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Thread ID: 135615 2013-11-23 22:17:00 Animation programs. Metla (12) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1360679 2013-11-23 22:17:00 Can anyone recommend some basic animation programs?

My eldest boy (age 9) has expressed an interest in animation and making basic games so if anyone can throw a few ideas this way it would be appreciated.

Clearly it would have to be age relevant, He's a sharp kid but not nearly has clever as he thinks he is (wonder where that comes from)
Metla (12)
1360680 2013-11-23 23:20:00 What's his level of understanding of animation? Can he draw?

There is some free web based stuff that is available from MIT which is suitable for ages 6 years and up
Webdevguy (17166)
1360681 2013-11-23 23:25:00 He would need to have some understanding of objects and logic. As far as basic software goes there(web based)... You can do animation with HTML, CSS and either jquery or JavaScript -or Flash but you would need to install Adobe Flash builder to do that. Webdevguy (17166)
1360682 2013-11-23 23:31:00 He would need to have some understanding of objects and logic.

To be honest, I have no idea what you are referring to I'd be surprised if he did.

Scratch looks like a start.
Metla (12)
1360683 2013-11-23 23:52:00 This should get him started
http://pivot-animator.en.softonic.com/
http://game-maker.en.softonic.com/
feersumendjinn (64)
1360684 2013-11-24 01:23:00 To be honest, I have no idea what you are referring to I'd be surprised if he did.

Scratch looks like a start.
Yup, scratch would be ideal! I saw the guy who created it give a talk about it on the TED network.
Webdevguy (17166)
1360685 2013-11-25 18:48:00 Assuming he doesn't get completely bored within 10 minutes, the next step up is Poser.

It does cost US $130. Please note it does contain nude 3d models, though these can be removed.

poser.smithmicro.com
kingdragonfly (309)
1360686 2013-11-25 19:35:00 If he has his sights set on destrying Pixar's market share, Blender would be the thing to point him at.
It is 'industrial strength', not a toy (and free).

Depending on the kid, it may be a bit intimidating, but kids have a habit of surprising you, and there is LOTS of great tutorials.

As an added bonus, it would keep him away from the evils of the opposite sex for a few years ... :lol:
fred_fish (15241)
1360687 2013-11-25 19:48:00 If he has his sights set on destrying Pixar's market share, Blender would be the thing to point him at.
It is 'industrial strength', not a toy (and free).

Depending on the kid, it may be a bit intimidating, but kids have a habit of surprising you, and there is LOTS of great tutorials.

As an added bonus, it would keep him away from the evils of the opposite sex for a few years ... :lol:

Blender looks good and would probably be something to move up to. The reason I'd suggested going with Scratch games first is that they are designed to allow you to build a simple game by dragging and dropping the elements into position on to the screen and setting the actions for those elements - or - write the code that does the same thing, with the point being that if you can learn the logic behind writing the code then you are half way to creating your own animation application or software that can run on any device or be web based.

I think Scratch also allows you to build or and your own artwork.

Scratch games were developed by an MIT lecturer to allow kids to learn the basics of computer programming by learning how to build and animate objects on the screen and have fun doing it.
Webdevguy (17166)
1360688 2013-11-25 21:53:00 allow kids to learn the basics of computer programming by learning how to build and animate objects on the screen and have fun doing it.Sheesh - it takes me back to the time I learned to animate an object using Turtle and Basic. Greg (193)
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