Description #
AgentCubes is a 3D visual programming environment that allows students to design simulations and games using agent-based logic and voxel-style graphics. It builds on the foundations of AgentSheets and brings modeling into the third dimension.
History #
AgentCubes was created by Alexander Repenning as a successor to AgentSheets, aimed at advancing scalable game design into 3D. It was released in the early 2010s as part of NSF-funded education research initiatives and is used in Kâ12 and college classrooms for teaching STEM and computational thinking.
Hello World Code #
AgentCubes uses a visual rules system instead of code. A typical “Hello World” scenario might involve:
IF clicked THEN say "Hello, World!"You create a 3D agent (like a robot or frog), place it in a 3D world, and use rule conditions and actions to define behaviors.
How to Run #
Option 1: Online
https://www.scdinteractive.com/arcade.html
Option 2: Local
- Sign up at https://www.agentcubesonline.com
- Compatible with most modern browsers (WebGL required)
- No installation needed â runs in-browser
Key Concepts #
- 3D agent-based programming
- Drag-and-drop rule creation
- Scalable Game Design pedagogy
- Real-time voxel simulation
- Event-driven behavior modeling
- No syntax or typing errors
- Looping, conditions, and variables via GUI
- Supports both game and STEM simulations
- Classroom-ready with curriculum support
- Builds computational thinking skills
Try It Online #
https://www.agentcubesonline.com
Fun Facts #
- Funded by the National Science Foundation
- Students can simulate everything from video games to forest fire models
- Has been used to teach coding in rural, urban, and international classrooms
Resources #
Official site
Docs or tutorial
[GitHub or interpreter](Not open source)
Community or learning resources
