New Computer Gaming class to be offered at my school

[teedyo]

I think you first need to define just what you mean by "game development". Off-hand I can think of 4 primary aspects of game programming and they all utilize very different skill sets: game engine, interface, virtual environment and storyline.

The game engine is all about the math(linear algebra) and if you're thinking first person/real time then that turns into discrete calculus real quick. For a high school course which covers this aspect; I think a book like Trylon mentioned isn't going to be out of date. The real problem here would be maintaining student interest. "Kids" seem to want to be able to create something the size of WoW in a week. Perhaps just an overview of engine design would be appropriate.

The interface is also 'boring'. Another overview if you plan to use an existing engine/development platform.

Environment/storyline is probably what 140 of those 150 kids are thinking about and probably what should? be the focus for the class. Animation, interaction, visual design and storyboarding.

Try to do group projects so that people can bring alternate skills to the table. Experience with groups is invaluable for future project endeavors.

I am vaguely acquainted with http://www.mobygames.com/developer/shee ... erId,1743/ and if the e-mail I have for him is still valid; I can try to get him in touch with you. He was an adjunct professor here at Montana State U. last year. Wasn't in game design, however.

[Robert The Rebuilder]

How about using Game Maker in the class? I hear it's pretty intuitive - even for non-programmers.

One guy made a pretty decent port of Metroid 2 for the PC using Game Maker.

[Aikijitsu]

How about using Game Maker in the class? I hear it's pretty intuitive - even for non-programmers.

One guy made a pretty decent port of Metroid 2 for the PC using Game Maker.

You beat me to it. I was just about to say that. In one hour, I made a small map with a background with an avatar that could move and jump. GM is a very good program for beginners. From what I remember, you can make a game from point and click, or you can make it entirely out of scripts.

[Chuckles58]

When I was in college in the <cough> late 70's, I programmed a basic version of the dice game Zilch. I still have the paper computer tape to prove it, although I don't have anything to read it with. Now I have a verison of Zilch on my iPod Touch.

It would be interesting to see if Uru age design could be a useful learning activity in game design.

Good luck with your endeavors, Meta

[Chacal]

When I was in college in the <cough> late 70's, I programmed a basic version of the dice game Zilch. I still have the paper computer tape to prove it, although I don't have anything to read it with. Now I have a verison of Zilch on my iPod Touch.

I wonder if there's a Wumpus for iPod or iPhone?

[Chuckles58]

Ah yes, Hunt the Wumpus. That was a good one too.

The educational computer application/simulation (aka game) that I enjoyed playing at college was "Adventure in Colossal Cave". Some years ago I was talking with our IT guy and mentioned it. He said, "I've got that on floppy disk". Sure enough, I still have an old Windows 3.1 laptop that is a dedicated Adventure machine. I remember how awesome the graphics were ... because they were all in my head.

[Jojon]

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[Chuckles58]

XYZZY

Yep, that would have been helpful to get out of the "Maze of Twisty Little Passages All Alike"