Video Game Design
The Video Game Design Course Syllabus is based upon:
- Video Game Design Workshop by Tracy Fullerton
- Learning with XNA Curriculum by Rob Miles
Courses
Course Description
Using game design and development as a teaching vehicle for intermediate computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.
Objective
Students will design and program video games that are based on core aesthetics and deliver a unique user experience.
- Video Game Design Workshop by Tracy Fullerton
- Learning with XNA Curriculum by Rob Miles
Courses
- Video Game Design Theory (GCOM420 - Sac City College Articulation)
- MEDIA DESIGN & PROGRAMMING 1P/2P - (CKC221/CKC222 - SCUSD)
Course Description
Using game design and development as a teaching vehicle for intermediate computer science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.
Objective
Students will design and program video games that are based on core aesthetics and deliver a unique user experience.
TEXTBOOK (OPTIONAL PURCHASE)
Syllabus
Unit 1: Game Design Theory
Project 1: Buttons and Sprites
6 Student Learning Objectives
- Game Design Workshop (Fullerton, T.): A playcentric approach to creating innovative games. Approximate cost of book with an online retailer is about $30 ($46.95)
- Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0: Learn Programming Now! How to program for Windows Phone 7, Xbox 360, Zune devices, and more (Miles, R.) Approximate cost of book with an online retailer is about $20 ($29.99)
- Learning XNA 4.0 (Reed, A.) ($39.99)
Syllabus
Unit 1: Game Design Theory
- Game Design Theory
- Game Design Process and Design Life Cycle
- Game Design Elements (Story, Character, Mechanics, etc.)
- Game Design Critique Process
- Researching successful game designers and game companies
- Connection: How math and science is applied in game design
- Connection: Art and game design
- Connection: board game and video game design
- Careers related to game design
- Storytelling
- Instructions and Rules
- Marketing Plan
- Final Artwork Design (Company Logo and Box Cover)
- Video Game Design (Originality and Application of Skills)
- Oral Presentations and Game Websites
Project 1: Buttons and Sprites
- Introduction to programming (variables, variable types, syntax, etc.)
- Introduction to the C#/XNA game design environment
- Introduction to input source (keyboard only)
- Introduction to output source (visual text and sprites display only)
- Introduction to color
- Introduction to digital art
- Introduction to interactive storytelling
- Introduction to brainstorming, playtesting, critiquing, and presentations
- Introduction to how to commenting code
- Introduction to pseudocoding
- Additional input sources (adding game controller)
- Additional output sources (adding sound and vibration)
- Introduction to text string input
- Introduction to structures (struct)
- Introduction to enumerated data (enum)
- Introduction to procedures, subroutines, methods, functions, etc.
- (OPTIONAL) Introduction to loops (for, while, etc.)
- Introduction to object-oriented programming with multiple class files
- Introduction to using loops with arrays
- Types of playtesting (early playtesting, friends vs. strangers, etc.)
- Integrating an advance programming concept (random, 2-D arrays, etc.)
6 Student Learning Objectives
- Technical skills related to software development, computer programming, and graphic design
- Creative, innovative, and critical thinking
- Communication and collaboration as an individual and part of a team
- Using appropriate and accessible digital tools for research and learning
- Using engineering, physics and mathematical concepts critical to game development
- Post-secondary and career options and resources related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
In line with school wide learning outcomes, Video Game Design grades will be calculated based on the following percentages: - Knowledge and Thinking 40%
- Agency 15%
- Collaboration 15%
- Written Communication 10%
- Oral Communication 10%