The Uncanny Valley
Embedded Files
FINISH the EXIT Reflection Final
Today is your final Game Design class! It has been a great year, and I hope you enjoyed the course.
FIRST: Please complete the final checklist below. Open your gradebook and review each assignment carefully. If you notice any inaccuracies, submit a re-grade form.
SECOND: Complete the Exit Reflection Final—this will count as your final grade in the gradebook.
If you have any questions about your final grade, feel free to email me.
Have an amazing summer, and I look forward to seeing you next year! ~Cornell
5/15 - 5/16
5/15 - 5/16
5/13 - 5/14
5/13 - 5/14
EXAMPLE REFLECTION
EXAMPLE REFLECTION
As I reach the halfway point in my final design project, which involves creating a 3D model of a car in Autodesk Maya, I’m reflecting on my progress and what I still want to improve. I’ve always been passionate about car design, and this project allowed me to explore that interest through 3D modeling. Learning this skill brings me closer to my dream of exploring car design as a career. This project taught me that mastering even a single detail, like the curve of a fender, requires patience and precision.
At the start, I was both excited and intimidated by the idea of modeling something as complex as a car, but I’ve made significant progress. So far, I’ve completed the basic shape of the car’s body and have started detailing the wheels, headlights, and grille. A big milestone for me was learning how to use Maya’s various modeling tools, especially the extrude and bevel functions, which have been crucial in shaping parts of the car with smooth and realistic edges.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been working with the different views and aligning all the parts correctly in 3D space. It’s been tricky making sure that each side of the car is symmetrical, especially when adding details like door handles and mirrors. I’ve also struggled with creating smooth curves on the body of the car; sometimes, the polygons look blocky, and it’s taken a lot of trial and error to make the surfaces appear smooth. To improve, I’ve been watching tutorials and getting feedback from my teacher, who suggested using specific smoothing techniques and adjusting edge loops to create a more polished look.
This project has really pushed me to be patient and precise, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot about 3D modeling in general. I’ve gained confidence in using basic tools in Maya and have a much better understanding of how complex shapes are built in a 3D space. Completing this project has given me more confidence to tackle complex design tasks. Looking back, this project was a stepping stone in discovering how much work goes into creating designs that not only look good but feel real. For the next phase, my main goals are to work on the interior details and add materials and textures to the model to make it look more realistic. I also plan to explore rendering options so that I can present the final model in a professional way. Overall, this project has been challenging but rewarding, and I’m excited to see how much more I can learn and improve before the year ends.
5/9 - 5/12
5/9 - 5/12
5/7 - 5/8
5/7 - 5/8
5/5 - 5/6
5/5 - 5/6
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
5/1 - 5/2
5/1 - 5/2
Final Project Workday
Day 7
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/29 - 4/30
4/29 - 4/30
Final Project Workday
Day 6
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/25 - 4/28
4/25 - 4/28
Final Project Workday
Day 5
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/23 - 4/24
4/23 - 4/24
Final Project Workday
Day 4
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/21 - 4/22
4/21 - 4/22
Final Project Workday
Day 3
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/15 - 4/18
4/15 - 4/18
Final Project Workday
Day 2
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/11 - 4/14
4/11 - 4/14
Final Project Workday
Day 1
1 hour 30 minutes
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Brief Daily Journal Entry
Summary of Activities: In a well thought out manner, briefly describe what you worked on in complete sentences. Which should address:
Key Achievements: Note any significant progress or milestones.
Challenges: Mention any obstacles you faced.
Next Steps: Outline your immediate next tasks.
Spelling & Grammar: Check Spelling & Grammar
Add two Screen Shots
Include Date: Add the date you worked on project.
