Develop your own video game – with just a pen, paper and smartphone? That’s exactly what Draw Your Game Infinite makes possible. The app combines creative drawing with digital fun and teaches children the basics of game design.
In brief
- Develop your own Jump ‘n’ Run levels
- Age rating: USK from 0 years(Google Play Store)
- Notes on use: content for different age groups, in-app purchases
- Educational age recommendation: from 6 years(NRW game guide)
- Free with advertising and in-app purchases
- For smartphone and tablet (iOS and Android), PC with webcam
Draw your own jump-and-run game
With the Draw Your Game Infinite app, users can design their own platform game levels and try out the levels of other users. And this is how it works:
- Your child uses four colors to draw a play level consisting of play areas, obstacles and interactive elements on a white sheet of paper. The colors have specific functions:
- Black stands for fixed elements
- Blue for moving elementsGreen for jumping elements
- Red for opponents or dangerous objects.
- Your child takes a photo of this drawing with their smartphone or tablet. The app then turns the photo into a playable level.
- Using various tools, your child can customize the elements, add a background and design the level creatively.
- When your child is happy, they can save the level and play.
In the free basic version, users can create two levels per day without registering, use the basic design elements and try out and rate numerous platform game levels created by other players. A subscription offers access to a wide range of level creation functions, users can publish the levels they have created online and follow other players.
What fascinates children and young people about it?
Children and young people enjoy discovering new things and implementing their own ideas. In Draw Your Game Infinite, they not only play, but also design their own levels and become game developers themselves. What is particularly exciting is that a drawing on paper becomes a real game – giving them an understanding of how games are constructed. Trying things out and failing is also part of the process: If a level doesn’t work as planned, it can easily be adapted. For older children, sharing their own levels in the community can be interesting, as it brings recognition and exchange.
What can be problematic about the app?
As with many game apps, there are a few things to bear in mind with Draw Your Game Infinite:
- Subscription model: With the so-called “Infinite Pass”, the app offers a paid monthly subscription that unlocks additional functions and creative tools. This allows users to design more elements, expand their character and share their own levels with others. The subscription costs a fixed amount each month and is automatically renewed
- In-game purchases: The app contains an in-game store with two virtual currencies. These can be used to unlock additional worlds, additional save states or special items. Players can either unlock the Gold Coins currency, purchase it via the Infinite Pass or buy it directly with real money.
- Data protection: Personal data is processed when a profile is created. When sharing your own levels, user information can become visible to others.
- Advertising: The free version displays advertising and encourages users to take out a subscription. Both can be clicked away or bypassed.
- Community function: Under the “Post” function, there are several communication channels from the app, e.g. a button leads to the Discord profile of the provider Zero-One.
What does the provider think?
The terms of use are available in English and French on the website of the French provider Zero-One. It states that users must be of legal age or require the consent of a parent or guardian to use the app. The provider also points out that some functions require an internet connection and that personal data is processed during registration. Users can contact the provider via a support email address.
What should parents pay attention to?
- Start together: Set up the app to save data, e.g. by checking the app permissions. Try out the app together with your child and support them as they take their first steps. Help your child to recognize and deal with advertising.
- costs keep an eye on: While the basic version of Draw Your Game Infinite is free to play, the Infinite Pass or the use of the in-game currency can increase the fun of the game but also incur costs. Check the settings for in-app purchases on your device and deactivate them if necessary or secure them with a password.
- About privacy talk: If your child wants to create a profile, talk to your child about what content they are allowed to share and what personal information should not be published.
- Media rules agree: Creative apps are valuable, but there is also a lot to play with in the app and your child can easily lose track of time. Make binding agreements together, for example on screen time.
Use the app as an opportunity to delve into the world of game development, programming and more with your child. It might even lead to a creative family project of your own!
