CodeQuest
Learn Python Through Adventure – A Platformer That Teaches Real Code
Western Hacks • Fall 2025
Immersive EdTech Sprint Build
36-Hour Builder Sprint
Rapid ideation to polished demo
Team of 4 creators
Western University, Ontario
Focus: AI-assisted learning
Bridging gameplay + live coding
CodeQuest is an educational 2D platformer built during a 36-hour hackathon to make learning Python feel like playing a game. Instead of watching tutorials or reading docs, players collect code items, configure them in dialogue-driven UIs, and watch real Python programs assemble live on screen.
View on DevPostProject Overview
Learning to code can feel abstract and intimidating-especially when you're staring at a blank editor or a wall of documentation. With CodeQuest, we asked a simple question: what if learning Python felt like exploring a cozy winter platformer?
In CodeQuest, players run through a winter world, collecting code concepts as in-game items. Each item opens an interactive configuration dialogue that controls what the final program does. On the right side of the screen, a live code panel shows the actual Python script being built in real-time-complete with syntax highlighting, diagram view, and one-click export to a runnable .py file. Gemini AI then acts as a mentor, fixing bugs and suggesting improvements while keeping the original student code intact.
Key Features
- •Adventure-Based Learning: 2D platformer where you collect code concepts as items and configure them via in-game dialogues.
- •Progressive Curriculum: 4-phase learning system that moves from basics to more advanced apps like calculators and weather tools.
- •Live Code Visualization: Real-time code panel with Diagram View and Code View, proper indentation, and exportable Python scripts.
- •AI Code Mentor: Gemini analyzes student-generated code, fixes bugs, and provides friendly suggestions while preserving the original version.
- •Controller-First Gameplay: Full PlayStation controller support with an on-screen keyboard and seamless fallback to mouse/keyboard controls.
- •Winter-Themed World: Hand-crafted levels, particle effects, pastel UI inspired by casual mobile games, and dynamic weather (snow, rain, clouds).
Tech Stack
Architecture Highlights
- • Modular game engine: separate modules for player physics, code panel, calculator game, and weather game.
- • Phase-based learning:
PhaseTracker,CodeItem, andConfigPanelclasses coordinate progression and unlocks. - • AI pipeline: two-stage Gemini flow for bug-fixing and educational recommendations, exporting both original and AI-optimized code.
Team
Mona Eletr
Shehrina Hossain
Tazrin Khalid
Maruf Hossain