Scratch is a block-based programming language that is widely used to teach children and beginners the basics of coding. It is a fun and interactive way to learn programming concepts and create simple games and animations. However, Scratch is not limited to just simple games and animations. It can also be used to create more complex games, such as 3D games.

In this article, we will be discussing how to make a 3D game in Scratch. While Scratch is not a traditional 3D game development tool, it is still possible to create 3D games using Scratch. We will be covering the basics of 3D game development, including creating 3D models, using textures, and implementing basic game mechanics. By the end of this article, you will have a basic understanding of how to create a 3D game in Scratch.

Getting Started with Scratch

Creating a New Scratch Project

To start making a 3D game in Scratch, you need to create a new Scratch project. Follow these steps to create a new project in Scratch:

1. Go to the Scratch website and click on the “Create” button.
2. Choose the “New Project” option.
3. You will now see the Scratch interface, which is where you will be creating your game.

Understanding the Scratch Interface

The Scratch interface has several important components that you should be familiar with before you start making your game. These include:

• Stage: This is where your game will be displayed. You can add backgrounds and sprites to the stage.
• Sprites: These are the characters and objects in your game. You can create your own sprites or choose from the library of pre-made sprites.
• Blocks: These are the building blocks of your game. You can use blocks to create scripts that control the behavior of your sprites.
• Scripts: These are collections of blocks that control the behavior of your sprites. You can create scripts by dragging and dropping blocks onto the script area.

Once you are familiar with the Scratch interface, you can start creating your 3D game.

Building the 3D Game World

Importing 3D Assets

Before we can start building our 3D game world, we need to import assets. Scratch allows us to import 3D models in the .obj format. You can find free 3D models on websites like Sketchfab or TurboSquid. Once you have downloaded your model, you can import it into Scratch by selecting “Import” from the “File” menu and choosing the .obj file.

When importing 3D assets, it’s important to keep in mind the size of the model. If the model is too large, it may cause performance issues in the game. You can resize the model by selecting it and using the “Resize” tool in the toolbar.

Creating the Game World

To create the game world, we will use the “3D World” backdrop in Scratch. This backdrop allows us to create a 3D environment for our game. We can add objects to the environment by using the “Paint” tool and selecting the 3D brush.

To add depth to our game world, we can use the “3D Layers” feature. This allows us to create layers of objects that appear to be in front or behind other objects. We can also use the “3D Camera” tool to change the perspective of the game world.

In addition to creating the game world, we can also add lighting and textures to our 3D models. Scratch allows us to add directional lighting, point lighting, and ambient lighting to our game world. We can also apply textures to our models by selecting the model and using the “Paint” tool.

By importing 3D assets and creating the game world in Scratch, we can create a 3D game that is both fun and engaging for players.

Programming the Game Logic

Creating Player Controls

To start programming the game logic, we need to create player controls. This involves setting up the keys that the player will use to move their character. We can do this by using the “when key pressed” block and the “move” block. For example, if we want the player to move right when they press the right arrow key, we can use the following code:

when [right arrow v] key pressed
move (10) steps

We can also add additional controls for jumping, shooting, or any other actions we want the player to be able to perform.

Adding Game Mechanics

Once we have player controls set up, we can start adding game mechanics. This involves programming the behavior of the game objects and how they interact with each other. For example, we can program enemies to move towards the player and deduct health when they collide. We can also add power-ups that give the player special abilities.

To create these mechanics, we can use a combination of “if” statements, variables, and loops. For example, if we want an enemy to follow the player, we can use the following code:

forever
if <(player x position) > (enemy x position)>
move (5) steps
end

This code will make the enemy move towards the player’s x position until they collide.

Overall, programming the game logic in Scratch involves creating player controls and adding game mechanics using a combination of blocks and programming concepts. With a bit of creativity and experimentation, it’s possible to create complex and engaging 3D games in Scratch.

Adding Polish and Finishing Touches

Once you have created the basic structure of your 3D game in Scratch, it’s time to add some polish and finishing touches to make it more engaging and enjoyable for players. Here are some tips on how to add sound effects and music, test and debug your game, and share it with others.

Adding Sound Effects and Music

Adding sound effects and music to your game can make a huge difference in the overall experience. You can use the built-in sound library in Scratch or import your own sounds. Here are some tips on how to add sound effects and music to your game:

• Use sound effects to enhance the gameplay. For example, you can add a sound effect when the player collects a power-up or when they lose a life.
• Use music to set the mood of the game. For example, you can use upbeat music for a fast-paced game or slow, eerie music for a horror game.
• Make sure the volume levels are balanced. You don’t want the sound effects to be too loud or the music to be too quiet.

Testing and Debugging

Testing and debugging your game is an important step to ensure that it is working properly. Here are some tips on how to test and debug your game:

• Playtest your game frequently. This will help you identify any bugs or issues that need to be fixed.
• Use the Scratch debugger to identify and fix any errors in your code.
• Ask others to playtest your game and provide feedback. This can help you identify any issues that you may have missed.

Sharing Your Game

Once you have finished your game, it’s time to share it with others. Here are some tips on how to share your game:

• Publish your game on the Scratch website so that others can play it.
• Share your game on social media or other online platforms to reach a wider audience.
• Encourage others to remix your game and add their own ideas to it.

By following these tips, you can add some polish and finishing touches to your 3D game in Scratch and make it more engaging and enjoyable for players.