From Blocks to Code: A Game-Based Modding Workshop for Bridging Programming Paradigms

The Advanced-Dungeon is the most demanding stage of a multi-level, narrative-driven workshop concept designed to move learners from block-based to text-based and finally to project-scale Java programming within a shared open-source 2D dungeon game. Aimed at pupils aged 15 to 17 with prior Java experience, it departs from curated exercises by having learners read, debug, and extend the game's real source code, implement algorithms such as pathfinding and sorting, and build puzzles requiring vector arithmetic. The approach is framed as constructionist game-making applied to an authentic software engineering context, addressing the gap that block-based bridging tools rarely reach project-scale work.

The first matched evaluation pooled 36 participants at pre-survey and 29 at post-survey, an 80.6% retention rate, with the sample predominantly male and aged 15 to 17. Participants reported high enjoyment (M=4.52 on a 1 to 5 scale), considered the difficulty appropriate, and expressed willingness to attend further workshops. Open responses most often cited gains in arrays, vectors, and abstract classes, and singled out modifying real game code as the most rewarding element. Self-reported programming interest rose in aggregate from M=4.31 to M=4.69, but an individually matched analysis of ten pairs showed stable interest (pre M=4.50, post M=4.40, a non-significant change), indicating the aggregate increase largely reflects sample composition.

The authors stress that the findings are design feedback rather than generalisable effects. Voluntary participation invites self-selection, outcomes are self-reported without skill assessment or a control group, and the matched sample is too small for firm inference. Requested improvements centre on more guidance for orienting within an unfamiliar codebase. Workshop materials and the dungeon environment are released as open educational resources and open-source software.