4/9 - 4/10
4/9 - 4/10
What Is a Gantt Chart, & How Does It Work? | Coffee with Brett
What is a Spreadsheet: Introduction to Programming with Google Sheets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpUiF52HWgo&ab_channel=TimothyJames
What Is a Gantt Chart, & How Does It Work? | Coffee with Brett
https://youtu.be/h2fA-DtQMj8
4/7 - 4/8
4/7 - 4/8
Finish & RECORD the basic 2d Side Scroller.
Create a simple 2D side scroller using the following tutorial.
The side scroller must include:
Simple 2D terrain with objects to jump over
Move character:
Left
Right
Jump
Sound effects
On jump
On hit scoring object
Disappearing scoring object like my example diamond
4/3 - 4/4 SUB
4/3 - 4/4 SUB
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today; he is a great teacher please treat him with respect.
Please use the time wisely . . .
FIRST Finish the basic 2d Side Scroller.
Create a simple 2D side scroller using the following tutorial.
The side scroller must include:
Simple 2D terrain with objects to jump over
Move character:
Left
Right
Jump
Sound effects
On jump
On hit scoring object
Disappearing scoring object like my example diamond
2nd Continue working on your final project. Make sure you write in your journal. PUBLISH
4/1-4/2
4/1-4/2
How to make a 2D game in Unreal Engine 5 - Beginner Tutorial
Create a simple 2D side scroller using the following tutorial.
The side scroller must include:
Simple 2D terrain with objects to jump over
Move character:
Left
Right
Jump
Sound effects
On jump
On hit scoring object
Disappearing scoring object like my example diamond
3/28-3/31
3/28-3/31
Work on your final project . . . Make sure you write in your journal. PUBLISH
3/26-3/27
3/26-3/27
AI in Video Games Is Changing Everything!
Write your induvial or group objective . . .
Elevator Pitch: Pitch to Cornell
3/13-3/14
3/13-3/14
Only in Period 4G: Why I'm ADDICTED To Filmmaking In Unreal Engine
Create your own MetaHuman | Unreal Engine 5 tutorial
3/11-3/12
3/11-3/12
1-Hour Music Mix | The Best Video Game Soundtracks
The Future of Gaming - 2030 Gaming Industry
3/5-3/6
3/5-3/6
How to Become a Video Game Designer - Career in Game Development
Using Copilot narrow down your final independent project direction.
General Question Examples:
What projects can I work on to help me learn unreal engine?
What projects can I work on to help me learn programming in unreal engine?
What projects can I work on to help me learn to become a game developer in unreal engine?
Specific Question Examples:
3/5-3/6
3/5-3/6
3/3-3/4
3/3-3/4
2/27-2/28
2/27-2/28
SUB
I am sorry I have a meeting today, and you will have a sub. Be nice to the SUB :) Today, I want you to make sure everything from the Hit Test to the Score is complete. Record each section with OBS and post them in your portfolio. Next class I will grade all three assignments.
FIRST: Finish the Hit Test, record and Post
SECOND: Finish the Score, record and Post
THIRD: Finish the Timer, record and Post
If you are finished with the timer start the Side Scroller
2/13-2/14
2/13-2/14
SUB
SECOND: Take your maze to the next level . . . Create a unique world textures, lighting, assets, . . .just make it Really Cool! Then record a video of you following the maze. - POST IN PORTFOLIO
Examples
THIRD: Finish you maze including teleportation. MAKE IT AMAZING! And then record your game play in OBS and post in your website. - POST IN PORTFOLIO
How to Teleport the Player to another Location in the Level through a Door in Unreal Engine 5
2/10-2/11
2/10-2/11
How to Teleport the Player to another Location in the Level through a Door in Unreal Engine 5
2/6 - 2/7
2/6 - 2/7
Watch:
First: Finish maze n Unreal Instructions Here
Second: Make a second level with pits using Boolean in your maze Unreal Instructions Here Basic Example Below
Third: Take your maze to the next level . . . Create a unique world textures, lighting, assets, . . .just make it Really Cool! Then record a video of you following the maze.
