Pixel Press appears to hit that sweet spot where technology, ambition and design come together to bring to life something you could once only dream about.
It's part-game, part-app which comes in two parts. The first is a basic sketching kit, a downloadable and printable template that's basically just an enormous sheet of squares. Users can colour in those squares to create the pixellated design of their choosing.
When they're done, the app is able to read the special sheet design and turn it into a video game platforming level, users able to add stuff like a skin and music, as well as test to make sure the app works.
While it appears to be geared mainly towards students, there's no stopping anyone older from trying their hand at it either.
It all sounds a bit magic, but the fact it's restricted to grids makes it all seem a lot more practical. Those after a more comprehensive run-down of how it all works, the team's Kickstarter page has a nice clear breakdown of the tech and their goals.
Pixel Press: Draw Your Own Video Game [Kickstarter]