Variables and a Simple Game

A variable is a box that stores a value you can change, like a score or a number of lives. Variables are found in the orange Variables category. Making one is the first step to building a real game.

Making a Variable

Click Make a Variable, give it a name like score, and Scratch creates blocks for it. You can choose for all sprites (shared) or for this sprite only (private).

Variable Blocks

• set score to 0 — puts an exact value in the box. Use this to reset at the start.
• change score by 1 — adds to the current value. Use this to score points.
• The variable can be shown on the Stage with a tick box, so players see it.

A Simple Catch Game

Imagine catching falling apples with a basket. Here is the idea:

• When the green flag is clicked, set score to 0.
• The basket sprite uses forever and if key right arrow pressed then change x by 10 to move.
• The apple uses a forever loop to fall down the screen.
• if touching basket then change score by 1 and send the apple back to the top.

Winning and Losing

You can add a rule like if score = 10 then say You win! using an if then block with an equals check from the Operators category. Operators (green blocks) let you compare and do maths, such as =, >, and +.