Welcome!
Welcome back to school and thank you for enrolling in GCOM 420 - Video Game Design. I have some really amazing things planned for this class and I know you are as excited to be in this class as I am excited to teach it.
Before we get started, however, please take this opportunity to bookmark this page. Renderography.com will serve as our digital anchor for the course materials in this class. I will be posting all class assignments, rubrics and course details on this website. In addition to working on Renderography.com, will be utilizing D2L to turn in our projects, issuing feedback and grades. Please ensure you have access to D2L with your student identification number. Contact the SCC help desk with any problems you have accessing D2L.
In addition to Renderography.com and D2L, you will be receiving a number of emails from me every week. Please update your personal email information in D2L with your current email information.
Overview
This introductory course to video game design studies the art, technology, and science involved in the creation and development of computer games. The course covers video game history, game theory, design of computer-based games, delivery systems, development cycle, case studies, ethical and social issues, and emerging technologies and trends. This course emphasizes the understanding and the interdisciplinary nature of video game design; this course is not a computer programming course. Check out what we'll be learning this semester:
- design, create, and rig a 3D animated character in the context of telling a short story.
- build a working game prototype.
- demonstrate an understanding of the game design process.
- demonstrate an understanding of game structure and elements.
- demonstrate an understanding of the various roles in a professional game development environment.
- critique the game projects of others.
- successfully 'pitch' a game project.
- analyze and compare the work of professional game designers.
This course is going to focus on the fundamental principles and properties that makes games great! Many of the traditional game design ideas are going to be explored in detail. In addition, you're going to be making your own games; both paper-based and using a computer. Strap in and hold on! This is going to be a great semester!
Download the Syllabus (10pts)
Download Syllabus
As I mentioned during today's lecture, we will be leveraging the power of the digital distribution system on a weekly basis. I have uploaded a copy of the syllabus to the "Content" page in D2L. Please download and save the digital syllabus for your own personal educational records. FYI - there might be a quiz on the details of the syllabus next week.......hint, hint, nudge, nudge. You might want to take a closer look at the document.Student Survey (10pts)
Go to D2L
In an effort to best serve my students, I would like to know as much about you as possible. I have created a short student survey on D2L. It shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to complete, so you'll be able to knock it out pretty quick. Its worth 10 points, so make sure you finish it!Just Think for a moment.....
Today, you are embarking upon a great journey. This voyage, at times, will be tiresome, frustrating and fraught with disaster but the riches of your destinations are endless. College represents a period of your life where you, as an individual, are encouraged to look towards the future and conceptualize the life ahead. What does your future look like? Where do you want to go in life? How are you going to change your world? Take a minute and reflect on the following quote and bring to class next week your energy, passion and dedication towards your future goal.
The last few decades have belonged to a certain kind of person with a certain kind of mind - computer programmers who could crank code, lawyers who could craft contracts, MBAs who could crunch numbers. But the keys to the kingdom are changing hands. The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind - creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers and meaning makers. These people-artists, inventors, designers, storytellers, caregivers, consolers, big picture thinkers--will now reap society's richest rewards and share its greatest joys. - Daniel Pink
Important Documents
Check out these awesome learning resources! I've collected a number of assets that I think will help you conquer this week's homework and laboratory assignment. Please download the following materials to your local hard disk or flash storage device (AKA thumb drive).
Links
Here are some important links for this week's learning materials. Make sure you add these important assets into your personal library by bookmarking them!
