Classroom
Welcome to the course. On this page you will find some information about the course, Required and Suggested Materials, and all of the assignment requirements.
All information is on Blackboard in the Course Information Section.
I look forward to having you in the class.
Suggested Materials
Required Materials
Level Up | Scott Rogers
This is the course book that is required. It should be available in the Columbus State book store, and I have also provided an amazon link below.
Action Day Journal
It’s very important to create systems in your life that allow you to be efficient. This is the journal I use to keep track of all my tasks for work and my personal life.
AMAZON KINDLE PAPERWHITE
I firmly believe that creating a habit of reading will drastically improve your life and career. Game Design is a life long learning career. When I got my kindle a couple years ago it changed my reading life and I read much more. I’ve also listed a set of books I recommend reading.
Class Information
All information, including assignment dates are available on Blackboard. All assignments are due on Blackboard, I do not take any emailed assignments.
Every week, in general, you will have a Quiz, an Activity, and a Homework. Quizzes and Activities are due the Sunday of that week by Midnight and cannot be turned in late. Homeworks are due that Sunday by Midnight, and can be turned in up to two weeks from the due date for late credit.
HOMEWORK 1
Why are you interested in the video game industry? What got you started? How where you inspired? Was it a particular console, a particular game, a genre, what? Do research on whatever it was. Find out who developed it, who the key players were, what the history was (game history, company history, key developer history, etc…). Then, write about it.
Don’t just give the information you find. Explain how it affected you and why it was important. Remember to cite your sources. If you simply copy and paste large sections from your sources, your grade will suffer. It needs to be in your own words.
This needs to be a minimum of 500 words. However, if you are really doing your research, it will end up being much longer.
This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, .pdf or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero.
Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
HOMEWORK 2
Pick a game industry company from 1980 to now. Do research on its history. How did it start? What did it produce? What lessons can we learn from it? And, what influence is it still having in the gaming industry today? Make sure that you give your own opinions, and back it up with your research. Remember to cite your sources.
Make sure that you give your own opinions, and back it up with your research. Remember to cite your sources.
Also, if you simply copy and paste large sections from your sources, your grade will suffer. It needs to be in your own words.
This needs to be a minimum of 500 words. However, if you are really doing your research, it will end up being much longer.
This needs to be submitted to Blackboard in an approrpriate file format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero.
HOMEWORK 3
Download and fill in the one page game design document. Go through whatever brainstorming you need to. Come up with your own creative game concept (It has to be different than the designs you came up with for the class exercises). You can change the format & design if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template.
Be honest. Using other games as a springboard for your ideas is fine, but don't just rip off another game's design. You need to create your own game.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
HOMEWORK 4
Download and fill in the one page game design document.
For this week's design, you need to choose an educational topic. Come up with a game that can teach that topic. Make the focus on the game being fun, and not just on conveying the information (no Jeopardy-like games, or lazy design). The goal is to still make it a game that you yourself would want to play. You can change the format if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template.
Be honest. Using other games as a springboard for your ideas is fine, but don't just rip off another game's design. You need to create your own game.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
HOMEWORK 5
This week you will start the process of creating a port of a game.
A port is when you take one version and convert it to another. You may choose any digital game, except it has to be a digital only game and cannot have ever had another variation of the game (such as Mario Brothers, which has card, dice, Monopoly, and etc. games, as well as many sequels and spin-offs). It also cannot be a game that you used for the activity this week.
Take the game, and come up with a traditional game version. You need to start by identifying what the core theme/experience is and then make sure that you are being faithful to it. Using dice, cards, homemade boards, and etc. create a game. Write down the instructions and make sure that they are detailed enough for other people to play the game without having you explain it to them (look at existing game instructions for ideas). Add images of your game components and pictures of play to help the players understand.
You will not be submitting anything for homework this week, but you must have it in class next week for the second phase of development in order to get a good grade when it is due.
HOMEWORK 6
This week you will finish up the port of your game. Make the appropriate updates to your game design, as well as your documentation. Once you feel like you have a solid game, put the following at the top of your document.
Your name.
Name of original game.
Core theme/experience of original game.
Components required to play the game. (Including photos of the appropriate components if necessary).
Dice
Cards
Custom board
etc.
