KODU is a visual programming tool that allows users to create video games without manual coding. It introduces programming concepts such as objects, properties, and methods in a fun and intuitive way. Users can edit game worlds by adding terrain, objects, and programming object behaviors. The tool encourages exploration of programming through a simple controller-based interface. Users can play, edit, and create their own games or customize sample games provided. Advanced settings and options allow saving and sharing of created games. More information and free development software can be found on the Microsoft Research website.

1. KODU Visual game programming Lynn Langit – Developer EvangelistMicrosoft

2. Visual Programming Is Engaging Is Intuitive Is Fun Encourages Exploration Needs no manual Needs minimal instructions Introduces formal programming Objects Properties Methods

4. Edit feature explains buttons A, B, X,Y

5. L &R buttons that do not stick up for zooming in or out

7. More ABOUT Playing a game Select the game you want to play (scroll) + pick (Press X) Press A to start game play Game play directions will be shown on opening game screen

8. Demo Play a game

9. Editing the world To edit, press Back Go to the edit selection Chose what you want to add Instructions will be in top left corner Only objects can be programmed in Kodu. You can change the terrain as well Add water Add hills or valleys Change texture Change color (background and lighting)

10. Editing screen

11. demo Edit the world

12. ADDING an object To edit press Back Use left wiggly stick to position cursor (white circle) to location Press A to open the object menu Select object or object groups and then press A

13. change AN OBJECT Focus on object (place cursor on it) Make changes Objects are characters or plants

14. Editing objects Change color Clone Add music Position Add activities (i.e. program)

15. demo Add and edit objects

16. Programming – when/do Press Back Select the object, Y to program Left stick on When+, to select When action use A

17. programming rows Y to insert more Rows All Rows run simultaneously Can have multiple pages Can program gamepad buttons Can program multiple gamepads (multi-player games)

18. Actions available Move Kick Score Points Add Music Eat Switch Swear More…

19. demo Programming When / Do Actions for Objects

20. Advanced settings Rate of kicking acceleration, Lighting, Volume, Breeze speed…

21. Saving your game Back button to Back Menu, then ‘Save my world’ If using Xbox 360, then games can be saved and shared

22. How to find out more At Microsoft Research Site - here

23. Get Microsoft Software for FREE For high school and college students - DreamSpark For startup businesses - BizSpark For everyone - Express editions – VS and SQL - here