Makecode Arcade - Coding Guide #2 - Arrakis Spice Harvesting Game

This is a complete guide for students to create their own “Arrakis Spice Harvester” game using Makecode Arcade. Made to support a hands-on approach to coding, problem-solving, and creativity in game design. Students and teachers are guided through exploration and creation learning key coding concepts as they gradually build their own working game. Each lesson focuses on small standalone game elements that can be explored, built and tested in a 30-60 minute session.

By using the PRIMM method (Predict/Run/Investigate/Make/Modify) students will deepen their understanding, learn to use key coding vocabulary and apply concepts as they build depth into their own games.

This scaffolded process will reward them with, not only their own working game, but a solid understanding of fundamental coding concepts and how to apply them in program development.

Includes:

• Introduction to using Makecode in schools
• Skills Review Pre and Post reflection
• Step by Step game making guide - with detailed images and explanations
• Video walk through of game making process on YouTube
• PRIMM - Resources for Predict/Run/Investigate/Make/Modify stages of study
• Keywords - Definition matching exercises, Word Searches and Crosswords to support the learning of new language
• Innovation planning pages - for planning changes and improvements
• Debugging Resources
• Asset Creation Guidance - How to use Makecode image editor and media tools
• Flowcharts, Explanation and Project Planning resources
• Review pages for WWW / EBI (What went well / Even better if…) reflections.

Support your students as they make their own exciting arcade games.

PRIMM - teaching technique
Predict - Run - Investigate - Make - Modify
Throughout the series of activities, students are encouraged to innovate and iterate on the game design, predict outcomes based on code snippets, run the program to verify predictions, and investigate the effects of code modifications. The process highlights the importance of understanding game mechanics like tilemaps, in game variables, player interactions, and scoring mechanisms.

Arrakis Spice Harvesting Game
This game provides an engaging and dynamic experience where players must strategically calculate risk against reward as they strive to achieve the highest score from each level.

Coding Concepts
Commands
Sequencing
Sprites
Theme Music
Tiles and Tilemaps
Status Bars
Movement (Velocity X and Velocity Y)
Countdown Events
Overlap Conditional Rules
If … then … else, level progression
Variables (Lives, Points, Time)
High Score
Game Over Events