Game Design and Students: Phaser Game Library as an Alternative to Restrictive Development Framework
Presenter – Kyle Yancey
Many school environments limit software installation and restrict access to traditional game development tools—but that doesn’t mean students can’t create engaging, interactive games. This session introduces the Phaser Game Library as a powerful, browser-based alternative that allows students to design and build games using only HTML and JavaScript. We’ll explore how Phaser removes common technical barriers by eliminating the need for compilers, installs, or elevated device permissions, making it ideal for classroom use. Attendees will see examples from Virtual Arkansas’s existing Phaser-based curriculum, learn how students progress from basic concepts to fully functional games, and discover how game design can be used to teach programming logic, creativity, and problem-solving. Walk away with practical ideas and ready-to-use approaches for integrating game development into your classroom—no special setup required.