⚙️ 7 Episodes · Ages 12+ · C++

C++ World Workshop
Make Your First C++ Game

C++ is the language behind many big games, and SFML makes it friendly. Lay out a level right now in your browser, download a real C++ project, then follow the episodes to build seven games, from Pong and Snake to a full Tower Defence.

👦 Ages 12+ ⏱️ 7 Episodes ⚙️ C++ / SFML ✓ Free workshops
⚙️ Write C++ 🖼️ Use SFML 🏓 Pong & Snake 🧱 Build Breakout 🎮 Make a platformer 🏰 Tower Defence
🛠️ Build it in the browser (no install) ⚙️ Start Episode 1
Night This little breakout scene is drawn live in your browser. Every C++ episode uses the same window, loop and shapes. Click to change the background.
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An honest note: C++ needs a compiler and the SFML library (both free), so the episodes are a home-computer job best done with a grown-up. But you can start right now in the C++ Mod Studio below, which needs no install at all, then build your project when the tools are ready.
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Ember says: C++ looks strict, but you only need a handful of ideas: make a window, loop forever, check the keys, draw your shapes. Every game in this series is those same four steps with more shapes.
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Keep the cheat sheet open: C++ basics, SFML calls and the common compiler errors, all on one page. Open the C++ cheat sheet →
🛠️ Start in the browser: open the C++ Mod Studio Lay out a level with a grid, tick the SFML features you want, then download a real main.cpp and a build file you can compile. No install needed to start, works on a school computer. Open the Studio →
🔗 How the two work together

You use our browser studio and real C++ as one workflow, so you can start building with nothing installed and compile it when the tools are ready:

  1. Lay out a level in our studio. Open the C++ Mod Studio and place a player, platforms, bricks and a goal. No install.
  2. Download the project. The studio writes a whole main.cpp, a CMakeLists.txt and a README.
  3. Install your tools once. Get a C++ compiler and SFML, then build with cmake -B build and cmake --build build.
  4. Follow the episodes. Use each episode to learn a new idea, from Pong and Snake all the way to a Tower Defence game.
Your progress
0 / 7 episodes complete
Lay out a level in the studio for a no-install head start.
⚙️ C++ Game Builder Pro
Finish all 7 episodes to earn the badge.

The 7 Episodes

Follow them in order. Each episode adds one new idea and ends with a game you can play.

Episode 1 · Beginner
Pong 🏓
Your first C++ game: a window, a paddle, a ball and two players.
Episode 2 · Beginner
Snake 🐍
Grow a snake, eat the food and do not bite your own tail.
Episode 3 · Beginner
Breakout 🧱
A paddle, a ball and a wall of bricks: the classic arcade game.
Episode 4 · Improver
Simple Platformer 🎮
Gravity, jumping and platforms that really hold you up.
Episode 5 · Improver
Platformer Part 2 🏃
Add enemies, collectables and more levels to your platformer.
Episode 6 · Advanced
Tower Defence Part 1 🏰
Build a path, place towers and stop the enemies getting through.
Episode 7 · Capstone
Tower Defence Part 2 👑
Upgrades, waves and polish to finish your biggest C++ game.

🧰 What you need

A computer, a C++ compiler (such as the free MinGW or Visual Studio Build Tools) and the free SFML library. The C++ Mod Studio above works in any browser.

⚙️ The badge

Finish all 7 episodes to earn the C++ Game Builder Pro badge on your progress page.

📋 Keep it open

The cheat sheet has the C++ and SFML you will use in every episode, so you never have to guess.

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Then build it for real: install a compiler and SFML and start Episode 1. If you get stuck, the cheat sheet and each episode's own tips will pull you through.