Why Explore: Threadbare Matters
Explore: Threadbare is not just an introduction to community game-making, it is the gateway into Threadbare itself, our super cool and unique open source fantasy adventure where learners are creators, not just players.
Learners begin with small, hands-on projects like designing game graphics, building environments, or writing dialogue. Each activity connects directly to the game world, showing them how their work can become part of a living game. This early spark builds confidence and sets the stage for deeper pathways in Core:Threadbare and More:Threadbare.
Who Is This For?
Educators and facilitators
Looking for a ready-to-run program that introduces learners to creativity and collaboration through games.
Learners aged 13+
Who want to go from playing games to making their own or contributing to an incredible one!
Community organizations and partners
Who want to deliver game-making experiences to groups at scale.
Explore: Threadbare requires
All instructions are available in our guides or you can join our educator community and ask all the questions!
- A Google Account
To copy and edit planning materials
- Godot Engine
To build, test, and upload changes to the game
- GitHub
To contribute to the game, track backlog items, and submit fixes
- Guides and setup materials
Everything you need to get started, even if you have never used Godot or GitHub before
- Optional: Endless Platform account
To join our game-making community, earn skill achievements, and build a learner portfolio
Mini Explore: MakeCode
Not ready to use Godot yet? We created an alternative Explore course which is available using Microsoft MakeCode. Learners can dive into block-based coding to create their own games quickly and visually. This lighter option is flexible and fun, and it can serve as a stepping stone toward Explore:Threadbare.
Testimonials
It takes five minutes to teach, but students could spend weeks making their own quests.
Engaging students with real-world applications makes complex concepts relatable.
Encouraging collaboration in projects fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Project Gallery
Want to see what learners create in Explore: Threadbare? Browse our gallery of sprites, levels, and dialogue projects contributed by students around the world.
El Pirata Malaplata
A 2D platformer that walks players through the adventure of a pirate looking for its treasure.
Atlas Quest
Players embark on an adventurous journey in a 2D platformer game setting with colorful and familiar visuals.
Lost Space
A secret mission that requires a pilot to travel through space to accomplish it, so many unknowns.
Free and Open by Design
All of our Explore: Threadbare materials are released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. This means educators and organizations can freely use, remix, and adapt them, as long as credit is given and any adaptations are shared under the same license.
Community and Support
No learner should create alone. Explore is connected to a global community of learners, game makers, and educators who support one another with feedback, ideas, and encouragement.
