1 free read left. Create a free account for unlimited reading + AI research.
Create free account
Fishing Cactus reveals why their next game will teach everyone to code
Key insights
6 takeaways- 01Fishing Cactus prioritizes game design over educational objectives, operating on the principle that a title must be inherently entertaining to function as an effective learning tool.
- 02The studio aims to demystify computer science by formalizing the inherent learning processes found in all video games, such as resource management and reflex development.
- 03The primary development challenge is avoiding the pitfalls of traditional 'edutainment' by ensuring that programming logic is integrated as an intuitive mechanic rather than a forced chore.
- 04Fishing Cactus maintains a multi-platform development strategy, creating titles for both mobile and console environments.
- 05The studio utilizes a dual-track business model, balancing consumer-facing projects with B2B work-for-hire services to provide the financial stability required for high-risk educational development.
- 06Programming is positioned as a critical 21st-century literacy, essential for navigating the increasingly complex digital systems that define modern life.
Ask AI about this video
Transcript
it's based in Belgium and we make all kind of games we make iPhone games iPad games console games online we've been doing Series games and the latest one this regard is argument it's a game about teaching the player the logic behind the program and what goes on with YouTube to actually do code right okay so you're making a game on a battle about the logic of code why do you want to make an educational entitle well I think when you think about it every game teaches whether it's basic economics when playing Starcraft when you have to manage your resource or you know developing those twitch reflex to keep monsters in Half-Life or whatever so uh when I put that that learning process to get used actually that's that's one of
the future and also because it's a uh Rising marketing way people are finally realize we're coming to the jumps with the reality of video games as a medium that can actually be linked Foods right so um you've got two uh two halves to your business according to your volunteer side you know there's there's kind of a consumer flexing stuff and then there's the more uh I suppose business to business kind of stuff like uh work for hire kind of things using the same technology that you've got already in in a sort of business environment how did that relationship develop and why are you making games for other businesses it's a transition the way we do work for hire to find to find the time correctly on the situation it's a need to an end I think it's the
inspirational English okay right okay so uh I I guess I guess for me uh the the two other big questions are what it is particularly about programming that you feel it should be seen by a wider audience like why why programming why not mathematics or for example the Russian language or the English language or something like that well I mean uh that's quite easy I mean computers informatics in general are being becoming more and more productive lives so having a basic understanding of how it works and how I can use it to actually uh to potential I mean all those talks I have on claimed as well I mean that when you think about it it's extremely important and I think it's it kind of really help people to better live with features and objects that
they're getting used to and so do you feel like it's an increasingly relevant skill for a university yeah okay it's okay and finally what's the secret ingredient of making an educational title entertaining where you have to think think of it there was a game uh first and foremost I mean if it's not fun they're gonna just not gonna bother with it or if they can't bother over there because they have a teacher behind the back that says okay you have to play a game but then it's so first and foremost it's making sure that it's it's really fun it's a game that you're making it's a game first and then it's a teaching uh tour afterwards
Summary
Fishing Cactus, a Belgian game development studio, is currently prioritizing the creation of educational titles that teach programming logic, reflecting a broader industry shift toward recognizing video games as powerful pedagogical tools. The studio operates across multiple platforms, including mobile and console, while balancing consumer-facing projects with business-to-business work-for-hire services. This dual-track business model provides the financial stability and technological infrastructure necessary to pursue specialized educational projects that might otherwise be commercially risky.
The core thesis driving this initiative is that all video games inherently teach skills, whether through resource management in strategy games or reflex development in action titles. By formalizing this process, the studio aims to demystify computer science for a general audience. Programming is identified as a critical 21st-century literacy, as a foundational understanding of informatics allows individuals to interact more effectively with the increasingly complex digital objects and systems that permeate modern life.
The primary challenge in developing educational software is maintaining engagement, as the educational value is secondary to the player's experience. The golden rule for success in this sector is to prioritize the game design first; if a title is not inherently entertaining, it fails to function as an effective learning tool. By ensuring that the gameplay mechanics are compelling in their own right, the studio avoids the pitfalls of traditional "edutainment," where the presence of a forced learning objective often alienates the user. Ultimately, the goal is to create a seamless integration where the logic of code becomes an intuitive part of the player's journey rather than a chore.
