Maximus Trest, a 13-year-old Canadian boy, has caught the attention of the PlayStation team with his own game, Astrolander. Max is so talented that he has decided to take a year off from school to focus on developing his action-adventure game. Astrolander is set to be released on PlayStation 5 in 2024.

During a festival where he showcased his game, Max impressed the PlayStation team with his skills and creativity. Despite his young age, Max is already ahead in many of his classes, which has allowed him to dedicate more time to his passion for game development.

Astrolander is an exciting co-operative game that combines action and adventure. Players will be able to embark on thrilling missions and explore different worlds. The game is expected to be a hit among PlayStation 5 users when it is released next year.

Max’s dedication and talent have earned him recognition in the gaming industry at such a young age. His decision to take a break from school to focus on his game shows his commitment and determination to succeed in the world of game development.

It is inspiring to see young individuals like Max pursuing their passions and achieving great things. Max’s story serves as a reminder that age is not a barrier to success, and with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams. We look forward to seeing what Max will accomplish with Astrolander and in his future endeavors.

Original news source: Meet the 13-year-old with his own PlayStation 5 game (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up and take turns being a news reporter and an interviewee. The reporter asks questions about Max’s journey in developing his game, Astrolander, and the choices he made. The interviewee, acting as Max or a member of the PlayStation team, answers the questions in detail, using information from the article.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements about the article, such as “Taking a year off school to focus on a passion project is a good idea for young talents.” Students move around the room and poll their classmates about their opinions, tallying the results. Afterward, discuss the findings as a class and explore the reasons behind the different opinions.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key terms from the article (e.g., action-adventure, co-operative game, game development, dedication, creativity). Students take turns drawing the terms on the board without speaking or writing words, while the rest of the class guesses the vocabulary. This activity helps reinforce the new vocabulary from the article.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Students discuss and write down their predictions about Max’s game, Astrolander, and his future career in game development. They can consider aspects like the game’s potential success, future projects Max might undertake, and how the gaming industry might recognize his talents. Students share their predictions with the class or in small groups.

– Mind Map
Instructions: On the whiteboard, start a mind map with “Max’s Astrolander” at the center. Students come up to the board to add branches to the mind map, including categories like ‘Game Features’, ‘Development Process’, ‘Challenges’, and ‘Success Factors’. Each branch should be filled with details from the article as well as students’ own ideas and related vocabulary.

Comprehension Questions:

1. How old is Maximus Trest and where is he from?
2. What is the name of the game that Maximus has developed?
3. What decision has Maximus Trest made regarding his education to focus on game development?
4. When is Astrolander expected to be released and on which platform?
5. How did Maximus Trest capture the attention of the PlayStation team?
6. What type of game is Astrolander and what can players expect from it?
7. What has allowed Maximus to dedicate more time to developing his game?
8. What does Max’s story suggest about the relationship between age and success?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Maximus Trest, a 13-year-old Canadian boy, has caught the attention of the (1)______ team with his own game, (2)______. Max is so (3)______ that he has (4)______ to take a year off from school to focus on developing his action-adventure game. Astrolander is set to be released on PlayStation 5 in 2024.

During a festival where he showcased his game, Max impressed the PlayStation team with his skills and creativity. Despite his young age, Max is already ahead in many of his (5)______, which has allowed him to dedicate more time to his (6)______ for game development.

Astrolander is an exciting co-operative game that combines (7)______ and adventure. (8)______ will be able to embark on thrilling missions and explore different (9)______s. The game is (10)______ to be a hit among PlayStation 5 (11)______ when it is released next year.

Max’s dedication and talent have earned him recognition in the (12)______ industry at such a young age. His decision to take a break from school to focus on his game shows his commitment and determination to succeed in the world of game development.

It is (13)______ to see young individuals like Max pursuing their passions and achieving great things. Max’s story serves as a reminder that age is not a barrier to success, and with hard work and (14)______, anyone can achieve their dreams. We look forward to seeing what Max will (15)______ with Astrolander and in his (16)______ endeavors.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on a teenager taking a year off from school to pursue a personal project? Why?
2. How would you feel if your child wanted to postpone their education to focus on a passion like game development?
3. Do you think it’s important for young individuals to follow their passions? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever considered taking a break from your responsibilities to focus on a personal goal? What was it?
5. What qualities do you believe are necessary for someone to succeed in a competitive field at a young age?
6. Do you like the idea of co-operative games? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the gaming industry benefits from having young developers like Max?
8. What challenges do you think Max might face by entering the workforce at such a young age?
9. Do you think age is a barrier to success in most fields? Can you give an example?
10. What kind of support do you think is crucial for young talents like Max to thrive in their endeavors?
11. Have you ever been recognized for a talent or achievement at a young age? How did it impact your life?
12. Do you think schools should offer more flexibility to students who excel in certain areas? Why or why not?
13. Can you share an experience where you or someone you know had to make a difficult decision between education and a passion?
14. In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of dedicating time exclusively to a passion project?
15. Do you think the recognition from a big company like PlayStation can significantly change a person’s career trajectory? How so?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Maximus
2. Trest
3. Astrolander
4. PlayStation
5. game
6. development
7. dedication
8. success

Meanings:
(a) The title of the game created by Maximus
(b) The team that noticed Maximus and his game
(c) The last name of the talented boy
(d) The process of creating a game
(e) An activity that Maximus is passionate about
(f) The achievement that Maximus hopes to attain
(g) The commitment and focus Maximus has shown
(h) The name of a 13-year-old Canadian boy
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the game developed by Maximus Trest?
(a) PlayStation 5
(b) Astrolander
(c) Action-Adventure
(d) Co-operative

