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 2D graphics, 3D modeling, music and sound effects. Typical tasks will include setting up a game development studio, manipulating graphic images, obtaining or creating sounds and music, installing and using various game development tools and working with pictures and animation. 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. Set up a game development studio.
2. Create 2D and 3D games with game creation tools.
3. Design and implement games with multiple game levels.
4. Control active objects within the game context.
5. Employ graphics, sound and animation as appropriate.
6. Create 3D models using 3D modeling tools.
7. Categorize a game into its appropriate genre.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Game Development
   A. Describe the system and equipment required
   B. Set up a game studio

II. Graphics: the Basic Building Blocks of a Game
   A. List basic elements of an image
   B. Manipulate images
   C. Accomplish advanced image manipulation 

III. Sound and Music
   A. List types of sounds
   B. Obtain or create sounds and music
   C. Record sounds
   D. Create music

IV. The History of Game Development
   A. Describe early games
   B. Explain how we got to the current level of game development

V. Describe Game Genres, Game Types and Common Categories

VI. Elements of Game Design
   A. Define game elements
   B. Research the game market
   C. Describe technical information required
   D. Define risks
   E. Describe required resources
   F. Schedule required tasks

VII. Game Maker
   A. Install Game Maker
   B. Describe Game Maker basics
   C. Design and create a 2D space shooter game
   D. Set up the game
   E. Test the game

VIII. The Games Factory
   A. Install The Games Factory
   B. Investigate editors and creating event lines
   C. Create a game
   D. Create active objects
   E. Create movement types
   F. Include backdrop objects and quick backdrop objects
   G. Include animation using the Games Factory animation editor

IX. The GCS Game Engine
   A. Install GCS
   B. Start up and use the GCS Windows Engine
   C. Design and make a 3D level
   D. Incorporate GCS paint and artwork in your game
   E. Describe memory and image resolution concerns
   F. Import image files into the 3D world
   G. Assemble the GCS game
   H. Connect the levels

X. Create a Game with the 3D Gamemaker
   A. Install the necessary components
   B. Create the game
   C. Test the game

XI. GMAX
   A. Describe GMAX
   B. Install GMAX
   C. Describe GMAX for Flight Simulator 2002 Professional
   D. Model an airplane with GMAX
   E. Create the model

XII. Describe the MilkShape 3D Animation Tools Menu

XIII. Half-Life Model
   A. Install the software
   B. Create a template
   C. Describe the basics of animation

XIV. A Design Document: First Person Shooter
   A. Describe the design history
   B. Give a game overview
   C. Describe the user interface
   D. Describe character rendering and animation

XV. Describe Key Positions in a Development Team
   A. Designer
   B. Programmer
   C. Audio related positions
   D. Art related positions
   E. Producer
   F. Secondary positions

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

A minimum of 5 projects      50%
A minimum of 2 examinations  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.