Intro
to Game Design & Development Spring 2008
Course | GAME 1303:
Intro to Game Design & Development
Section | 8001 Room
| T250
Instructor | Jeremy
H. Roden
Office: 972.761.6830
Office Hours: Room T244B Monday
Mailbox: T244B & B101
Disclaimer reserving right to
change syllabus:
The instructor reserves the right to
amend this syllabus as necessary
A
note from the instructor |
Computer game
design is the melding of art and technology. From pong, pac-man,
and Space Invaders to Halo, Quake and The Silent Hills series, computer games
are becoming more creative, interactive and challenging with each title. They
are becoming film-like. The player experiences more than simply running and
shooting the bad guys. The successful game designer conceptualizes an idea that
attracts the curiosity of the gamer and holds it throughout the game. This
course will challenge you to develop these conceptual skills as well as learn
the processes and history of game development through hands on experience,
lectures and projects. You will delve into story telling, character development
and the technical aspects of game design as well as career possibilities within
the industry.
Course Description |
Introduction to electronic
game development and game development careers. Includes examination of history and
philosophy of games, the game production process, employee factors for success
in the field, and current issues and practices in the game development
industry.
Learning Outcomes |
After successful completion of this course,
the student should be able to:
Describe the history and evolution of video
and computer games and game genres; identify the phases and processes involved
in developing a computer game; design a simple computer game from initial
concept to final design document; and describe current trends in the game industry
with regards to hiring practices, working conditions, etc.
Textbook and Supplies |
1.
TEXT: The Game Maker’s Apprentice, Habgood
& Overmars ISBN-1-59059-615-3
2.
Highly Recommended TEXT: In The Mind of A Game, Fylnt ISBN-1-59200-937-9
3.
Highly Recommended TEXT: Rapid Viz
Third Addition, Belliston 1-59863-268-X
4.
11X14 Acid Free Sketchbook (Perforated pages and ring
bound)
5.
#2 Pencils
6.
3 - 5 Ebony Drawing Pencils
7.
Blank
CD-R’s/DVD-R’s
8.
Jump Drive (Buy
the most space you can afford)
Scans Skills |
The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving
Necessary Skills (SCANS) was appointed by the Secretary of Labor to determine
the skills people need to succeed in the world of work.
- Organizes
and Maintains Information
- Applies
Technology to Task - understands overall intent and proper procedures
for setup and operation of equipment
- Maintains
and Troubleshoots Equipment - prevents, identifies, or solves problems
with equipment, including computers and other technologies
- Listening
- receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages
and other cues
Required Lab |
Students are
required to spend at least two extra hour
per week outside of class working on student projects. However, I encourage you
to work more in order to practice and experiment with your work. Lab assistants
and faculty are usually in the lab to answer questions, however multimedia
tutoring is not available in the lab.
Lab Hours |
The
Hours for the Spring
semester are:
- Monday
– Thursday:
- Friday:
- Saturday:
NOTE: All Multimedia (credit and continuing education)
students must show a Student ID Card to use the lab
and check out any equipment. IDs are available at the Student ID Office,
T141.
COURSE
OUTLINE |
The course is broken up into
parts, with each leading to your final grade.
Part One | Exercises 30%
The exercises are
there to provide a fundamental approach to the design of games using the
software Gamemaker & Photoshop. You need
not be a programmer or an expert with Photoshop in order to be successful in
this course.
Step by step
you will build a working game. Classroom attendance and participation is
essential.
Part Two | Projects 30%
The projects portion of this course
is designed to challenge your conceptualization, game design and story telling
skills. Each project will have its own objective and your grade will be
determined by how cleverly and efficiently you worked to reach it.
Part Three | Portfolios 20%
A portfolio of
your work will be required throughout the semester. You are responsible for the
organization and presentation of your portfolio. Your portfolio will count as
your mid term and final exam, so keep your work in order at all times.
Part Four | Juries 20%
Your work will be
juried by your instructor, peers and occasionally visiting faculty and industry
professionals. Jury times will be posted in advance.
NOTE:
Presentation of yourself and your work is everything.
Grading Procedure |
A =
90-100
Exercises 30%
B = 80-89
Projects 30%
C = 70 –
79
Portfolio 20%
D = 60 –
69
Juries
20%
For every third unexcused absence the
student will be lowered ½ letter grade. See
Attendance Policy Below
NOTE: Grade reports are no longer mailed. Convenient access is
available online or by telephone. Use your student identification number
when you log in to eConnect or call Touch Tone
Services.
Web Site address: http://econnect.dcccd.edu Telephone number: 972-613-1818.
Academic Calendar |
|
January 14 (M) |
Classes Begin. |
|
January 21 (M |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday - Campus Closed. |
|
January 26 (Sa) |
First Saturday Multimedia Lab Will Be Open. |
|
January 28 (M) |
12th Class Day - regular courses. |
|
February 21 (R) |
District Conference Day - no classes. |
|
February 22 (F) |
Faculty Professional Development (TCCTA) - no day classes. |
|
March 10 (M) |
Spring Break Begins - no classes the entire week. |
|
March 14-16 (F-Su) |
Spring Break Holiday for all Employees - lab and campus is
closed. |
|
March 17 (M) |
Classes Resume. |
|
March 21-23 (F-Su) |
Spring |
|
March 24 (M) |
Classes Resume. |
|
April 10 (R) |
Last Day to Withdraw with a Grade of "W" for regular
classes. |
|
May 3 (Sa) |
Last Saturday Multimedia Lab Will be
Open. |
|
May 8 (R) |
Semester Ends. |
|
January 14 (M) |
Classes Begin. |
|
January 21 (M |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday - Campus Closed. |
Withdrawal Policy |
If you are unable to complete this course, it
is your responsibility to withdraw formally. The withdrawal request must be
received in the Registrar’s Office by the semester's withdrawal date. Failure
to do so will result in your receiving a performance grade, usually an “F.” If
you drop a class or withdraw from the college before the official
drop/withdrawal deadline, you will receive a “W” (Withdraw) in each class
dropped. You may drop a course at the Admissions Office (T170), the Advising
Center (T180) or the BTEC Advising Center (T162). Please consult with your
instructor if you are thinking of dropping the course.
