A parent expressed a desire to find a suitable platform for their 11-year-old child, who is interested in creating video games. The child has shown creativity by using PowerPoint and Google Presentations to design a crafting and turn-based combat game but is facing limitations with these tools. The parent noted that the child has a basic understanding of coding, having previously created a command-line version of Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock in Python, but they believe a code-first platform might be too advanced at this stage. They are looking for a platform that allows for a point-and-click interface with some scripting capabilities. In response, various users on Hacker News provided a range of suggestions. Some recommended game development tools that cater to beginners and allow for creative expression without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Notable suggestions included: 1. **Adventure Game Studio** and **Twine** for narrative-driven games. 2. **Dreams** on PlayStation, which offers a robust visual scripting environment. 3. **Unity** with visual scripting tools like Playmaker or Bolt, and **Godot**, which uses GDScript, similar to Python. 4. **Scratch**, although some felt it might be more suited for younger children. 5. **GameMaker**, which allows for both drag-and-drop and coding options, making it accessible for beginners. 6. **RPG Maker**, which is particularly good for creating turn-based games. 7. **Tabletop Simulator**, which allows for quick prototyping of board games and can help in understanding game mechanics without heavy coding. Several users emphasized the importance of focusing on game design rather than programming at this stage, suggesting that the child could start with tabletop games or simple prototyping before moving on to more complex coding environments. They also highlighted the value of exploring existing games with modding capabilities, as this can provide a hands-on introduction to game development. The conversation also touched on the potential pitfalls of platforms like Roblox, with some users warning about exploitative practices and the challenges of navigating online spaces. Others defended Roblox as a viable option for kids, citing its community and resources for learning. Overall, the discussion provided a wealth of resources and perspectives on how to nurture a child's interest in game development, balancing creativity with the technical skills needed to bring their ideas to life.