ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Zinnea How to Make a Game with a Start Screen in Scratch | Tutorial
Hey there! I’m Zia, and today I’m going to show you how to make a cool game with a start screen using Scratch. Let’s dive in!
First, we need to add a backdrop for our start menu. You can pick any backdrop you like. I think the patterns category has some great options!
Next, we’ll hide the game sprites, like the bowl and cupcake, so we can focus on designing the start menu. We’ll make two buttons: one for “Play Game” and another for “Instructions.”
To make the play button, use the rectangle tool to draw a button shape. Then, use the text tool to write “Play Game” on it. Make sure to choose colors that look nice and stand out. After that, duplicate this button to create the instructions button and change its color a bit to make it different.
Now, let’s make the game start when the play button is clicked. We’ll use a broadcast message called “Start the Game.” When the play button is clicked, it will send this message, and other parts of the game will know to start.
For the bowl and cupcake sprites, replace the “when green flag clicked” blocks with “when I receive start the game” blocks. This way, they begin their actions when the play button is clicked.
Let’s test it out! Click the green flag and then the play button. The bowl and cupcake should appear, and the background should change to the game background.
We’ll also add code to make the buttons disappear when the game starts. This keeps the screen clear for playing.
Now, let’s add some instructions. Create a new sprite for the instructions and set it to show when the instructions button is clicked. Make sure it hides when the green flag is clicked.
Finally, add a way to close the instructions by clicking on them. This makes it easy for players to get back to the start menu.
And that’s it! You’ve added a start menu to your game. Feel free to explore and remix the code to make it your own. Happy coding, and see you next time!
Use Scratch to design a unique start screen for your game. Choose a backdrop and create two buttons: “Play Game” and “Instructions.” Experiment with colors and shapes to make your start screen stand out. Share your design with the class and explain your choices.
Design a set of buttons for your game using the rectangle and text tools in Scratch. Try to create buttons that are visually appealing and easy to read. Once finished, swap designs with a classmate and provide feedback on each other’s work.
Practice using the broadcast and receive blocks in Scratch by creating a simple game. Set up a scenario where clicking a button broadcasts a message that triggers an action in another sprite. Demonstrate your game to the class and explain how the broadcast system works.
Pair up with a classmate and test each other’s games. Focus on how the start screen and buttons function. Provide constructive feedback on what works well and what could be improved. Use this feedback to make adjustments to your game.
Create a new sprite in Scratch to display game instructions. Design it to appear when the “Instructions” button is clicked and hide when the game starts. Share your instruction sprite with the class and discuss how it helps players understand your game.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any unnecessary details while keeping the main points intact:
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Hi everyone, it’s Zia here. Today, I wanted to show you how to create games with a start screen or menu. Let’s get started!
For this example, I have a catch game, and I want to add a start screen. First, let’s add a backdrop for the start menu. You can choose any backdrop you like; I find the patterns category helpful.
Next, I’ll hide the bowl and cupcake sprites to design the start menu. I’ll create two buttons: one that says “Play Game” and another for “Instructions.”
To create the play button, I’ll use the rectangle tool to draw a button and the text tool to add the text “Play Game.” I’ll customize the colors to make it visually appealing. Then, I’ll duplicate this sprite for the instructions button and change its color slightly.
Now, let’s make it so that when the play button is clicked, the game starts. We can use a broadcast message called “Start the Game.” When the button is clicked, it will send this message, and other sprites can respond to it.
For the bowl and cupcake sprites, I’ll replace the “when green flag clicked” blocks with “when I receive start the game” blocks. This way, they will start their actions when the button is clicked.
Let’s test it out. I’ll click the green flag and then the play button. The bowl and cupcake should now appear. I also want to change the background to the game background when the game starts.
I’ll add code to the stage to switch backdrops accordingly. Now, I’ll make the buttons disappear when the game starts by adding similar code to both buttons.
Next, I want to add functionality for the instructions button. I’ll create a new sprite for the instructions and set it to show when the instructions button is clicked. I’ll also ensure it hides when the green flag is clicked.
Lastly, I’ll add a way to close the instructions by clicking on them.
That’s it! You can now add a start menu to your games. The code for this project will be in the description below, so feel free to remix it. See you next time, and happy coding!
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This version maintains the instructional content while removing repetitive phrases and informal language.
Game – A fun activity or challenge that you can play on a computer or device. – Example sentence: We created a simple game in our coding class where you have to catch falling apples.
Start – To begin or initiate something, like a program or a game. – Example sentence: When you press the green flag, the game will start and the characters will begin to move.
Screen – The part of a computer or device where you can see images and information. – Example sentence: The screen showed a colorful background with a character ready to play the game.
Button – A small area on the screen that you can click to make something happen. – Example sentence: Click the play button to begin the next level of the game.
Scratch – A programming language that lets you create stories, games, and animations. – Example sentence: We used Scratch to design a game where a cat chases a mouse.
Code – A set of instructions written in a language that a computer can understand. – Example sentence: I wrote the code to make the character jump when I press the space bar.
Instructions – Steps or commands that tell the computer what to do. – Example sentence: The instructions in the code tell the game how to respond when you click the mouse.
Sprite – A character or object in a game or animation that can move and interact. – Example sentence: I added a new sprite to my game that looks like a friendly dragon.
Click – To press a button on a mouse or touchpad to select something on the screen. – Example sentence: When you click on the treasure chest, it opens to reveal a surprise.
Background – The image or color that appears behind the main objects or characters on the screen. – Example sentence: I changed the background of my game to look like a sunny beach.