Then put in detailed instructions of how to play your game. Make sure that the game documentation is clear enough that someone could read them and fully understand how to play your game (without you saying anything or giving direction). Add images (camera shots of the game components and possibly of some gameplay will work fine) to help illustrate how to play. You will be graded on clarity and whether or not the instructions are sufficient to understand how to play your game.
Submit the final document of instructions here in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf format. If it is not one of the previous formats, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
HOMEWORK 7
This week you will be working on creating your own digital game design. This design will be developed further over the following weeks.
Download and fill in the one page game design document. Go through whatever brainstorming you need to. Come up with your own creative game concept. You can change the format if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template.
Be honest. Using other games as a springboard for your ideas is fine, but don't just rip off another game's design. You need to create your own game. This should also not be a port of another game or intellectual property.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
HOMEWORK 8
This week you will continue work on the assignment from last week.
You will take your Executive Summary from last week and add information on the gameplay of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of details about how the gameplay of your game works. Add these pages to your Executive Summary document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done with your design, submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 473. Also, if you are unsure about what should go in a particular section there are detailed descriptions on what is expected in chapter 4, starting on page 71 through page 81.
Page One Note: On the first page it asks for contact info. Don't put in your personal information. Simply put in your name. If you use this document outside of class to pitch your own games professionally, you will want to put your complete contact information in.
HOMEWORK 9
This week you will continue work on the assignment from last week.
You will take your Game Design Document (GDD) from last week and add information on the Story/Characters/Environment of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of detailed infomormation. Add these pages to your GDD document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
HOMEWORK 10
This week you will continue work on your game's Game Design Document.
You will take your Game Design Document (GDD) from last week and add information on the Gameplay Elements of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of detailed infomormation. Add these pages to your GDD document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
HOMEWORK 11
This week you will continue work on your game's Game Design Document.
You will take your Game Design Document (GDD) from last week and add information on the Level Designs of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of detailed information. Include level design images and any other elements that will help readers understand how the levels look and function. Add these pages to your GDD document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
HOMEWORK 12
This week you will continue work on your game's Game Design Document.
You will take your Game Design Document (GDD) from last week and add information on the Player Controls of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of detailed infomormation regarding how the users will play the game, including the control scheme and button layouts. Add these pages to your GDD document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
HOMEWORK 13
This week you will continue work on your game's Game Design Document.
You will take your Game Design Document (GDD) from last week and add information on the Style & Aesthetics of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of detailed infomormation, including information and images about the visual style of the game (like art style, architecture, city planning, color schemes, etc). Add these pages to your GDD document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
HOMEWORK 14
This week you will continue work on your game's Game Design Document.
You will take your Game Design Document (GDD) from last week and add information on the Production Process of your idea. This new section should be at least 1-3 pages of detailed information about your timeline, budget, staffing, equipment/software, and marketing that will be needed to get your came completed and released. Add these pages to your GDD document and make sure they're properly laid out and titled.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
HOMEWORK 15
This week you will be writing a postmortem of your semester in this class. Please answer and explore the following three questions in relation to everything you have covered and learned.
What went well?
What would you change if you had to do it over again?
Where do you go from here?
These should not be about the class content itself (such as critiquing the setup of the course), but should instead focus on your personal interactions. What did you find went well for you? What would you change about your own education, and about how you approached the group activities or assignments that would allow you to progress even better? What are your personal plans and goals for your education and future based off of the goals you set for your career a few weeks ago, and your life goals?
This needs to be a minimum of 500 words, but if you start to really explore yourself and look for ways to improve, and set goals to do so, it will end up being much longer.
This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure you are submitting this file in the correct format.
HOMEWORK 15 - SLIDE DECK
Use the feedback from your class pitch to update your design and create a PowerPoint presentation to pitch the game you have been working on the last couple of weeks. Submit the powerpoint by the evening before the final. This is meant to be a short summary that gets the main points across for a game pitch. Keep it brief. Don't put everything in from your document. Just the highlights. Here are some best practices to follow.
Don't just read your slides. They should be bullet points (2-5 on a slide) and you should be talking about your game with the slide as a guide. Don't put in large blocks of text and read from the slide.
Look at your speakers (or the camera) and don't keep your head on your monitor the whole time.
Dress nicely, be clean, and treat this as a professional pitch.
When it is not your turn to present, be respectful and listen (no cross-talk).
Clap at the end of each pitch.
Practice your pitch until you feel prepared.
Needed Sections
Executive Summary
Gameplay
Story/Characters/Environment
Gameplay Elements
Level Designs
Player Controls
Style & Aesthetics
Production Process
Budget
Timeline
Team needed
etc
**The presentation has to be a minimum of 10 slides, with each major section of your GDD represented in at least one slide.** Failure to have it the correct length will effect your score.
For in-class students. Be prepared to present at the final by bringing your flash drive in with your presentation on it. You will have a maximum of 5 minutes to present.
For online students. Have a family member or friend record you giving the pitch (you can use a phone or something else). Keep the presentation under 5 minutes. Submit the powerpoint presentation, as well as a link to the video recording for your final grade. Do not submit the video directly as it will be too large for blackboard.
Week 3
Activity 3
For this week, you will start doing brainstorming to come up with game concepts.
In-Class: You will be directed through a series of small group, round-robin style, design activities. The goal is just to come up with anything. It is about creating ideas quickly and having fun with it.
Web Students: Come up with 10 game designs. Spend only about 5 minutes on each and work quickly. (Using a timer can help)
Start with a verb and a noun (any verb and noun, preferably unrelated). Use that to fuel your ideas as you then write down a quick one sentence description of what the game will be. Try to not be obvious like having the verb and noun be kill/zombie, and you say that it is a game about killing zombies. Try to explore and go in different directions.
Come up with three gameplay mechanics, like run, jump, shoot, but make sure to detail out how they would be utilized in the game. How do you run? What kind of jumping is there, and how does it work? How does the shooting system work, and how does that separate it from similar titles? Once more, be detailed and get away from the generic.
Create a quick story, and then write a paragraph describing how the game would work. Think of a time when you were telling a friend about a game that you were playing, how did you explain it? Use a similar approach to help describe how your game would work.
Make sure that all 10 designs are documented in a single document and submit it by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 3
Download and fill in the one page game design document. Go through whatever brainstorming you need to. Come up with your own creative game concept (It has to be different than the designs you came up with for the class exercises). You can change the format if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template.
Be honest. Using other games as a springboard for your ideas is fine, but don't just rip off another game's design. You need to create your own game.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
Week 4
Activity 4
For this week, you will continue doing brainstorm exercises to come up with game concepts.
In-Class: You will be directed through a series of small group, round-robin style, design activities. The goal is to start with a focus on the core experience you wish to create, and then build your designs out from there.
Web Students: Come up with 10 game designs. Spend only about 5 minutes on each and work quickly. (Using a timer can help)
Start with a core concept or experience that you wish to create. You can use the examples from the lecture today (the 8 MDA's, Halo's focus on Epic, or COD's focus on Realistic Military Experience) as a starter, but look at how you can find your own core experience that you want to develop. Is your game trying to simulate a specific experience, feeling, emotion, mood, or something else? Figure out a focus, generally in one word or phrase. Then, use the core experience to flesh out your design.
Write three sentences of how the game would work. This should be similar to the paragraph description you created for the designs last week.
Come up with three game mechanics that will support your game experience such as run, jump, shoot, but make sure to detail out how they would be utilized in the game. How do you run? What kind of jumping is there, and how does it work? How does the shooting system work, and how does that support the core experience? Once more, be detailed and get away from the generic. While Halo and Call of Duty both have jumping, they are handled very differently.
Create a quick story and make sure that the characters and story support the larger core experience.
Make sure that all 10 designs are documented in a single document and submit it by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 4
Download and fill in the one page game design document. For this week's design, you need to choose an educational topic. Come up with a game that can teach that topic. Make the focus on the game being fun, and not just on conveying the information (no Jeopardy-like games, or lazy design). The goal is to still make it a game that you yourself would want to play. You can change the format if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template.
Be honest. Using other games as a springboard for your ideas is fine, but don't just rip off another game's design. You need to create your own game.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
Week 5
Activity 5
For this week, you will be applying traditional game mechanics to digital game designs.