Examples
Maze2.mp4Instructions Here
2/3-2/4
2/3-2/4
1/30-1/31
1/30-1/31
Play, Record and post your Jerry Lawson game.
2025-01-30 12-32-59.mkv
1/28-1/29
1/28-1/29
- SIGN IN TO ONEDRIVE -
1/27 - 1/28
1/27 - 1/28
How to Become an Environment Artist for Games - GREAT!
1/17 - 1/18
1/17 - 1/18
Watched intro - 10 Graphically INSANE Levels Created In UNREAL ENGINE 4
1/15 - 1/16
1/15 - 1/16
WATCH FIRST: Why 'The Mandalorian' Uses Virtual Sets Over Green Screen | Movies Insider
I am sorry I have a meeting today, and you will have a sub. Be nice to the SUB :) Today you are you are to use the Third Person Template to create a Parkour world using Shapes, and the Starter Content including Architecture, Props, and more Shapes.
-Create a new project and use the Third Person Template. Name it DELETE_ThirdPerson. Make sure to check Starter Content which is Default.
Using the following assets, rebuild this scene to create a Parkour world. You can take our shapes by dragging them onto the work area.
Examples . . .
Examples . . .
1/13 - 1/14
1/13 - 1/14
Create an inspiration board using Google Jamboard
What Inspires You?
What Inspires You?
Find 20+ images that represent YOU and create Initial Interest Inspiration Board.
Find 20+ images that represent YOU and create Initial Interest Inspiration Board.
Create an initial “Inspiration Board” using Google Jamboards with 20-30 images that represent you or have influenced your life. An inspiration board is a collection of images, ideas, words, blueprints, games, movies or anything that may inspire your direction. For this assignment we will use an “Inspiration Board” to help guide the direction of your future personal project and it will help me get to know you better. Search google, use your own images, and cross-reference your interests, hobbies, and/or just explore. Find at least 20-30 images. We will be using this board for our personal portfolio. Please watch video tutorial below and the video about Google Jamboards. ~Cornell
Challenge #1 set up a complex pyramid target,
To make Unreal Engine's controls more similar to Maya's, you can change the middle mouse pan and enable a plugin for rotation:
Go to Editor Preferences
Type invert
Check Invert Middle Mouse Pan
Go to Settings then Plugins
Enable TRS New TRS Gizmo
Restart the editor
Enable the plugin in the editor preferences again
You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts in Unreal Engine:
Alt + MMB + Drag: Tracks the camera in the direction of the mouse movement
CTRL + MMB + Drag: Switches between viewport view modes
F: Focuses on a selected object or group of objects
Please READ and sign the Syllabus. Please pay the Lab Fee of $15. This can be a check, cash, or you can pay it online. Here!
1/10
1/10
The Four Types of Video Game Designers - Game Design Specializations - Extra Credits
1/8
1/8
4/30
4/30
Why Unreal Engine 5.4 is a Game Changer
4/19
4/19
. .
4/17
4/17
4/12
4/12
Sorry Guys, I have a sub today, please complete the following . . . I have cleared the regrade form. Please resubmit that is missing.
Final Project Workday
6 hours 00 minutes in March
Provided as of 4/12
4/10
4/10
Game Skill Transference
Can unusual skills transfer to sports. Juggling/hacksack to rock climbing.
Final Project Workday
Final Project Workday
5 hours 00 minutes in March
Provided as of 4/10
3/29
3/29
Make sure you finish the Maze and record a video fly through.
3/12
3/12
Explore the world of Photoshop Generative AI and create a before and after . . .
Use Quick Select Tool and other selection tools to refine selections.
2/29
2/29
Work day to complete the 2d side scroller.
2/27
2/27
Make sure your narrowed focus is complete.
Make sure your initial Focus and tutorial research is complete.
Finish your Objective
2/23
2/23
Make sure your narrowed focus is complete.
Make sure your initial Focus and tutorial research is complete.
Finish your Objective
Make sure all three video tutorials are completed.
