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# Game Blocks, a tool to teach game development and nonlinear storytelling
- URL: https://www.killscreen.com/game-blocks-tool-teach-game-development-and-nonlinear-storytelling/
- Published: 2012-12-21T14:58:17.000Z
- Updated: 2015-11-17T14:43:52.000Z
- Description: Sheldon J Pacotti, writer of Deus Ex, has released a videogame creation tool called Game Blocks. John Walker at Rock, Paper, Shotgun: Described as “a free library of visual programming ‘blocks’ for first-time game developers,” Game Blocks is the result of something Pacotti built for an interactive w
- Author: Teddy Papes
- Tags: News, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2024-07-26 09:39

Sheldon J Pacotti, writer of *Deus Ex*, has released a videogame creation tool called *Game Blocks*. [John Walker at Rock, Paper, Shotgun](http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2012/12/20/deus-ex-writer-creates-tool-for-teaching-development/?ref=killscreen.com):

> Described as “a free library of visual programming ‘blocks’ for first-time game developers,” [Game Blocks](http://www.newlifeinteractive.com/main/index.php?option=com%5Fcontent&view=category&id=40:cell&Itemid=60&layout=default&ref=killscreen.com) is the result of something Pacotti built for an interactive writing course he teaches at the University of Texas. The idea being to encourage others to create non-linear storytelling in games. It’s a visually simple tool, based on [BYOB](http://byob.berkeley.edu/?ref=killscreen.com), that lets you construct scenes without being stuck in a linear path, as well as include simple physics, and even platforming.   
>  
> Pacotti tells me, “They are meant to provide the simplest possible environment for constructing non-linear stories, which in my mind comprise more than talk trees and branching conversations. My students typically add mini-games, puzzles, and even arcade-like interactions to their projects, all of which can convey story.”

Game Blocks wouldn’t even be a bad screenwriting tool, it might even suit someone like Charlie Kaufman . Here is a demo of GB: