Advice for son on developing/releasing simple games

[Biggles111]

Some ideas please - I bought my son (11) a Raspberry Pi when they first came out, and gave him a python book. Since then he has bought a number of other books and basically self taught himself Python, C++, and Java.

We have taken care to limit screen time, he has lots of other interests, e.g. Sea Scouts, Football club, but seems to have a real aptitude, which I am keen to encourage.

Last week we had a call from Nintendo. Unknown to us last year when I was seriously ill he had taken it upon himself to apply for a Nintendo developer package, with the aim of releasing some software and making some money to support us. Now, he is not old enough to do this (Nintendo require you to be 18), but I was really happy that he showed initiative.

The question is how I guide him going forwards; my last programming other than HTML was on a Spectrum, 30 something years ago. Given he wants to release something I have suggested maybe going for an Android platform, for which he has got the App Studio. He wants to start with a simple platform game, which he has already made examples of on other formats. This is unlikely to make him money, but that is not the main aim; if it goes well could give him a good start in this and other fields.

Is the Android platform and App Studio suitable, or is something else easier/more accessible. What resources could I look at with him to help him?

[Biggles111]

Thanks Foliage - useful idea, I will have a chat with him later.

[Biggles111]

Thanks guys - all useful and positive stuff, really helpful.

[Biggles111]

130R said:

He's 11 and knows Python, C++, and Java? Let me know when he leaves school and I'll give him a job in my team!

Thanks, he might just take you up on that one day in a few years, I will show him your message as further motivation for him, appreciated.

[Biggles111]

Purity14 said:

THIS

He only has to make one game that suddenly becomes "on trend" or whatever they call it.

99p download, thousands of people buy it = win win.

Look at flappy birds as an example of a simple platform game, and that went crazy.

Agreed, I think what he might have an angle on is being young he has a handle on what is fun/funny for young audiences, which in turn may get wider popularity. Early days for now, he has lots of time to continue learning, but I have given him all the thoughts above and will work his ideas through with him.

[Biggles111]

silent k said:

Treat it as a learning experience - there aren't many 11 year olds who can say they've released their own app, and any sales you get are a complete bonus.

Thanks James - that's exactly the view we are taking, the main aim is that he enjoys it, ends up with a game he can share, and hopefully develops some great skills along the way.