21 Marbles

I built 21 Marbles for my 7-year old son because although he is generally comfortable with math, I noticed he kept getting slowed down because of forgetting basic arithmetic facts. (He obviously inherited my memory.) He was already summing 15-digit numbers, but kept getting slowed down because of forgetting whether it was 6+3 that was 10 or 7+4, or maybe 6+2. (Counting fingers while holding a pen looks very uncomfortable.) Together we thought of a game that would practice these basic arithmetic facts and be fun and challenging at the same time. His wish was for it to be on a grid. Here are some features: - This game starts out easy, but quickly picks up in difficulty. To collect all 21 marbles some brain stretching and patient strategising will be required. - It's fun to roll the marbles with real physics, break them and put them back together. - It's a sudoku-like puzzle that is quick and colourful. You won't fall asleep solving it. - It's designed for kids but is known to be enjoyed by adults. - 21 Marbles is a great opportunity to play together with children or challenge each other. - With your help or without it, this game will teach kids about looking ahead and reasoning, while also enforcing the most important addition facts for the youngest ones. - 21 Marbles is appropriate also for a school setting as it doesn't include unwanted distractions and has a very explicit and friendly measure of progress. (e.g. "Have you got a transparent marble yet?") - Features attractive marbles that motivate kids to continue even when the going gets tough. - The levels are different every time you play, so while the game can be completed in a few days, it can be played again and again and never gets old (however see the next point). - The game has an ending and doesn't try to get you or your child hooked forever. No addiction techniques whatsoever are employed. This is the first promotional game in a longish series of games that I have taking shape in my head (and at least one already on my computer). The second game is about the times table (hold on to your hats!). Not because I'm a fan of learning multiplication facts by heart (did I mention I have horrible memory?), but because I hear many kids find it hard and boring. The Balconia Math series is meant to keep math interesting for kids. They are all (I really mean 100%) interested in the beginning and then they drop out of the wagon thanks to repetitive uninspired exercises. Most math games just extend that failing model - math and play are kept separate with an abrupt question-reward divide. I aim for my games to incorporate mathematical thinking and even arithmetic seamlessly into the game's objectives. If you think my goals are worthy of support, do sign up to hear about future games on my website.