2/21
2/21
So You Wanna Make Games?? | Episode 1: Intro to Game Art
2/15
2/15
Find your tutorial videos . . .
Top 10 Crazy Unreal Engine 5 Techniques - Inspiring Creators!
2/9
2/9
2/7
2/7
Did we land on the moon?
How do you know what you know?????
What are the positives of Deep-Fake Technology? Negatives?
CGI VFX Breakdowns: "World War Z, Jerusalem Sequence"
DE-AGING HARRISON FORD
President Joe Biden's Magical Pistachio Story (Deepfake AI)
2/5
2/5
Make sure you have a Skill Development Inspiration Board complete and posted in you site.
Mandalorian
1/18
1/18
The Four Types of Video Game Designers - Game Design Specializations - Extra Credits
1/18
1/18
Finish Basic Scene
You are to complete the Basic Unreal Scene tutorial. I have provided step-by-step instructions as well as a video tutorial. See Tutorial Here . . .
1/18
1/18
Video Game Genres: Everything You Need to Know
Create an Inspiration Board showing all the games you have played from your first game to what you are playing now. Circle your favorite and make sure you state the title of the game.
You will create this in Google Jamboard.
Watched while working . . .
Listen to while working.
1/11
1/11
Group discussion on the future of the game industry
The Future of Game Design
1/9
1/9
Next-Gen Graphics FINALLY Arrive [Unreal Engine 5]
Mandalorian
11/27
11/27
Educating Game Designers - Too Much "Game" at Game Schools - Extra Credits
So You Wanna Make Games?? | Episode 1: Intro to Game Art
11/20
11/20
Create a Shatter effect in Unreal
ReCreate this in Unreal.
Fall to the ground and shatter
Shatter on hit.
Explode.mp411/10
11/10
So You Wanna Make Games?? | Episode 2: Concept Art
10/31
10/31
10/27
10/27
Did we really land on the moon? How do you know?
Stanley Kubrick released 2001 in 1968
How do you know what you know? Deep Fakes . . .
Went over the line tool and the Bezier curve. Gave them instructions to create a clean illustration of their design.
9/27
9/27
I am sorry but I am out today; I have a district meeting. Today you are to finish any of your missing assignments and the NEW assignment I assigned to you last class. The Nerf Hit Test.
FIRST finish the Simple NERF Hit Test.
9/25
9/25
Cinematography and Drones: Flowstate
9/12
9/12
FINISH your game and have other students test it. And then use Sreencastify to record gameplay.
https://g.co/doodle/jwdm2aa
GoogleGame.mp49/8
9/8
Making Your First Game: Basics - How To Start Your Game Development - Extra Credits
Finish your game and have other students test it. And then use Sreencastify to record gameplay.
https://g.co/doodle/jwdm2aa
GoogleGame.mp4
8/28
8/28
Nick Manning Smoky Hill Graduate
8/24
8/24
You are to complete the Basic Unreal Scene tutorial. I have provided step-by-step instructions as well as a video tutorial. See Tutorial Here . . .
8/22
8/22
Finish Inspiration Board
Create an inspiration board using Illustrator
You are to complete the Basic Unreal Scene tutorial. I have provided step-by-step instructions as well as a video tutorial. See Tutorial Here . . .
Watched intro - 10 Graphically INSANE Levels Created In UNREAL ENGINE 4
8/18
8/18
Create an inspiration board using Krita
What Inspires You?
What Inspires You?
Find 20+ images that represent YOU and create Initial Interest Inspiration Board.
Find 20+ images that represent YOU and create Initial Interest Inspiration Board.
Create an initial “Inspiration Board” using Google Jamboards with 20-30 images that represent you or have influenced your life. An inspiration board is a collection of images, ideas, words, blueprints, games, movies or anything that may inspire your direction. For this assignment we will use an “Inspiration Board” to help guide the direction of your future personal project and it will help me get to know you better. Search google, use your own images, and cross-reference your interests, hobbies, and/or just explore. Find at least 20-30 images. We will be using this board for our personal portfolio. Please watch video tutorial below and the video about Google Jamboards. ~Cornell
What are your own unique qualities?
