CodeWarriors Learning Pathway

Our curriculum is designed as a progressive pathway, with stages building on skills developed in earlier stages.

CF01 - Code Foundations#

A beginner-friendly introduction to real programming using Python and the Godot game engine

Students learn core programming concepts before applying them to create their own games. Morning sessions develop programming skills in Python, while afternoons apply those skills through game development in Godot.

Code Foundations is ideal for first-time coders, students moving beyond Scratch or other block-based coding environments, or anyone ready to begin their journey into text-based programming.

Level: 🟩 Easy
Duration: 12 hours

CF02 - Code Foundations+#

Extend your Code Foundations experience with an additional day of development

Code Foundations+ builds directly on the skills learned in CF01, giving students more time to explore Python concepts, expand their game, and develop confidence applying their new programming skills.

Ideal for locations where a full Game Builders program is not available, or for students wanting an extra day to continue building and experimenting.

Level: 🟩 Easy
Duration: 18 hours (CF01 + CF02)

GB11 - Game Builders: World Builder#

Learn how to create larger, richer and more immersive game worlds

Build expansive levels while learning the techniques professional games use to create worlds that are fun to explore.

Level: 🟩 Easy–Intermediate
Duration: 12 hours
Prerequisites: CF01 or equivalent experience with Python and Godot

Topics include:

  • TileMaps – Build large game worlds quickly using reusable terrain tiles.
  • Animated tiles – Bring your worlds to life with animated water, hazards and scenery.
  • Layering – Create depth using multiple terrain and decoration layers.
  • Camera systems – Follow the player and create larger scrolling worlds.
  • Parallax backgrounds – Add depth and atmosphere with moving background layers.
  • Portals & connected levels – Build games with multiple connected worlds and seamless level transitions.

GB12 - Game Builders: Enemy Intelligence#

Learn how to bring your games to life by creating enemies that think, move and fight

Build a range of increasingly sophisticated enemy behaviours while learning reusable programming patterns used throughout game development.

Level: 🟩 Easy–Intermediate
Duration: 12 hours
Prerequisites: CF01 or equivalent experience with Python and Godot

Topics include:

  • Enemy movement – Create enemies that patrol, chase and follow the player.
  • Movement patterns – Build reusable movement behaviours to create predictable and surprising enemies.
  • Projectile attacks – Fire arrows, fireballs and other projectiles with collision detection.
  • Enemy spawners – Create enemy waves and timed encounters.
  • Health & damage – Add health systems, damage, defeat and game balance.
  • Boss battles – Combine multiple behaviours to create memorable boss encounters.

GB13 - Game Builders: Game Juice#

Make your games feel more responsive, exciting and polished

Build on a working game by adding animation, visual effects, camera feedback and sounds — the small details that make player actions feel satisfying.

Level: 🟩 Easy–Intermediate
Duration: 12 hours
Prerequisites: CF01 or equivalent experience with Python and Godot

Topics include:

  • Better character animation – Go beyond basic movement animations with richer AnimatedSprite2D states such as idle, run, jump, attack, hurt and defeat.
  • Particle effects – Use GPUParticles2D to create splashes, bubbles, smoke, sparks, dust and explosions.
  • Camera feedback – Add screen shake, zoom and other camera effects to emphasise impacts and important moments.
  • Sound effects – Use AudioStreamPlayer to add responsive sounds for movement, collisions, pickups, attacks and other game events.
  • Music – Add background music and learn how audio contributes to the mood and energy of a game.
  • Combining effects – Layer animation, particles, camera movement and sound so important gameplay moments feel much more satisfying.

GB14 - Game Builders: Gameplay Systems#

Learn how to create games with goals, progression and player choice

Build reusable gameplay systems that add depth, challenge and replayability while learning how professional games organise and connect multiple game mechanics.

Level: 🟨 Intermediate
Duration: 12 hours
Prerequisites: GB11 and GB12 or equivalent experience with Python and Godot

Topics include:

  • Collectables – Create coins, keys, power-ups and other interactive items.
  • Scoring & progression – Track score, achievements and player progress.
  • Inventory systems – Collect, store and use items throughout your game.
  • Saving & loading – Save player progress and continue where you left off.
  • Menus & HUDs – Build game interfaces including score displays, pause menus and game over screens.
  • Game balancing – Adjust difficulty, progression and rewards to create more engaging gameplay.

GB15 - Game Builders: Audio & Atmosphere#

Learn how sound and atmosphere transform a game world

Create immersive environments using music, environmental sound and visual atmosphere to influence how players feel as they explore your game.

Level: 🟨 Intermediate
Duration: 12 hours
Prerequisites: CF01 or equivalent experience with Python and Godot

Topics include:

  • Background music – Create and integrate music to match different gameplay moments.
  • Environmental sound – Add wind, rain, water, wildlife and ambient soundscapes.
  • Audio buses – Control music and sound effect levels independently.
  • Dynamic music – Change music based on gameplay events.
  • Transitions & fading – Smoothly change music between menus, levels and gameplay.
  • Lighting & atmosphere – Use lighting, colour and environmental effects to create mood.
  • Bringing it together – Combine sound and visual atmosphere to create memorable game worlds.

GB16 - Game Builders: Multiplayer Games#

Learn how to design games that two or more players can enjoy together

Build cooperative and competitive multiplayer games while learning the programming patterns needed to manage multiple players, shared game worlds and team-based gameplay.

Level: 🟨 Intermediate
Duration: 12 hours
Prerequisites: GB11 and GB12 or equivalent experience with Python and Godot

Topics include:

  • Multiple players – Control two or more players using separate input maps and game controllers.
  • Cooperative gameplay – Build puzzles and challenges that require players to work together.
  • Competitive gameplay – Create simple player-versus-player mechanics, scoring and winning conditions.
  • Shared cameras – Keep multiple players visible using dynamic camera techniques.
  • Player management – Spawn, respawn and manage multiple players within a single game.
  • Game balancing – Design multiplayer experiences that are fun, fair and engaging.

Game Jams#

Ready for the next challenge?

Game Jams are where students put their programming and game development skills to the test by designing, building and shipping an original game in a friendly, mentor-supported competition. Working individually or in small teams, students experience the excitement of creating a game from their own ideas within a short time frame—typically just two or three days.

Many of our Game Jams are aligned with national game development competitions, providing students with the opportunity to continue refining and submitting their games after the event.

To learn more: CodeWarriors Game Jams