In-Class: You will be directed through a small group activity. The goal is to start with a video game, and then to build up a card/dice/board game version that still captures the core experience. You will have dice, cards, and other items provided and will be making working prototypes in class. You will work in your respective group the entire time, but will have phases of development between creating the game, and having people from other groups playtest and give feedback before your next round of development.
Web Students: Come up with 4 game designs. Spend only about 15 minutes on each and work quickly. (Using a timer can help). Pick four video games that you enjoy playing. Take the following steps.
List the title of the original game.
Identify what the core theme/experience is.
List ideas for how you could create a traditional card/dice/board game version of the the game. (Just describe the process. You don't need to actually create it.)
Describe how your new version helps to capture the same core theme/experience that the digital version did.
This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 5
This week you will start the process of creating a port of a game. A port is when you take one version and convert it to another. You may choose any digital game, except it has to be a digital only game and cannot have ever had another variation of the game (such as Mario Brothers, which has card, dice, Monopoly, and etc. games, as well as many sequels and spin-offs). It also cannot be a game that you used for the activity this week.
Take the game, and come up with a traditional game version. You need to start by identifying what the core theme/experience is and then make sure that you are being faithful to it. Using dice, cards, homemade boards, and etc. create a game. Write down the instructions and make sure that they are detailed enough for other people to play the game without having you explain it to them (look at existing game instructions for ideas). Add images of your game components and pictures of play to help the players understand.
Bring your instructions and all the pieces necessary to play your game with you to class next week. You will not be submitting anything for homework this week, but you must have it in class next week for the second phase of development in order to get a good grade when it is due.
Week 6
Activity 6
For this week, you will be playtesting and getting feedback on your games.
In-Class: You will be directed through playtesting. You will be assigned a group of people to play with. Each person in the group will have a short time to play their game with, and get feedback from, the group. As part of this process, you must write down all the feedback you receive so that you can use it for your homework assignment. The catch is that this will be a blind test. You will simply hand your instructions and components to the group, and they need to be able to figure out how to play the game just based on your instructions. If they are not able to, then make notes about why, and how you can better set your documentation up.
Web Students: You will also need to do playtesting and yours will also be a blind test. Get a group of family or friends together to play your game. Give them the instructions but don't tell them about the game, or how to play it. Once they have played it, get feedback. You must document the feedback from at least four individuals. Clearly list their names (or their relation to you) and then put in the feedback your received from them as well as observations you had while they played. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 6
This week you will finish up the port of your game. Use the feedback you received from the class activity, and make the appropriate updates to your game design, as well as your documentation. Once you feel like you have a solid game, put the following at the top of your document.
Your name.
Name of original game.
Core theme/experience of original game.
Components required to play the game. (Including photos of the appropriate components if necessary).
Dice
Cards
Custom board
etc.
Then put in detailed instructions of how to play your game. Make sure that the game documentation is clear enough that someone could read them and fully understand how to play your game (without you saying anything or giving direction). Add images (camera shots of the game components and possibly of some gameplay will work fine) to help illustrate how to play. You will be graded on clarity and whether or not the instructions are sufficient to understand how to play your game.
Submit the final document of instructions here in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf format. If it is not one of the previous formats, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Week 7
Activity 7
For this week, you will be practicing level design and applying it in analog to digital ports.
In-Class: You will begin by being put into groups, and will be guided through the rest of the process. Each group will pick one of the traditional games that a member of the group brought to class. You will then come up with a design for a digital version of the game. This should not be a direct port where you would recreate the game in a digital format but basically still be the exact same traditional game. Instead, you need to take the spirit of the game (what is the core theme, narrative, and concept,) and create a unique new game. For example, Monopoly envisioned as a first person shooter, Solitaire as an action adventure game. and etc. You don't have to deep dive on this. It should be created in a hyper-rapid-iteration format (super fast brainstorming), and then you will focus on defining it through the level design process. You need to actually do the top down drawing with map key and explanations. You will go through this process a few times to understand the process, and to get practice with level design.
Web Students: You will also be doing analogue to digital game ports, and will be doing practice level designs. Pick two traditional games (dice, card, board) and then come up with quick digital game designs based on them, but not copying them exactly. As with the in-class students, these should not be exact copies with the digital design being a replica of the traditional game. Do not spend more than 10 minutes on this phase each time, and focus on the following.
What is the core theme/experience?
What is the narrative?
What are the mechanics?
