This is so exciting

Hi everybody...

I've been eyeing up RPG maker on Steam for awhile, but couldn't resist when it came up for an awesome deal on Humble Bundle.  I don't regret it!  The creativity aspect, conjoined with the coding aspect makes this game amazingly interesting and tons of fun.

I'm hoping to create games that encourage reading and problem solving for my children.  (with cheezy awesome humor thrown in)

I've accessed this community for occasional troubleshooting while not registered, and have since read about it's awesomeness.  On various blogs, I've read that it is positive, encouraging and on whole, an awesome resource to be part of.  I'm really excited about joining and hope to benefit, as well as eventually contribute to it's resources.

Thanks so much!

Welcome to the group! ^_^

Awesome! I love those kinds of games, even if they're far removed from my age group, haha. I remember old classics like those Humongous Entertainment games that used SCUMM and they still hold up pretty well for kids today! If you can make something simple for kids, that'd be a great use of the engine! I'm making something more for people like me who have played oodles of JRPGs before, but with a unique angle like that, you'd be sure to get quite a lot of attention! Best of luck to you, and welcome to the club! :D

You're not alone!

My project actually uses basic math and chemistry(and other teaching minigames) during the first part of the game as a way to boost your stats and learn new skills later on. (Math = higher max MP, Chemistry = higher Alchemy Crafting levels which allows you to use more Alchemy recipes as you find them later, still have to work out the others)

Not exactly "reading and problem solving" but still teaching! :p

I have been working off and on on a game for my daughter to help her with her reading.  Simple puzzles and whatnot where she has to spell the words out correctly and things like that.  

I've already wrote her a short kid's STORY, so I figured I'd make her a game, as well!  But that's one that's going to take a while, as RPG Maker is not rightly the best engine for what I want to do, and learning MMF is a bit of a PAIN in the neck.

Hello Geekbydesign

Welcome Geekbydesign, from a fellow newbie!

You've hit the nail on the head regarding RPGM and its potential, and the greatness of this forum - I'm getting quite giddy with all that could be achieved using RPGM and interacting with the community, almost to the point of distraction!

I'm planning a game for (and starring) all my nieces and nephews which I will hopefully be giving them as an Xmas gift, and though it won't particularly be an educational experience for them, I think it will be for me! I have skills and experience in producing interactive multimedia, but this is my first effort at actually making a game (apart from some BASIC programming I did in the '80s) and the prospect fills me with joy.

I would suggest you check out this really helpful overview guide to the software and game development in general, before jumping in and looking at all the other more specific great tutorials here and elsewhere. I wish I had read it a week ago to avoid the common pitfalls they mention, and it links to a lot of useful stuff...

http://forums.rpgmakerweb.com/index.php?/topic/14727-a-starting-point-for-new-users-v08/

Like they say at the beginning.... Have fun! And, if serious, do some work and get others to help! :)

Welcome! It's so nice to see you and the others posting here with the desire to make games for kids. It's a desire of mine as well. I have an 8 and 5 year old, and being a kindergarten teacher, I have plenty of ideas stored up!

Make yourself at home here!

Thanks for the warm welcome! 

I think it's great seeing others with this incentive as well!  Videogames are a great teaching tool, as they add entertainment value to what otherwise might feel monotonous to children (or adults!)

I'm sure they'll love it!  (and you'll have fun making it in the process too!)  I'll definitely check out the tutorial, thanks.

I'm working on a game with these ideals as well.  I'm trying to make all in game text and puzzles simple enough for a five year old, but interesting enough for a ten year old.  It can get a little complicated :p

That's awesome!  I found memorizing science terminology and jargon difficult in school, but I definitely would have had more interest if I could study in videogame format ;)   I hope it turns out well for you!

Thanks again for the welcome!