So, you want to make a math game?
Nice! The best games make people learn without even realizing it. Your job is to mix real math with fun, strategy, and maybe a little bit of luck.
Before we start building, let’s check out how games actually work. I’ll show you a few examples, and you’ll think about this stuff:
- How do you play the game?
- How do you win?
- What makes it exciting or fun?
- What do you do on your turn?
- How does luck or chance come in?
- What kind of choices do players get to make?
- How do the rules keep it fair?
- Where do you see math happening?
Once we figure that out, we’ll start creating — and later, we’ll learn how to supercharge your game with cool features like doors that flip open, surprise cards, or secret challenges.
Now, it’s your turn. Take your journal and some colored pencils. Create a rough sketch of how your game will look. Don’t worry about it being cool yet. Just draw a bunch of squares. Choose 3 colors and each square one of those colors.
Now that most of you are almost finished with your game board and cards, it’s time to think about the people playing your game. How will they know how to start, how to move, how to win, how to lose?
Sooo, it’s time to write your rules! Here are two examples of rules written by 5th graders:
