Unity Game SDK Now
Free
Unreal Engine
SDK Now Free
Class Overview
This is an introductory class in Game Design. This class teaches students the fundamentals of computer game design and surveys a number of different computer games. Students will analyze various computer games and create their own game designs. Students will also learn to create some simple games using GameMaker. Students are not required to have a programming background.
What you will Learn
- An overview of how computer games work
- An overview of how computer games are designed
- Design structure of different types of computer games
- Process of compute game design
- How to analyze a computer game
- How to create game mechanics for different types of computer games
- How to create game story outlines for different kinds of computer games
- How to use GameMaker to create simple computer games
Class Requirements
The required textbooks for this class are:
The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design
by Flint Dille (Author), John Zuur Platten (Author)
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Lone Eagle; illustrated edition edition (January 8, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 158065066X
ISBN-13: 978-1580650663
The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners
by Jacob Habgood
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Apress (June 26, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590596153
ISBN-13: 978-1590596159
Purchasing options for book:
http://www.apress.com/book/view/1590596153
Book Web Site: -
http://book.gamemaker.nl
Grading and Evaluations
Students in this class will be evaluated on three analysis papers, two GameMaker games, a midterm exam, and a final exam. The analysis papers will be either a structured analysis of a computer game or a game design document. The analysis papers must be typed and the GameMaker programs will created with the GameMaker software. The midterm and final exams will be short answer.
Each of the analysis papers will be worth 50 points and each of the GameMaker programs will be worth 50 points for a total of 250. The midterm and final will each be worth 100 points each for a class total of 450 points.
The final grade will be based on the following points:
405 to 450 = A
360 to 404 = B
315 to 359 = C
270 to 314 = D
0 to 269 = F
All tests and assignments are due on the indicated days. No extensions or makeups are given. If you need special accommodations for the class you need to submit the appropriate paperwork to the Instructor in a timely fashion.
Assignments and Dates
Assignment 1
Assignment 2
Assignment 3 -
Due Monday, November 2
Assignment 4 - Due Monday, December 14
Assignment 5 - Due Monday, December 14
Dates: August, September, October, November, December
Lectures
Overview of Game
Design
Structure of a
Computer Game
RPG Games - Partial
Handouts
Game Design Steps
Connecting with
NetShare and DosBox
Designing FPS Games
Designing RPG Games
Colossal Cave Program
(zip - unzip both files and run)
Adventure
Game Summary
Class Resources