App of the Week: Easy game creation, from start to finish

Ed. note: App of the Week picks are now being curated by the editors of Common Sense Education, which helps educators find the best ed-tech tools, learn best practices for teaching with tech, and equip students with the skills they need to use technology safely and responsibly. Click here to read the full app review.

The Infinite Arcade

What’s It Like? 

Kids and adults alike will enjoy creating their own games in The Infinite Arcade. Begin by selecting a game type such as pinball, ball and paddle, platformer, maze, or start with a blank world and create your own. Game designers then have to decide how to end their game. Will you win by entering a victory portal, gathering all the collectables, killing all the enemies, or simply staying alive? Regardless, when the player’s character or ball runs out of lives, they lose.

Price: $3

Grades: 2-5

Rating: 4/5

Pros: Students get to learn the design process, testing their game and making improvements.

Cons: No way for kids to publish their games online for others to play.

Bottom line: Design, play, and improve your own arcade games.