Making games with Arcade

Arcade works just like Code, but instead of micro:bit programs it makes small retro-style games — the kind you'd play on a handheld console.

Where the games run

Arcade games are built for the CodeCTRL, Forward Education's handheld game controller with a micro:bit inside. They also run in the MakeCode Arcade simulator on screen, which is handy when you don't have a CodeCTRL nearby.

Making a game

1. From the Dashboard, click the Arcade tile.

2. Describe your game:

   Make a game where a frog jumps to catch flies

3. MicroChat builds the game and shows it as blocks. Game blocks are laid out top to bottom, so scroll down (and across) to see it all.

4. Plug in a CodeCTRL and click Download to play it on the device.

MicroChat will ask what you think will happen when the game runs. Have a guess before you play!

Changing your game

Keep chatting. For example:

Add a score that goes up every time the frog catches a fly

Make the flies faster

Trying it in the simulator

Click MakeCode. Your game opens in the MakeCode Arcade editor with a working game console on screen. Press the on-screen buttons to play, or edit the blocks yourself. Click Go back to MicroChat when you're done — MicroChat will look at any changes you made. See Editing in MakeCode.

Differences from Code

• There's no Forward Education kit checkbox — games don't use the kit modules.
• The connection pill and Download work the same way, because the CodeCTRL is micro:bit-based.
• Arcade games take a bit longer to build than micro:bit programs. The first game after MicroChat starts up can take an extra minute.

Running Arcade with a class

Use Arcade Sessions from the Dashboard. It works exactly like Code Sessions, but every student builds games. See Running a class with Code Sessions.