Game Programming from Scratch: Pong & Breakout

Learn game programming from first principles, no engines, no shortcuts, just real code.

This free January workshop series at Hackers Guild PGH walks you through building classic games like Pong and Breakout from scratch using C or Python and the Raylib graphics library. Each session blends hands-on coding with short lectures covering fundamental concepts such as game loops, input handling, rendering, and basic game architecture.

You’ll be provided with complete source code examples in both C and Python, along with setup instructions for Windows, macOS, and Linux. While C and Python are the primary teaching languages, support for Odin is available for those interested.

If the series continues beyond January, future games may include Tetris or Frogger, introducing more advanced ideas such as building internal tools and managing larger codebases.

No prior game programming experience is required. If this is your first time attending, please arrive 15 minutes early for introductory setup and orientation.

Schedule: Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 6:00–9:00 PM

Cost: Free (January only)

Instructor: John Blat, Independent Application Developer