Recently, Nintendo announced a different type of game entitled Game Builder Garage. Instead of a game for players to pick up and play, it is instead a visual programming language software aimed at helping players start to make their own games while learning the basics of game design and programming. Players will connect these characters that are called ‘Nodon’, all of which have unique properties, in order to create a game.
There are two main ways to use Game Builder Garage, the Lesson Mode and Free Programming mode. Players can either work their way through the Lesson mode where there are a number of interactive lessons with puzzles and tasks in order to teach the basics of game mechanics and design. Game Builder Garage comes with seven pre-built games, like a game of tag or a racing game, and it will teach players throughout the lessons how to build them.
Or, once players get a hang of the language, in Free Programming mode they can attempt to bring their own games to life. Players can then visit the central hub to share their own creations and play other peoples’ games. They can even view their games in programming mode to get a sense of how they were made.
Game Builder Garage is currently available for pre-order on the Nintendo eShop for $29.99 ahead of its June 11 release date on the Nintendo Switch. It will be able to be controlled through the traditional Joy-Con sticks, as well as through the use of the touchscreen in the handheld mode. There is also the option to use a compatible USB mouse.