Gamestar Mechanic is a game-based platform and curriculum that teaches youth ages 8 – 14 how to design their own video games to foster systems thinking and 21st century skill building (problem solving, critical thinking, iterative design, creativity and collaboration), and to create a powerful motivation for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

Gamestar Mechanic is published by E-Line Media in partnership with the Institute of Play. Initial research and development was made possible in part by generous funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In its first year of launch, the game has been implemented in over 2,700 schools and after-school programs, and there have been more than 150,000 youth created games that have been played over 1 million times in more than 100 countries.

Gamestar Mechanic is a browser-based game that can be used on any computer with high-speed Internet access and Flash.

Gamestar Mechanic is ideal for ages 8 - 14, though can be used in high school and higher ed courses as an introductory to game design.

This description was provided by the developer.