Tektoma is an internet site that teaches children ages 7-17 how to make their own video games online.  They have racing, arcade, platform and fantasy adventure games available.  You can play games already programmed or they will step you through making your own.  If you have an avid gamer in your family with a bent towards programming, this is a total fit for you!  Their are multiple tutorials, a message board as well as file sharing included in your monthly membership of $14.95 per month, or $140 per year.  They do have a 14-day free trial, so I definitely recommend checking this out if you are interested. It is nice that you can build at your own pace and interest level, and new tutorials are added to the site monthly.  I also like that they are committed to safety and monitor their site to be sure it stays “kid friendly.”

My 6 year old was eager to try Tektoma out but found the programming part tedious and uninteresting.  I guess programming isn’t for everyone.  He did, however, enjoy the pre-programmed games.  I would not purchase the membership just to play these games as you can get these types of games for free.  The magic is in the creation.  Since this was not of interest this program is not a good fit for us.  However, if in the future he starts building new Microsoft programs I’ll know he is ready

You can run the programs on Windows XP or Vista only, so you MAC users will have to wait for future versions to come out.  Also, be sure you have a broadband connection. Check out Tektoma’s site to learn more about their services www.tektoma.com.

I was given a free trial membership of this product in exchange for my honest opinion only.