Maker and hacker projects

Projects which are primarily based around software programming. These are mainly games programming projects creating Raspberry Pi games in Pygame Zero, but also includes other programming projects.

Beginners Tutorial to create computer game using Python Pygame Zero

Screen shot Raspberry Pi Picade Compass Game

Beginners tutorial to getting started writing your own computer games. It uses the graphical Pygame Zero library. Designed for those with a basic knowledge of Python or for those who want to get started in making graphical games.

In the game you have to get the Unicorn to the food before time runs out.

Beginners Tutorial for Pygame Zero Game programming

Raspberry Pi Arcade Games - Picade and Picade Console with RetroPie

Raspberry Pi Picade Desktop Arcade Machine

Learn about the Picade and the Picade Console which are Raspberry Pi based Arcade machines. These can be used with RetroPie to play classic arcade games using your own ROMs or by creating your own games using Python Pygame and Pygame Zero.

The following pages include videos showing you step-by-step through the setup process and how you can add your own games.

Compass Game for Raspberry Pi Picade

Game written in Python Pygame Zero designed for the Raspberry Pi Picade.

This game is inspired by a game that the Cub Scouts play, but made into a computer game. Can you reach the destination before the time runs out?

Compass Game for Raspberry Pi Picade

Memory Card Game for Raspberry Pi - Lake District UK

Screen shot Raspberry Pi Memory Card Game in Pygame Zero

Game written in Python Pygame Zero designed for the Raspberry Pi. The game uses object oriented programming. It is controlled using the mouse.

This is based on the classic memory card game. It's a great way for children to practise their memory skills.

The cards are designed around photographs taken in The Lake District in the UK.

Memory Card Game for Raspberry Pi, featuring the UK Lake District

Space Asteroids - Physical computing game for the Raspberry Pi

Screen shot Space Asteroids physical computing game written in Python 3, using Pygame Zero and GPIO Zero

Space Asteroids physical computing game written in Scratch or Python 3, using Pygame Zero and GPIO Zero

The game is a cross between Space Invaders and Asteroids. All the sprites are created from scratch in Blender and programmed to interact with electronic button switches and an LED.

There is both a Scratch version (for Scratch 2) and a Python 3 version.

Space Asteroids worksheets

Games for the Raspberry Pi Pico with Display Pack and Pico Explorer

Tank Game on Raspberry Pi Pico with Pimoroni Display Pack

These are games originally designed for Python Pygame Zero which have been ported to the Raspberry Pi Pico.

The Tank Game is created using vector image designed for the Pimoroni Pico Display pack. The game is an artillary based game where you are have to fire a tank to try and hit the enemy tank. The game is created in a pass and play mode.

The Space Shooter game uses sprite based graphics for the space craft and vector images for the asteroids. This is designed for the Pimoroni Pico Explorer board which includes a small IPS LCD screen.

The source code for the Python Pygame Zero and Raspberry Pi Pico versions of both games are available to download.

Badger 2040 / Badger 2040W - Hackable ID badge based around Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller

Badger 2040 Raspberry Pi Pico ID Badge with Tic-Tac-Toe games

The Badger 2040 is an ID badge powered by a Raspberry Pi RP2040 Microcontroller. The same processor as used in the Raspberry Pi Pico. You can use it as an ID badge, a clock, an ebook reader, shopping list and more. You can also hack it yourself and use it to play games or create your own programs. The example used is a game of Tic-Tac-Toe (noughts and crosses).

The more recent Badger 2040W adds WiFi to the badger through the use of a Raspberry Pi Pico soldered to the back of the PCB. An example is included of a network client which can control RGB LEDs through the Raspberry Pi Pixel Server.