2. How old is Maximus Trest?
(a) 15
(b) 10
(c) 13
(d) 18

3. What platform will Astrolander be released on?
(a) Xbox
(b) PC
(c) Nintendo Switch
(d) PlayStation 5

4. What impressed the PlayStation team about Maximus Trest?
(a) His skills and creativity
(b) His age
(c) His dedication to school
(d) His passion for game development

5. What genre does Astrolander belong to?
(a) Puzzle
(b) Racing
(c) Action-Adventure
(d) Sports

6. When is Astrolander set to be released?
(a) 2022
(b) 2023
(c) 2025
(d) 2024

7. What does Max’s decision to take a break from school show?
(a) His commitment and determination
(b) His lack of interest in education
(c) His desire to play video games all day
(d) His dislike for his classes

8. What does Max’s story serve as a reminder of?
(a) Game development is easy
(b) Age is not a barrier to success
(c) PlayStation is the best gaming platform
(d) Hard work and dedication are not important

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. He has stolen his own game called Astrolander.
2. Maximus’s laziness and lack of talent have earned him recognition in the gaming industry at a young age, and his decision to take a break from school shows his lack of commitment to game development.
3. Maximus Trest is a 13-year-old Canadian boy who has caught the attention of the PlayStation team.
4. Astrolander is an action-adventure game that combines action and adventure, and it is expected to be a hit among PlayStation 5 users.
5. Maximus disappointed the PlayStation team with his skills and creativity during a festival where he showcased his game.
6. Maximus has decided to take a year off from school to focus on developing his game.
7. Despite his young age, Maximus is already ahead in many of his classes, allowing him to dedicate more time to game development.
8. Astrolander is set to be released on PlayStation 5 in 2023.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the name of the game developed by Maximus Trest, and on which platform will it be released?
2. How old is Maximus Trest, and what unusual decision has he made regarding his education?
3. What genre of game is Astrolander, and what can players expect from it?
4. In what way has Maximus Trest already achieved recognition in the gaming industry?
5. What is the anticipated release year for Astrolander, and what does Max’s story symbolize about age and success?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How old is Maximus Trest and where is he from?
Maximus Trest is 13 years old and he is from Canada.

2. What is the name of the game that Maximus has developed?
The name of the game Maximus has developed is Astrolander.

3. What decision has Maximus Trest made regarding his education to focus on game development?
Maximus Trest has decided to take a year off from school to focus on developing his game.

4. When is Astrolander expected to be released and on which platform?
Astrolander is expected to be released in 2024 on the PlayStation 5 platform.

5. How did Maximus Trest capture the attention of the PlayStation team?
Maximus Trest captured the attention of the PlayStation team during a festival where he showcased his game.

6. What type of game is Astrolander and what can players expect from it?
Astrolander is an exciting co-operative action-adventure game where players can embark on thrilling missions and explore different worlds.

7. What has allowed Maximus to dedicate more time to developing his game?
Maximus is already ahead in many of his classes, which has allowed him to dedicate more time to his passion for game development.

8. What does Max’s story suggest about the relationship between age and success?
Max’s story suggests that age is not a barrier to success, and with hard work and dedication, anyone, regardless of their age, can achieve their dreams.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) PlayStation
(2) Astrolander
(3) talented
(4) decided
(5) classes
(6) passion
(7) action
(8) Players
(9) world
(10) expected
(11) users
(12) gaming
(13) inspiring
(14) dedication
(15) accomplish
(16) future
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Maximus
Answer: (h) The name of a 13-year-old Canadian boy

2. Trest
Answer: (c) The last name of the talented boy

3. Astrolander
Answer: (a) The title of the game created by Maximus

4. PlayStation
Answer: (b) The team that noticed Maximus and his game

5. game
Answer: (e) An activity that Maximus is passionate about

6. development
Answer: (d) The process of creating a game

7. dedication
Answer: (g) The commitment and focus Maximus has shown

8. success
Answer: (f) The achievement that Maximus hopes to attain
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the game developed by Maximus Trest?
Answer: (b) Astrolander

2. How old is Maximus Trest?
Answer: (c) 13

3. What platform will Astrolander be released on?
Answer: (d) PlayStation 5

4. What impressed the PlayStation team about Maximus Trest?
Answer: (a) His skills and creativity

5. What genre does Astrolander belong to?
Answer: (c) Action-Adventure

6. When is Astrolander set to be released?
Answer: (d) 2024

7. What does Max’s decision to take a break from school show?
Answer: (a) His commitment and determination

8. What does Max’s story serve as a reminder of?
Answer: (b) Age is not a barrier to success
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. He has stolen his own game called Astrolander. (Answer: False)
2. Maximus’s laziness and lack of talent have earned him recognition in the gaming industry at a young age, and his decision to take a break from school shows his lack of commitment to game development. (Answer: False)
3. Maximus Trest is a 13-year-old Canadian boy who has caught the attention of the PlayStation team. (Answer: True)
4. Astrolander is an action-adventure game that combines action and adventure, and it is expected to be a hit among PlayStation 5 users. (Answer: True)
5. Maximus disappointed the PlayStation team with his skills and creativity during a festival where he showcased his game. (Answer: False)
6. Maximus has decided to take a year off from school to focus on developing his game. (Answer: True)
7. Despite his young age, Maximus is already ahead in many of his classes, allowing him to dedicate more time to game development. (Answer: True)
8. Astrolander is set to be released on PlayStation 5 in 2023. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