#Japan #Osaka #Game Design #Scratch programming #Junior Game Show

The 2nd Junior Game Show: A Showcase of Young Creators in Osaka

On August 30th, Osaka will host the much-anticipated 2nd Junior Game Show, a free event that highlights the creativity of elementary and middle school students. With an incredible turnout, all general admissions have already reached full capacity, showing a tremendous interest in the projects created by these young developers. Media personnel, however, are still welcome to apply for press access to capture this innovative celebration.

Organized by the exploration school ぱ〜ぱす, this event serves as a culmination of their Game Creator Exploration Course. This second session attracted 189 students from across the nation, who employed the programming tool Scratch to create their unique games.

A highlight of the course was the guidance from Makoto Kimura, a veteran developer who worked with Nintendo for 35 years on iconic games like Super Mario Kart. Under his mentorship, students learned the principles of what makes a game engaging, a valuable lesson they applied during their projects.

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to play the original games created by the students, allowing them to directly experience the innovative ideas and designs that emerged from the course. This interactive engagement not only allows participants to enjoy the games but also to appreciate the thinking process that went into creating them.

Background of the Event

In recent years, many families have struggled with issues concerning children's screen time and smartphone usage. However, since 2020, programming education has become mandatory in elementary schools. This shift emphasizes the understanding of digital technology, pushing children beyond just using these tools to thinking critically and expressing themselves creatively.

At 探究塾ぱ〜ぱす, there is a clear mission to not just restrict gaming but to use children's natural interest in games as a springboard for developing logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Throughout the game development process, children contemplate how to make their games compelling and how to communicate their ideas effectively to players.

The event encourages these young creators to share their work and experience the joy of seeing others play their games, helping them establish a connection with their audience—a vital aspect of learning.

Key Features of the Event

1. Play Games Designed by Students: Attendees can try out original games made by students in middle and elementary school. Visitors will get a firsthand look at the creativity these young minds exhibited.
2. Transforming from Player to Creator: This event allows children to shift perspectives from merely playing games to designing their own rules and worlds, significantly changing how they view gaming.
3. Feedback Loop for Learning: Getting real-time reactions from players significantly contributes to the learning process of these young developers. Feedback such as “That was fun!” or “This part was tricky!” will help them refine their skills and improve their abilities to communicate.
4. Family-Friendly Summer Experience: As the summer break comes to a close, this free event serves as a unique opportunity for families to engage and learn together, evidenced by a fully booked capacity of 100 participants. Interest is particularly high among children fascinated by games and parents keen on programming education.

Media Highlights

For those in media attending, notable scenes to capture will include:

• - Children eagerly watching as others play their games, showcasing their anxious yet proud expressions.
• - Visitors reacting excitedly, exclaiming things like “This is challenging!” or “This is so fun!” while the developers observe their reactions.
• - Special exchanges between the former Super Mario Kart developer Makoto Kimura and the students as they discuss their games.
• - Stories of transformation as children transition from game players to creators, sharing these experiences with their watching parents.
• - The atmosphere filled with excitement among families gathered to enjoy these creative works in the final days of summer.

About the Special Guest: Makoto Kimura

Makoto Kimura spent 35 years at Nintendo as a programmer and game creator, contributing to popular titles such as Super Mario Kart. During the course, he shares his insights into what constitutes engaging gameplay, emphasizing creative game design principles tailored to the students’ projects. He will also be present on the event day to mentor participants, with opportunities for photography and interviews with him available.

Conclusion

The 2nd Junior Game Show not only serves as a platform for young creators to exhibit their work but also aims to spark discussions about the role of games in education. It encourages children not just to consume media, but to create and innovate, embodying a new era of learning propelled by technology and creativity.

The event will be held at the Osaka City Port Community Center and is organized by 探究塾ぱ〜ぱす under 株式会社わけわけ, laying the groundwork for future generations to merge their interests in gaming with essential skills in programming and design.

For more information, visit the event's official website: URL.