How would this game actually work? (Pretend you are describing the gameplay to a friend).
Once you have the basic design down for each, spend 20 minutes drawing the level design (each time), making decisions about flow and the layout of the game, and adding a key and details about the level.
In total, about 30 minutes for each design. Make sure both designs are documented in a single document (for the drawn level design, take a photo or scan it and add it to your document) and submit it by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 7
This week you will be working on creating your own digital game design. This design will be developed further over the following weeks.
Download and fill in the one page game design document. Go through whatever brainstorming you need to. Come up with your own creative game concept. You can change the format if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template.
Be honest. Using other games as a springboard for your ideas is fine, but don't just rip off another game's design. You need to create your own game. This should also not be a port of another game or intellectual property.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. You also need to bring a printed copy into class with you next week for the class activity.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
Week 8
Activity 8
For this week, you will be practicing applying controls to your game.
In-Class: You will begin by being put into 2-3 person teams, and will be guided through the rest of the process. Each team will use the previous week's homework (your 1 pager) design for this activity. The group will take the designs, and then go through the process of applying controls to work for it. The designs will be assigned new game systems (platforms) and will need to adjust not only the controls, but also the game design to work well. For example, taking the design, and assigning controls for the stated platform like the Xbox. Then, change the platform to be mobile, and create a new control schematic for touch controls, and adjust the design of the game to still create a powerful experience.
Web Students: You will also be doing control and design changes to your previous design (Week 7 Homework). Start by creating a control schematic for your stated platform (the one that you intended the game to be for). Then, pick two other dissimilar platforms to try it on. For example, if you have the original on the Playstation, don't make the second platform the Xbox because the controls are nearly identical. Instead, choose something that is primarily a touch screen, or uses a keyboard and mouse. With the two new designs, update the overall design and get the concept to work for the new platform. Then assign the controls schematics, and/or explain how it will function (slide commands, two finger touch, keyboard mapping, and etc.). For a new platform, the gameplay should change to be a solid experience. Do not leave it the same and then just say you will put a controller on the screen that people will use.
Make sure the mapping, and the two new designs and mapping are documented in a single document (controller mapping and etc. can be drawn or done digitally, but need to be added to the document and not left as separate files. Submit it by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 8
This week you will continue work on the assignment from last week. You will take the content from your 1 Page design, and expand the design in the attached 10 page format. Don't just put what you had in the 1 page format. Make sure you expand and add to the design. Really utilize the space in the new format to expand your design. While utilizing the space, also keep it to the 10 page format (don't use 5 of the pages for the story, or condense 4 pages onto 1). Keep things in their own sections.
Once you are done with your design, submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 473. Also, if you are unsure about what should go in a particular section there are detailed descriptions on what is expected in chapter 4, starting on page 71 through page 81.
Page One Note: On the first page it asks for contact info. Don't put in your personal information. Simply put in your name. If you use this document outside of class to pitch your own games professionally, you will want to put your complete contact information in.
Week 9
Activity 9
For this week, you will be using your 10 pager (from the homework assignment this last week) as the foundation, and will expand on your game design.
In-Class: You will begin by being put into 2-3 person teams, and will be guided through the rest of the process. Each team will use the previous week's homework (your 10 pager) design for this activity. Each individual will pitch their design to their group, and will get feedback (you will be documenting this feedback.) The group will then do explorations with each of the designs into art styles, and music styles that will help support each game's core experience (once more, you will document this exploration). For the last portion, the group share ideas for how to expand on and better build each individual's game designs (and properly document it.)
Web Students:You will need to show your game design document (10 pager) to family and friends (at least 3 individuals), document their feedback. Do art and sound style explorations and research with them and document your findings and direction with that as well. Finally, discuss with them (and document) ideas for how to expand on your existing design and create a more powerful gameplay experience. Don't worry if the family member or friend has no experience with games or game development, they can still give good feedback.
Put your documentation of feedback, style explorations (with pictures embedded), and expansion into a single document (do not leave as separate files). Submit it by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 9
Take your 10 pager from the week 8 assignment, and expand it, starting with the notes from the activity this week. Add an index between the 1st and 2nd page (creating a new second page). The index should show the sections and have the page numbers listed, just like a book would. Add a section for style. Add a section at the end that can hold notes about feedback you have received. Then, go through and expand the design. You are no longer limited by the 10 page constraints. Just remember to update your index page with any additional new section, layout, and page numbers.
