GameDev

Game Development (GameDev) is an introductory course in game development focusing on practical exercises in building games using development tools. The course focuses on two main themes: Development and design. 

1. In the development portion of the course, we will be focusing on the “nuts and bolts” of making games. Using the GDevelopment5 development environment, you will learn about basic programming concepts in order to make a series of games, culminating in a final project in which you produce a game of your own design. 


2. In the design portion of the course, we will be looking at what makes a good game. Whereas the development portion of the course seeks to answer “How do we make a game?”, the design portion asks “What sort of game should we make?”. As part of this process you will study and analyze existing games as you prepare to create your own game design for your final project. 


There will be no final examination; the final exam time will be used for presentations of your final project: A prototype game, with design documentation. Your presentation will be made before a panel of industry professionals. 

Career Related Learning Standards:  Problem solving and discovery through inquiry are central to game development. But to really succeed in this class, communication and teamwork will need to be mastered.

This course also meets the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards for students.

Prerequisites

It is recommended that students have completed an Algebra course prior to enrolling. GameDev is designed to be a college preparatory high school course and thus should provide a rigorous but accessible introduction to computer science. No previous computer science experience is required.

Credit

Upon successful completion of GameDev, students will receive .5 Elective (“Other”) credit.