The game is optimized for youth ages 8–14. Players learn the principles of game design by playing a narrative-based Quest where they play, repair and build games using the in-game design tools. As they advance in the Quest, players also earn "sprites" for use in their own games. At any time, players can switch to their Workshops and make an original game using the assets they have earned. Players can publish their games to an online community within the platform called Game Alley where other users can play and leave feedback on their games. Playing on the website is free of charge, but there are premium options available for both consumer and educational use. An online learning program is also offered in which students can take an online course in game design with an instructor and receive video feedback on their designs from professionals in the game industries.
Sprites
Sprites are all of the things that players can unlock and use in their games. Most sprites can be earned from the quests "Addison Joins the League", "Addison Joins the Rogue", and "Dungeon of the Rogue". The other sprites that can be earned are from the challenges. The "", and the "" are some. Some challenges are seasonal, but once the player wins the challenge and earns the sprites from them, they can keep them forever. The "" challenge is an example. The final way to get some is from the sprite packs that players can buy in the store. The "" and the "" are examples. If the player has completed all of these tasks, they now have almost all of the sprites that are available for players. Most sprites are either avatars, enemies, blocks, items, or systems, but some of which are in forms of backgrounds and music. As well as a way to earn sprites that are unobtainable through challenges or the quests, as notified by Gamestar Mechanic User "." the "Healthy" and "Das Rheingold" sprites can be obtained by following the instructions on his game known as "."
Usage
As of March 2014, the game has been used to create over 500,000 games that have been played over 15 million times. Over 6,000 schools and community organizations have adopted the platform.
Awards
Gamestar has won numerous awards for excellence in educational technology and children's media including
