPG Engine" or "Haaf's Game Engine" (see Resources below). Thoroughly read the documentation so that you understand how their C++ classes work and know when to call which class for your coding needs.
4. Create the graphics for your game using a 2-D drawing program such as Jasc Paint Shop Pro or even Microsoft Paint. Create a separate image of each character, object, and enemy facing different directions and in different stages of movement so that you can string them together to mimic natural movements.
5. Add code to the image for saving and loading the state of all objects on the screen and the specifics of any extra features you want that the engine doesn't provide, such as scrolling through a menu or switching between inventory items.
6. Use a scripting language such as LUA to add in the various scenes and dialogue of your game if the engine does not already include these features (see Resources below).
7. Use your compiler to export the game's code into an executable file extension. Play through the game and check to see if you need to fix any bugs in the code.
Tags: playing games, role playing, role playing games, your game, code into, Create Video, Create Video Game