WT 2024: Applied Introduction to 3D Game Development

Official Description

Applied Introduction to 3D Game Development is a practical, hands-on course aimed at providing a foundation for creating 3D games using Unity. Students will be introduced to the Unity development environment and a variety of 3D game concepts and features. Students will leverage pre-existing media assets and then configure and program them to create a simple, but original and playable, 3D game. Only basic computer skills are assumed; no knowledge of computer programming is required; no formal course prerequisites; students from all majors and all class levels are encouraged to consider enrolling. That being said, computer and/or programming skills would be helpful. Game development is complex; students must have a strong desire to learn and be willing to put in the time to test and experiment each day. This is an on-campus course.

In Practice

We created a fictional game studio called T22 Studios and asked our DePauw students to play the role of level designer/game programmer trainee working on a prototype game under the direction of instructor Michael Boyles. Ultimately, each trainee was tasked with creating a prototype for a simple platform game. Each prototype had to meet a number of minimum requirements, but then the trainees were free to explore and incorporate additional features and functionality. We learned a ton about Unity; helped each other with technical challenges; provided peer feedback and shared ideas; have a lot of fun. Most of the games below have links to video playthroughs.