Variables in computer programming are symbols, usually expressed as letters, numbers or words, that can store and manipulate values for use later. If you’re earning points in a game, your score is a variable that starts at zero and increases every time you collect a coin. If you’re asked to give the main character a name at the beginning of the game, the name you choose is stored in a variable and recalled every time it’s needed. In this chapter, we will explore how you can use variables to control in-game events.