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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Game Builder Garage (2021) enables anyone to make video games. Unlike other game makers, this offers in-depth lessons to take you from the basics to advanced techniques. The cute Nodon characters that power the visual drag-and-drop construction, enable players of any age to make and share their own experiences on the Switch.

The Nodon are the star of the show. They not only lead you through your lessons, but each offers a set of abilities and tools specific to a particular part of game making. You drag and drop them into place to do things like getting a character to jump when you hit a button, setting the mood with some funky music, or cranking up the gravity to 11.

As you progress with the game, two teacher characters Bob and Alice introduce different Nodons and take you through step-by-step lessons from the absolute basics to more advanced concepts. The result is a game that not only shows you how to make your own levels but offers a viable pathway to enable you to do that.

Another great way to learn, along with the lessons, is to see what other people have mode. You can share things you built and download creations from other people using a special code with friends/family. Parents will like that you need to have been given a code in the real world to find a game, so kids can share with the people they know. There's no browsing of content made by strangers like in other game make games.

You can control the programming in different ways, and in particular the on-screen cursor:
  • Mouse: You can plug in a mouse to the front USB port when the Switch is docked for easier control.
  • Joy-Con Pair: You can use a pair of Joy-Cons to navigate and edit your games.
  • Joy-Con Motion: You can use the pointing feature of the Joy-Con to direct the editor cursor.
  • Touch Screen: You can use the touch screen when using the Switch in handheld mode.

The result is a surprisingly powerful way to make all kinds of games. From 3D platforming games to high-speed racing or side-scrolling shooting. Essentially, whatever you want to make there is a way to make it with Game Builder Garage.

Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Game Builder Garage 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 7 weeks ago.
There are lots of games similar to Game Builder Garage. Here are some we picked for you:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Creative game with Simulation and World Building elements. You can play with 1 to 8 players in the same room, but you can’t play it online. The game creation and lessons are for one player at a time but the games can be created for up to 8 players. Many games can be played with one half of a Joy-Con.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: It takes between half an hour and 1 and a half hours to play a round of this game. Lessons steps can be complete in a few minutes, saved and then perfected with more play. More complex creations require more time and planning. If you leave a step before completing it, you need to start (just that step) again when you next play.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Violence.

Rated for younger players in the US. Rated ESRB EVERYONE for Mild Fantasy Violence.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Still, it’s important for parents and guardians to ensure they understand in-game purchases and have spending limits set-up. You need to be able to plan, experiment and adapt your levels for the player. You also need to be able to finish them yourself before you can share them.

CostsCosts

Game Builder Garage usually costs £26.99.
 

Game Builder Garage

Switch Store Switch £26.99
There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • In-Game Purchases: Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
 
You need the Nintendo Online subscription to share and access other people's creations in Game Builder Garage. 
 
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 11/06/2021

Out Now: Switch

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1-8

Genres: Creative (Simulation and World Building)

Accessibility: 25 features

Components: 2D Side-On and Cartoon

Developer: Nintendo (@Nintendo)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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