Once you are done expanding your design document this week, and having someone spell check and review it for grammar. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
Week 10
Activity 10
For this week, you will be using your design document (from the homework assignment this last week) as the foundation, and will be building analog prototypes of some of the game mechanics and systems.
In-Class: You will begin by being put into 2-3 person teams, and will be guided through the rest of the process. The team will select one person's design and will select a mechanic or system in the design (such as a crafting system, combat system, movement system, leveling system, narrative system, and etc.) You will be given time in phases to build analogue prototypes of the system, test it, build, test, etc. You will do this for each person of the the team.
Web Students:You will also be selecting a mechanic or system from your week 9 homework assignment, and will be expected to build an analogue prototype (board, dice, card game). The idea is to do it quickly. Spend 10 minutes building a quick prototype. Test it with a family member or friend for 5 minutes. Spend 5 minutes updating, spend 5 minutes testing (repeat 5 times to get a solid prototype built.) Document the game (Instructions clearly written, as well as photos embedded with pieces, and layout of the game to help with the explanation.) This should be clear enough that someone picking up your instructions should be able to play the game without having any direction from you.
Submit your instruction for the game (with embedded images) by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 10
This week you will be building an analogue version of your game. Take your updated design document from last week's assignment, and use the system prototype that you worked on for the class activity as the foundation to build the rest of your tabletop game. While your prototype acts as a good start, build up other systems to create a larger game experience.
Don't lose track of the core them/experience that you were originally shooting for. Maintain the narrative, and try to incorporate some of your mechanical ideas. However, this should work as a tabletop gameplay experience, and so don't try to perfectly recreate your digital concept in analogue form. Make your vision work for the medium. Use cards, dice, homemade game boards, and etc. to create the game.
Write down the instructions and make sure that they are detailed enough for people to play the game without you having to explain it to them (look at existing game instructions for ideas). Add images of your game components and pictures of play to help the players understand how to play.
Bring your instructions and all the pieces necessary to play your game with you to class next week. You will not be submitting anything for the homework this week, but you must have it in class next week for the second phase of development in order to get a good grade when it is due.
Week 11
Activity 11
For this week, you will be playtesting and getting feedback on your games.
In-Class: You will be directed through playtesting. You will be assigned a group of people to play with. Each person in the group will have a short time to play their game with, and get feedback from, the group. As part of this process, you must write down all the feedback you receive so that you can use it for your homework assignment. The catch is that this will be a blind test. You will simply hand your instructions and components to the group, and they need to be able to figure out how to play the game just based on your instructions. If they are not able to, then make notes about why, and how you can better set your documentation up.
Web Students: You will also need to do playtesting and yours will also be a blind test. Get a group of family or friends together to play your game. Give them the instructions but don't tell them about the game, or how to play it. Once they have played it, get feedback. You must document the feedback from at least four individuals. Clearly list their names (or their relation to you) and then put in the feedback your received from them as well as observations you had while they played. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 11
This week you will finish up the analogue version of your game. Use the feedback you received from the class activity, and make the appropriate updates to your game design, as well as your documentation. Once you feel like you have a solid game, put the following at the top of your document.
Your name.
Name of your game.
Core theme/experience of your game.
Components required to play the game. (Including photos of the appropriate components if necessary).
Dice
Cards
Custom board
etc.
Then put in detailed instructions of how to play your game. Make sure that the game documentation is clear enough that someone could read them and fully understand how to play your game (without you saying anything or giving direction). Add images (camera shots of the game components and possibly of some gameplay will work fine) to help illustrate how to play. You will be graded on clarity and whether or not the instructions are sufficient to understand how to play your game.
Submit the final document of instructions here in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf format. If it is not one of the previous formats, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Bring your game and document with you to class for the activity next week.
Week 12
Activity 12
For this week, you will be going through the process of creating your own plan of execution. While numbers, and positions don't have to be exact, it is an important exercise to help you start to get realistic views and approaches to creating your own games.
