Get Better at Algorithms While Playing Games
These games will make you think.
Games can do so much more than just entertain. I already discussed my favorite programming games for adults and kids but knowing a programming language is not enough. The journey into programming starts with basic but very important concepts — variables, functions, and algorithms.
Before you pick a heavy book on algorithms and decide that it’s too complicated, try these fun games instead. Even if you realize you are not into programming, at least you will have fun and learn something new along the way!
While True: Learn()
A recipe for a perfect game: take any topic and add a cat to the mix. As a result, you can even get an exciting puzzle about machine learning, neural networks, big data, and AI. I’m in!
SpaceChem
SpaceChem is another addictive, design-based puzzle game about building machines and fighting monsters in the name of science! In this game, you will be a Reactor Engineer working for a leading chemical factory.
Human Resource Machine
Here is another cool puzzle that teaches both the basics of algorithms and the importance of automating the workflows (bye-bye Excel spreadsheets). Your task is to program little office workers to do their job more efficiently. How fun is that?
Cargobot
Challenge your brain and pick up some programming concepts while playing this iOS game. By the way, this was the first game developed entirely on an Ipad!
Baba Is You
If a game has a cat in it, it’s a good game. Period. Oh, and you can change the rules by which you play while you are playing. At every level, you can turn yourself into something else, turn grass into the fire obstacles, and even change the goal you need to reach. Freedom!
7 Billion Humans
Once you are done with the Human Resource Machine, check out this game that features even more humans that you can control! And not in the office anymore but in your very own parallel computer made of people.
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