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SPECIFICTION
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Kodu Game Lab

kodugamelab.com

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Spec score 7.7 #15 of 31 in Educational Games

What it is

Kodu Game Lab is a free 3D game development environment that teaches basic programming through building interactive worlds. Its tile-based visual language lets creators program characters and game rules, with code evaluated continuously as the world changes. Users can shape terrain and add characters and props without design or programming skills, according to the maker. Kodu runs on the web and Windows, while the PC version accepts keyboard, mouse and touch input. The learning approach combines project work, computer science topics and instant feedback. The site provides training videos, sample lessons, starter worlds and educator resources. Kodu tiles can interact with BBC micro:bit features including its accelerometer, buttons, display and IO pin. A NASA-related resource describes Mars activities involving an autonomous rover. Downloads do not require sign-in or personal information. Optional usage reporting can collect hardware, usage and crash details and can be changed in Options. Community sharing includes creator name, description, version and tags.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Kodu is a 3D game development environment designed to teach children basic programming principles.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Audience
The maker says Kodu can be used by young children and adults without design or programming skills.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Privacy
The privacy statement says users can download and use Kodu without signing in or providing personal information.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Support
The maker directs users with questions or support issues to [email protected].Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Classroom resources
The site offers training videos, sample lessons, starter worlds, and resources for educators.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Community sharing
Users can share games through the Community feature; the maker says shared level details include creator name, description, version, and tags.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Input methods
The PC version supports keyboard, mouse, and touch; Kodu also originated on Xbox 360.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Installer options
The desktop download page says the EXE includes the XNA redistributable and the MSI is intended for system administrators installing through SCCM.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
micro:bit integration
Kodu tiles can interact with BBC micro:bit features including its accelerometer, buttons, display, and IO pin.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
NASA resource
The resources page describes Kodu: Mars Edition activities for exploring Mars and programming an autonomous rover.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Optional usage data
The maker says the optional usage information setting collects hardware configuration, usage, and crash information, and can be changed in Kodu’s Options Menu.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Visual programming
Its tile-based visual language lets creators program characters and game rules, and the code is evaluated continuously as the game world changes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
Windows requirements
The download page lists Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Vista, and requires DirectX 9.0c-compatible graphics, .NET Framework 4.0 or higher, and XNA Framework 4.0 Redistributable.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com
World building
Creators can build terrain and populate their worlds with characters and props.Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com

Plans and prices

Kodu Game Lab for PC Free Windows PC download · .EXE or .MSI installer Read 8 Oct 2026 · kodugamelab.com

Every Kodu Game Lab plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Windows PC download
  • Visual programming with instant feedback
  • Project-based computer science learning
  • Works with BBC micro:bit features
  • No sign-in required to download

Limits

  • No mobile apps
  • Windows download has listed system requirements
  • Optional usage data can be collected

Who it suits

Kodu suits children, adults, learners and educators introducing programming through visual, project-based game creation. It is intended for people without design or programming experience.

Verdict

Kodu offers a free, visual route into programming through game worlds, classroom resources and optional micro:bit activities. Choose the web or Windows version according to the available platform and input needs.

Where Specifiction places it

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