I have a cousin and a close friend who are just starting as Computer Science majors. Neither of them has any prior programming experience, but they are familiar with tech and enjoy playing video games.<p>Their university courses are starting them off with Java. I'm worried they'll become disinterested in making console programs that have no real world applicability. I remember being in that position, googling "what can I actually build with Java" countless times.<p>Any ideas for simple projects that might really show off what you can build that's relevant/interesting? My first thought was a text-based RPG.