Description:

This course is designed to present the skills and to provide the hands-on experience required to create computer games utilizing game development tools that require no programming. Typical game creation topics to be covered include: learning how to build games with a game development environment, the basic ideas of game design, introduction to building 3D levels, a brief survey of the game business and game careers. Typical tasks will include: building a variety of games, learning how to include sound effects and simple animation effects in games, using simple analysis tools to evaluate games, building a 3D level, creating an original game as a term project. 3 hrs. lecture, 1.5 hrs. lab/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $20 to $50.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Install and use a game development environment.
2. Create 2D games and 3D levels with game creation tools.
3. Design and implement games with multiple game levels.
4. Use active objects within the game context.
5. Employ graphics, sound and animation as appropriate.
6. Categorize a game into its appropriate genre.
7. Describe the Game Development Industry, career categories and skills requirements.
8. Describe the social context of computer game playing and its impact on game design and construction.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Game Development Environment
   A. Construct a simple game.
   B. Implement more complex actions.
   C. Implement complex control sequences in the game.
   D. Analyze and improve the game using principles derived from game
design.
   E. Analyze and improve the implementation of the game by using Object
Oriented Programming techniques.  
   F. Add levels to the game.

II. Designing a Game
   A. Describe game features that make a game enjoyable.
   B. Apply game design ideas to a simple game.

III. Constructing a 3D Game Level
   A. Describe the features of a "3D" game development environment.
   B. Create a single room.
   C. Add features and rooms to the level.

IV. Game Review
   A. Describe what makes a "good" game.
   B. Discuss the role of challenges and goals in a game context.
   C. Discuss the use of rewards in motivating game play.
   D. Describe the principal game genres and discuss how they differ.

V. Student Game Experience
   A. Describe how game preferences have changed over time.
   B. Describe social interactions associated with game play.
   C. Contrast on-line game experiences with single-player mode
experiences.
   D. Formulate a set of "good practice recommendations" related to video
game use.

VI. Game Project Development
   A. Describe a game project in concise terms to convey its scope and
concept.
   B. Develop a detailed specification for the game project: narrative,
characters, art work and setting, game play and technology requirements.
   C. Develop a time-line and play for completing the game, including
significant milestones.

VII. Survey of the Game Business
   A. Distinguish the roles of the different actors in the game industry:
Publishers, Developers, Motion Capture Houses, Art Studios, Platform
Manufacturers, Distributors, and Retailers.
   B. Discuss the differences between the development and marketing of
traditional games, casual games, advergames, and mobile games.
   C. Describe the distribution of the retail purchase price of a game to
the parties involved in its production.

VIII. Game Careers Survey
   A. Describe the career categories for individuals working in the game
industry.
   B. Describe the educational requirements most commonly suggested for
positions in game development.
   C. Discuss educational opportunities for individuals interested in game
careers.
   D. Use on-line information resources to answer common questions related
to game careers.
   E. Know the principal game industry events and when and where they are
held.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

A minimum of 5 projects      30-50%
A minimum of 2 examinations  30-50%
Total                       100%

Grading criteria:
90-100% - A
80- 89% - B
70- 79% - C
60- 69% - D
 0- 59% - F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.