From Gamer to Game Creator: How Matias Built His Own AI-Powered World

Many kids love being on the computer, but for parents, it’s often a question of how to turn that interest into something meaningful. Matias’s parents wanted to do just that - support his curiosity, build his confidence, and give him the chance to create something he could be proud of.

After 2 years as a Strive student, the time he used to spend playing games has transformed into productive screen time, CREATING games. And Matias’s most recent creation? The Dark Ages, a Minecraft-inspired, AI-prompted game.

Through this project, Matias moved from being a consumer of technology to a creator:

🧠 He learned to structure and build a full application efficiently using JavaScript, React, and Next.js

🎨 He discovered how to use AI to enhance his designs and test new ideas

🛠️ And instead of just playing games, Matias learned how to design and build them from the ground up. He turned his ideas into something tangible and saw firsthand what it means to create rather than just consume.

His journey shows how guided exploration and the right tools can transform curiosity into confidence, skill, and pride.

Check out Matias’s epic project here: https://v0-dark-ages-game.vercel.app/

For parents looking to nurture a child’s interest in technology, the takeaway is simple: start with what excites them, provide support, and encourage experimentation. The results may surprise you - and your child might just build something remarkable, like Matias did.