STOP BEFORE YOU DROP!
For students who enrolled in college level
courses for the first time in the fall of 2007, Texas Education Code 51.907
limits the number of courses a student may drop.
You may drop no more than 6 courses during your entire undergraduate career
unless the drop qualifies as an exception. Your campus counseling/advising
center will give you more information on the allowable exceptions.
Remember that once you have accumulated 6 non-exempt drops, you cannot drop any
other courses with a “W”. Therefore, please exercise caution when dropping
courses in any
Drop Date |
Withdrawal Date |
March 10th is the last day to withdraw from this course with an
automatic "W".
Repeating this Course |
Effective for Fall Semester 2005, the Dallas
County Community Colleges will charge additional tuition to students
registering the third or subsequent time for a course. All third and subsequent
attempts of the majority of credit and Continuing Education/Workforce Training
courses will result in additional tuition to be charged. Developmental Studies
and some other courses will not be charged a higher tuition rate. Third
attempts include courses taken at any of the Dallas County Community Colleges
since the Fall 2002 Semester.
Academic Honesty |
Scholastic dishonesty is a violation of the Code
of Student Conduct. Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited
to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
As a college student, you are considered a
responsible adult. Your enrollment indicates acceptance of the DCCCD Code of
Student Conduct published in the DCCCD Catalog. https://www1.dcccd.edu/cat0506/ss/code.cfm
Disability Accommodation |
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:
Students requesting accommodations due to the presence of a disability must
identify themselves to the instructor the first week of classes
and provide documentation defining the accommodation needs from the Disability
Services Office in Thunderduck Hall, T120.
Attention Financial Aid Students |
If you are receiving Financial Aid grants or
loans, you must begin attendance in all classes. Do not drop or stop attending
any class without consulting the Financial Aid Office. Changes in your
enrollment level and failing grades may require that you repay financial aid
funds. Students who fail to attend or participate after the drop date are also
subject to this policy.
Classroom Policies |
Please note the following policies below.
Attendance Policy |
While
If you are unable to attend class for any
reason, please email me at JRoden@DCCD.EDU in advance. You may also
call my mobile phone at 214.680.3710.
Because of all the material covered in class
each session the lecture cannot be repeated for those students who show up
tardy for class. It is imperative students arrive to class on time and
remain in class the entire session each week.
Students who will be absent from class for
the observance of a religious holiday will be allowed to makeup examinations or
assignments missed that day IF their instructors are notified no later than
the 15th day of the semester. Please refer to the college
catalog Student Obligations - Attending Classes section.
Food and Drink Policy |
Except where otherwise determined
by a faculty member, no eating or drinking is allowed in the classroom.
Web Server Posting Policy |
The Richland Student Web Server is open to
all users of the World Wide Web. Any information students or instructors place
in their files is readable by any user of the World Wide Web.
Computer/Internet Use Policy |
Currently enrolled
Students using their own laptops must
use the wireless connection in the Thunderduck Hall building and cannot
use the Multimedia lab and classroom computer data lines to access the
Internet.
You are required to show your Richland
Student ID when requested by lab personnel. You are expected to follow
lab policies as well as the Student Code of Conduct specified in the
catalog.
Safety Policy |
Students should participate in this class in
a safe, appropriate manner. We occasionally have to step over cords for
the multimedia cart and/or computer equipment. We also need to watch out
for boxes and paper, students’ backpacks, etc. Students should begin to
build good computing habits, designed to prevent eyestrain, carpal tunnel
syndrome, etc.
Handheld Devices Policy |
Please have the respect to silence your
mobile devices during class. At no time may a student conduct a phone
conversation in class or send text messages. If it is an emergency,
please exit the room. NOTE: Instruction will not be repeated for those
who choose to leave the room for any reason. Students who choose to surf the
internet, play games or conduct business other than what is class related will
result in the lowering of their final grade by one full letter.
End of Each Class Policy |
When you leave class for the day,
- Delete
all your files from your workstation and empty the trash.
- Shut
down your computer using Windows Shut Down.
- Turn
off your monitor after computer has COMPLETELY shut down.
- Pick
up and throw away any trash around your seat.
Attention Continuing Education
Students |
To receive a certificate for this course, you
must make a grade of "C" or higher as a final grade. A grade average
of 69% or lower is failing.
Continuing Education will not mail your
certificate to you. If you do not receive your certificate the last day of
class you will have to pick up your certificate at the Continuing Education
Front Desk, T160.
INTRO
TO GAME DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
SPRING
2008
Student
Acknowledgement
Please
read and sign this page and turn it in to your instructor.
I have read the syllabus and fully understand what is required of me in
this course. I have had the opportunity to ask the instructor questions
about the syllabus.
________________________________
Course Name
________________________________
Course Number and Section
__________________________________DATE__________
Student Signature
__________________________________
Student Name (please print)
_____________________________________DATE____________
Instructor Signature