Kodu is a game developed by Microsoft Research that invites users to create their own worlds while teaching them the basics of game development. Originally designed as a learning tool for youngsters using Xbox 360, Kodu is now available in a public beta for the PC. Schools don’t need any special equipment – students can start building worlds with just a PC and a keyboard.

With Kodu, budding developers string together simple cartoon icons that define the rules of their game world, rather than using complex programming language. The result: Anyone from seven to 70 can create a game in minutes.

To download the PC beta or get more information, visit http://fuse.microsoft.com/kodu.