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What is Scratch?

Welcome to the Scratch Website. In this website, you will learn how to program your own computer games using Scratch. When you see this symbol:



it means there is a task to be carried out. This may be creating a poster, powerpoint, prezi or writing out your answers and thoughts or it may be a piece of Internet research. When appropriate, these files should always be stored in your personal files. Most frequently in this site, you will have to create small computer programs.


 * [[image:abcprogramming/logo.JPG width="141" height="138"]]Scratch is a programming language which allows you to create computer games.
 * You can create characters that dance, sing, and interact with one another.
 * Scratch allows you to create images that whirl, spin, and animate in response to movements of the mouse.

[] This site also has lots of examples of programs created by other 'Scratchers' and lots of help! ||
 * Scratch can be downloaded for free from:


 * ==What you should be able to do at the end of this topic: ==
 * Understand and find your way about the Scratch User Interface.
 * Know what a computer program is.
 * Know how to create and save programs.
 * Create blocks of code to control objects on a 'stage'.
 * Use loops to repeat blocks of code. ||

Games Programming in Scotland

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">The following video highlights some of the games companies working in Scotland:

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">[]


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Scotland's strengths in the games industry
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Developing international blockbusting games
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">More than 50 companies
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">A worldwide reputation for creativity, reliability and gaming innovation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Government support for the industry
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Support from Scotland’s universities ||

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Working in the games industry in Scotland


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">There are many opportunities within the games industry in Scotland. Companies rely on a range of skills in the areas of art, design, audio, production management and programming.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Typical jobs include environment artists, 3D character artists, game designers, assistant producers, AI programmers, engine programmers and tools programmers.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 160%;">Why are Computer Games so important?

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">The full list of 2014's top games, in order, is below:


 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Madden NFL 15
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Destiny
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Grand Theft Auto 5
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Minecraft
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Super Smash Bros (for 3DS and Wii U)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">NBA 2K15
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Watch Dogs
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">FIFA 15
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Call of Duty Ghosts

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 140%;">Following the launch of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, total Call of Duty franchise sales now exceed $10 billion worldwide. This is substantially more than the highest selling movie franchise of all time ($7.7 Billion) - Harry Potter.