In-Class: You will be directed through the planning process. You will be assigned to a small group. Each group will pick one person's tabletop game from the previous week's assignment. The group will then spend a short amount of time coming up with a design for the digital version of the boardgame. You will then spend time breaking down the game into its base components until you get your list of assets and action items. You will then plot a schedule (and rough times for completion) to set a base plan for how to build the digital version of the game.
Web Students: You will also go through the planning process. You should take 10 minutes to document how the digital version of your previous week's assignment would work. You then need to document what the art assets would be to create it, what the specific mechanics are that would need to be programmed (including menus, UI, and etc), what music and sounds would be, and anything else that would be part of the game. You can then take the lists and assign them to specific positions that you have learned about, as well as putting them in an order for completion that makes sense to you (such as doing character models after the concept art, but before the animations). Assign hours to each piece as closely as you can guess, and come up with an overall estimate for people and time for the project. This doesn't have to be perfect, but do the best you can to show the thought process as you break this down. Put all of this information into a document. The document needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 12
This week you are going to put together a game plan on how you would get into the game industry. Set a goal for yourself and break it down into action items as discussed this week. To begin, pick a position in the industry that you think you would enjoy doing. Do research on it. Then, research companies you would like to work for. Finally, put together a plan for how you are going to gain the skills, and connections required for getting your job at that company. Talk about why you want that particular position, and why you are choosing the company that you are. Don't just talk about their products either. Talk about the work environment, quality of life, and other things that you would be working for at that company. Remember to cite your sources. If you simply copy and paste large sections from your sources, your grade will suffer. It needs to be in your own words.
This needs to be a minimum of 500 words. However, if you are really doing your research, it will end up being much longer.
This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Week 13
Activity 13
For this week, you will be doing the rapid-iteration, round robin type design activities once more. This time with more experience, and with the focus on simple design.
In-Class: You will be directed through a series of small group, round-robin style design activities. You will be put into small teams. You will then come up with a core concept or focus. You will identify 1-3 base mechanics, and design your core game from there. While the goal is to work quickly, it is important to get a focused design that works well in its simplistic form.
Web Students: Come up with 6 game designs. Spend about 10 minutes on each and work quickly.
Start with your core message/experience.
Find your 1-3 core mechanics
Figure out the story
Expand on the design as you have time, but still focus on keeping the simple core game (minimum viable product) and not getting lost in details
Make sure that all 6 designs are documented in a single document and submit it by clicking on the title of this assignment and submitting it as an attachment. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 13
Download and fill in the one page game design document. Go through whatever brainstorming you need to. Come up with your own creative game concept (It has to be different than the designs you came up with for the class exercises). You can change the format if you want, but make sure that you keep it to one page, and put in all of the information that is asked for in the template. Make sure that you are keeping the design simple. Focus on this being a minimum viable product, with a clear experience/message.
Once you are done creating the game design document. Submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
If you decide to do it in a more creative format, then submit it in .jpg, pdf, or a similar format. Make sure that it is 8.5"x11", and at least 300 DPI.
Make sure to submit this by the due date.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 469.
Week 14
Activity 14
This week will be split into two parts. You will be doing a quick pitch for practice. You will then work on expanding your game designs with your group.
In-Class: You will be split into groups and directed from there. You will take turns rapid pitching your game concept. You will then be given time and guided through phases of expansion on each of your games. As part of this, you will be required to take notes on ideas, direction, and on feedback from your classmates. Do not neglect the documentation as you will use it for this week's assignment.
Web Students: You will be following a similar approach. Please do the following.
Find a family member or friend that is available. Time yourself and give a 30 second pitch of your game. Repeat this three times. The goal is to really hone in on what the most important key points of your pitch are.
Find three family member or friends and spend time going through ideas for how to expand on your core game, while still retaining the game's focus. Document all of the ideas, as well as the feedback that your family/friends give you.
Document the ideas and feedback and submit it in a single document. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get and automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 14
This week you will continue work on the assignment from last week. You will take the content from your 1 Page design, and expand the design in the attached 10 page format. Don't just put what you had in the 1 page format. Make sure you expand and add to the design. Really utilize the space in the new format to expand your design. While utilizing the space, also keep it to the 10 page format (don't use 5 of the pages for the story, or condense 4 pages onto 1). Keep things in their own sections. As mentioned above the idea is to now build on the simple design. While you are expanding, don't lose the core concept.
