If you're interested in this type of games… Look at <i>any</i> game from Zachtronics: <a href="http://www.zachtronics.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.zachtronics.com/</a> . Plus maybe Human Resources machines: <a href="https://tomorrowcorporation.com/humanresourcemachine" rel="nofollow">https://tomorrowcorporation.com/humanresourcemachine</a>
Today's Google Doodle is relevant to this.<p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2017/12/4/16733396/googles-doodle-50-years-kids-coding-december-4" rel="nofollow">https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2017/12/4/16733396/googles-doo...</a>
Check out RoboZZle, which is more advanced (including eg call stack, enabling some fancy tricks): <a href="http://robozzle.com/" rel="nofollow">http://robozzle.com/</a>
I remember playing it years ago, it's very well designed and even as a software developer, some of the later puzzles took a while to figure out.<p>...I think I'll play again.
I got this game for my kids (6 and 7). They haven't quite got the concept yet, but I think they'll understand it soon. They can make the robot go straight no problem, but they still have problems figuring out when to put down the left and right tiles.<p>I also play the board game Robot Turtles with them. It's like a simpler version of Lightbot with physical tiles to move around. They do understand how Robot Turtles works, so Lightbot shouldn't be far behind.
Similar to <a href="https://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/" rel="nofollow">https://www.apple.com/swift/playgrounds/</a>
The thinkfun series is also awesome - <a href="http://www.thinkfun.com/learn-coding/" rel="nofollow">http://www.thinkfun.com/learn-coding/</a><p>Appears related to lightbot, but it's closer to cellular automata - where the robot has a state that determines its next step. It's played using cards, which feels more fun strangely. My 10yr old loved it.
The name and art seemed familiar, I remember playing an old Flash version[0] of this. Cool game from what I remember.<p>[0]<a href="https://www.kongregate.com/games/Coolio_Niato/light-bot" rel="nofollow">https://www.kongregate.com/games/Coolio_Niato/light-bot</a>
Anyone looking for a similar type of programming game, but as a tabletop boardgame, look up RoboRally. It's a competitive MP game, but it's a great basic introduction to writing a program. A good family game, as well as one to play with adults.
My neice and nephew love this game. They're 5 & 7. My only complaint is that I think the difficulty ramps up a bit fast or their could be a bit more easier levels. Would pay for that.