A “Roblox” loving freshman sits at home building and playing games, wishing they had people to discuss and play with. They hear the announcements that the Computer Science club will be working on a “Roblox” building project in the computer room. They are ecstatic to join and do something they enjoy while bonding over it.
“Roblox,” is a mobile and computer game with many mini games that is highly popular, with 151.1 million daily players, according to Demandsage, and is especially popular with high schoolers. This school year, MCHS introduced a Roblox project to the Computer Science club this year as a way to try something new, with the main idea to create something that students can work on and build, but also play.
“As someone who had experience in Roblox studio, and wants to develop games for a living,” junior and Computer Science club member, Liam Hassinger says. “It’s been a great way to work on getting experience and getting better at developing and programming…along with working with a team and organizing, which are all applicable in other aspects of life.”
Things taught in clubs, like this Roblox project, reach far outside of school itself, and open opportunities for students to grow and learn things that will help them in their future careers and their lives in general.
“Having a club dedicated to programming and development,” Hassinger says, “can be a great way for students who have an interest in this stuff to give it a try, gain experience, or sharpen their skills.”
Hassinger talks about the impact from clubs in general, and the specific impacts that come from computer science club. Club advisor, Tim Kirk, also expresses similar ideas.
“The goal is to bring people into the realm of computer science,” Kirk says, “and get them into a new group of friends, or at least acquaintances.”
Along with the goals for the students, Kirk also explains his goals for the Roblox game in general. The main goal right now is to build a version of MCHS in Roblox. Kirk would like to get the new wing done by the end of second semester. Kirk also looks at the future of the club.
“It would be really cool for it to be like an ongoing project that not just this year, but like next year, we carry on,” Kirk says.
If you would like to help with the Roblox project or join the Computer science club go to the computer lab on Mondays after school or contact Mr. Kirk at, [email protected].