Once you are done with your design, submit it. Make sure that you submit it in either a .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf format. Failure to do so will result in a zero.
Make sure to submit this by the due date. Bring a copy with you to class next week for the class activity.
If you are unsure how this should look, there is an example at the back of Scott Roger's Level Up Book. It starts on page 473. Also, if you are unsure about what should go in a particular section there are detailed descriptions on what is expected in chapter 4, starting on page 71 through page 81.
Page One Note: On the first page it asks for contact info. Don't put in your personal information. Simply put in your name. If you use this document outside of class to pitch your own games professionally, you will want to put your complete contact information in.
Week 15
Activity 15
This week will be split into two parts. You will be doing a pitch for practice, and then get feedback to polish your game concept for the final. You will then do postmortems of games that you have played. This will be similar to what you did in week two, but with more of a design rather than dissecting approach.
In-Class: You will be split into groups and directed from there. You will take turns rapid pitching your game concept. You will then be given time to get feedback on your pitch and suggestions from your classmates. Take notes on the direction and feedback. For the second half of the exercise your group will be guided through picking games that you have played. As part of the design exercises you will be asked to answer the three postmortem questions.
What went well? (What are the good points about the game?)
What could they change if they had to do it over again? (What are some design decisions that didn't work in their game, that could be improved upon?)
Where do you go from here? (Take those ideas and come up with your own design updates as a group for an improved version of the game you are evaluating.)
Web Students: You will be following a similar approach. Please do the following.
Find a family member or friend that is available. Time yourself and give a 2-minute pitch of your game. Repeat this two times. The goal is to really hone in on what the most important key points of your pitch are while offering some more expanded information.
Have the family or friends give you feedback on your pitch, and on the game concepts. Look for how to polish and better share your concept.
Pick two classic games that you have played and go through the process of doing a design postmortem on them. Answer the following three questions.
What went well? (What are the good points about the game?)
What could they change if they had to do it over again? (What are some design decisions that didn't work in their game, that could be improved upon?)
Where do you go from here? (Take those ideas and come up with your own design updates as a group for an improved version ofthe game you are evaluating.)
Take your documented feedback from the first half, and the two game design postmortems in a single document. This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get and automatic zero. Make sure that you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Homework 15
This week you will be writing a postmortem of your semester in this class. Please answer and explore the following three questions in relation to everything you have covered and learned.
What went well?
What would you change if you had to do it over again?
Where do you go from here?
These should not be about the class content itself (such as critiquing the setup of the course), but should instead focus on your personal interactions. What did you find went well for you? What would you change about your own education, and about how you approached the group activities or assignments that would allow you to progress even better? What are your personal plans and goals for your education and future based off of the goals you set for your career a few weeks ago, and your life goals?
This needs to be a minimum of 500 words, but if you start to really explore yourself and look for ways to improve, and set goals to do so, it will end up being much longer.
This needs to be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .rtf format. If it is not, you will get an automatic zero. Make sure you are submitting this file in the correct format.
Final
Use the feedback from your class pitch to update your design and create a PowerPoint presentation to pitch the game you have been working on the last couple of weeks. Submit the powerpoint by the evening before the final. This is meant to be a short summary that gets the main points across for a game pitch. Keep it brief. Don't put everything in from your document. Just the highlights. Here are some best practices to follow.
Don't just read your slides. They should be bullet points (2-5 on a slide) and you should be talking about your game with the slide as a guide. Don't put in large blocks of text and read from the slide.
Look at your speakers (or the camera) and don't keep your head on your monitor the whole time.
Dress nicely, be clean, and treat this as a professional pitch.
When it is not your turn to present, be respectful and listen (no cross-talk).
Clap at the end of each pitch.
Practice your pitch until you feel prepared.
**The presentation has to be a minimum of 10 slides and a maximum of 15.** Failure to have it the correct length will effect your score.
For in-class students. Be prepared to present at the final by bringing your flash drive in with your presentation on it. You will have a maximum of 5 minutes to present.
For online students. Have a family member or friend record you giving the pitch (you can use a phone or something else). Keep the presentation under 5 minutes. Submit the powerpoint presentation, as well as a link to the video recording for your final grade. Do not submit the video directly as it will be too large for blackboard.