Above is a screenshot of the web site for Alice, a classy-looking programming language developed at the Carnegie Mellon university. Much like Scratch, it was created as an object-oriented interface through which students can learn the basics of computer programming in a fun and helpful environment.
Unlike Scratch, however, Alice is capable of rendering three-dimensional objects in real time. Students pick from libraries of 3D objects -- many user-created, others provided by massive companies like Electronic Arts -- and arrange and animate them as the student sees fit. Personally speaking, I don't like to work in 3D; the complexity of the graphic elements can be very complicated and lack the longevity desired of a truly lasting product. Despite this, Alice is clearly a helpful resource for those who don't feel the same way as I do, and for this reason its existence alone should be commended.
They also have a separate program called Storytelling Alice! It is focused less on game development and more on higher-level animation scripting, making it more ideal for telling complex stories. Again, for those who prefer not to have their stories told by set clusters of pixels in the shapes of robots, vikings, or cute animals, it looks extremely recommendable.
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