Scratchpad Games is an informal resource site run by game developer Brian Beuken, mainly supporting his The Fundamentals of C/C++ Game Programming book series. It is not a typical online course platform. Instead, it serves as a companion learning site built around code downloads, errata, enhanced examples, project showcases, forums, and some video content.
Based on the siteβs text, the focus is on C/C++ game programming, game development on Raspberry Pi and other single-board computers, and low-level development concepts that do not rely on game engines. Resources include starter code, finished code, bug fixes, reader projects, and video demos of student projects. The site does not mention live classes, structured recorded courses, or 1-on-1 services. The learning path depends mainly on the books themselves, with the website acting as a supplement and support channel.
Brian Beuken states that he has more than 43 years of game development experience, has worked on over 75 released projects, and teaches in the IGAD program at Breda University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. He uses Raspberry Pi as a low-cost training platform similar in concept to a console development kit, emphasizing performance limits, hardware constraints, and efficient code. This is valuable for learners who want to understand the lower-level mechanics behind game development.
The main text does not provide pricing information for the websiteβs resources, nor does it mention certification or course completion certificates. It is better viewed as companion material for readers who have already purchased the books. The only cost mentioned is the approximate price of Raspberry Pi hardware, around 50-100 pounds/euros/dollars, which is used to explain the teaching choice rather than as course pricing.
The strengths are its clear focus, the authorβs strong experience, and the availability of companion code and errata, which can help readers avoid common pitfalls. Student projects also help demonstrate learning outcomes. The drawbacks are that the website is currently being rebuilt, with completion expected in March 2026, so the completeness and availability of current resources may be affected. It is also not a structured online course, meaning learners need some ability to read English, work with C/C++, and configure local development environments.
It is suitable for learners who want to study C/C++ game development from the ground up, have purchased the relevant books, and are willing to tinker with Raspberry Pi, Visual Studio, and OpenGLES environments. It is less suitable for people who simply want to quickly build a portfolio using Unity or Unreal. The text does not provide information about access from China, so network reliability and payment availability are unknown. If access is unstable, alternatives could include GitHub projects, Bilibili C++ game development tutorials, Udemy/Coursera, or domestic game development courses in China.
β This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on scratchpadgames.net official site.
scratchpadgames.net is an United Kingdom Education provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 5.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of China direct-connect friendly. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach scratchpadgames.net directly.