CSCI 0021. The Game Development Process
Units: 3
Advisory: Completion of MATH D with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Introduction to the history, technology, ethics, and design of computer games. A generally accessible course about the process of creating computer games from concept to implementation, including documentation, storyboards, character design, gameplay, animation and marketing. Students use these concepts to create a complete computer game of their own design. Programming experience not required. (CSU, UC)
CSCI 0021 - The Game Development Process
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/csci-0021/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Completion of MATH D with grade of "C" or better Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory) Description: Introduction to the history, technology, ethics, and design of computer games. A generally accessible course about the process of creating computer games from concept to implementation, including documentation, storyboards, character design, gameplay, animation and marketing. Students use these concepts to create a complete computer game of their own design. Programming experience not required. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory 18 By Arrangement Contact Hours 72 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify and distinguish between various electronic game genres and platforms. Describe, analyze and criticize a game based on its game play and reward system. Write documentation (concept, proposal, manual) for an original game idea. Evaluate different issues related to the game industry and culture (gender, violence, etc.) Identify the different job positions needed in the game industry to design, create, and market an electronic game. Course Content Outline I. History of Computer Games A. Early consoles B. PC games C. Platforms D. Online II. Types of Computer Games A. Platform (jumping) B. MMORPG C. Action D. Puzzle E. Casino F. Adventure G. RPG H. First-person shooter I. Multiplayer, singer player J. Simulation K. Strategy L. Educational III. Societal Impacts A. Gender B. Maturity C. Violence D. Handicaps E. Games as education IV. Designing Games A. Characters B. Storylines 1. Backstory 2. Plot C. Scenarios D. Goals E. Scoring F. Rules V. Psychology of Games A. Rules B. Play C. Culture D. Motivation E. Mastery VI. Documentation of Design VII. Game Implementation A. Sprites B. Interaction (keyboard, mouse, game controller) C. Images D. Sounds E. Animation F. User manual VIII. Marketing A. Packaging B. Advertising C. Artwork IX. The Game Industry A. Career possibilities 1. Designers 2. Programmers 3. Artists 4. Testers 5. Producers 6. Musicians 7. Reviewers 8. Others X. Future Trends A. Online B. Mobile Course Objectives Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Identify and distinguish various computer game genres; 2. Identify and distinguish the types of computer game platforms; 3. Describe, analyze and criticize a game based on its gameplay and reward system; 4. Evaluate gender issues in the computer game industry and culture; 5. Critically evaluate the claim that computer games create problems in society; 6. Predict the likely success of a particular game design; 7. Identify the various roles and responsibilities within the game industry; 8. Identify what motivates people to play games and how geographics, psychographics, and demographics play a role in determining what types of games people play; 9. Identify game elements including player modes, time intervals, challenges, and strategies; 10. Evaluate story structure and storytelling in games and compare them to those in movies and TV; 11. Describe character types and archetypes; 12. Describe the purpose of dialog in games; 13. Describe the "prisoner's dilemma" and the "tragedy of the commons"; 14. Describe the differences between looping and adaptive music in video games; 15. Describe the differences between manual and visual interface and active and passive interface. Laboratory Objectives: 1. Compose a concept/proposal document for a simple 2D game that includes artwork, game play description, and rules; 2. Estimate the time and cost for programmers and artists to implement a particular game concept; 3. Evaluate usability issues in computer games; 4. Design and implement a complete 2D computer game that incorporates the following programmatic features: 4a. Sprites, sound, animation, and scoring; 4b. Implement the programmatic game features from the concept document utilizing critical thinking about events, actions, collision control, and physics simulation; and 5. Compose a user manual for a computer game. Methods of Evaluation Essay Examinations Problem Solving Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read chapter in text on "Game Elements: What Are the Possibilities?" and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Find three online articles about gender/violence issues in computer gaming. Print them out, read through them, and be prepared to discuss them in class. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Summarize the three online articles you found into a two-page essay. Agree or disagree with the authors. Write a paragraph explaining your position with quotations from the articles. 2. Write documentation for your game that the player would read. Include instructions on how to install the game and play it. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...COMP 122 CSCI 0012 COMP 132 CSCI 0013...106 106 L BIOL 0021 AG-PS 106...