What are you skilled at?
What are you hobbies?
What gives you purpose?
8/16 -8/17
8/16 -8/17
Made sure everyone could log in to Unreal Engine and introduced the very basics .
Group discussion of the best game.
Also what is the school policy.
Watched 2nd half of class . . .
8/15
8/15
What is Unreal Engine?
3/30
3/30
Should we ban Tiktok?
3/28
3/28
Create a Mixamo account and explore what it has to offer. Create a screenshot of your account & example.
3/17
3/17
GOOD!
3/15
3/15
Krita Basics: Finish Concept Car
3/7
3/7
So You Wanna Make Games?? | Episode 2: Concept Art
Watched
2/23
2/23
Unreal Engine 5 Toyota Cinematic | "FROM THE LAB" Impossible Objects
2023 Toyota GR | Unreal Engine 5 Cinematic Commercial
Alfa Romeo "Feel For Yourself" | Unreal Engine 5 Cinematic
Unreal Engine 5.1 Feature Highlights
2/13
2/13
2/9
2/9
Next-Gen Graphics FINALLY Arrive [Unreal Engine 5]
Revisit your Skill Project ideas . . .
2/7
2/7
How to Become a Game Designer
2/3
2/3
Change Pivot Point Resource
Make sure you align your edges
Finish Maze!!!
It should look something like this . . .
Instructions . . .
2/1
2/1
It should look something like this . . .
Instructions . . .
1/30
1/30
Finish Intro Building
You are to complete the Basic Unreal Scene tutorial. I have provided step-by-step instructions as well as a video tutorial. See Tutorial Here . . .
1/24
1/24
Discussion on Games and your brain.
- How many hours a week do you play games?
- What are the good things evolved with playing games?
- What are the negative things evolved with playing games?
- Could the USA government pull off what they did in china? What would happen?
How to set Maya-style viewport controls?
You can use alt + LMB/RMB/MMB to move around the viewport like in Maya. Those controls should be set by default, but you’ll probably want to invert the middle-mouse panning, which you can do here:
1/20
1/20
1/13
1/13
11/21
11/21
Making Your First Game: Launching! - How to Market Your Game - Extra Credits
11/17
11/17
Making Your First Game: Minimum Viable Product - Scope Small, Start Right - Extra Credits
11/15
11/15
Making Your First Game: Practical Rules - Setting (and Keeping) Goals - Extra Credits
11/9
11/9
The big picture: Making Your First Game: Launching! - How to Market Your Game - Extra Credits
Harold Halibut - Kickstarter Pitch Video - Boring!
11/7
11/7
Simple Game w/ Countdown Timer Check
What am I looking for?
Simple HUD display
Countdown timer
Game Over HUD
Screen Video Capture Demonstration
Record game play with w/ the Game Over as first screen and play until the timer is done and Game Over screen is up again. Make sure you timer is set to no more that 15 seconds.
Basic-Timer.mp410/26
10/26
Simple Game w/ Score Check
What am I looking for?
Simple HUD display
Score increase on hitting specific object.
Screen Video Capture Demonstration
Score.mp410/6
10/6
Simple Hit Test Scene Check
What am I looking for?
Static Object with ricochet elements.
Dynamic Objects with various masses.
Hit Listener:
destroy
Play sound
Change material
Screen Video Capture Demonstration
HitTest.mp410/4
10/4
Create an Initial Focus. Find 4- 5 "GOOD" tutorials that you would actually use. Make sure you scrub through the vidio to make sure it is actually what you are looking for.
Write a Independent Skill Objective. Basically a statement of exactly what you plan on doing and why. Include and image example of your goal and the tutorial you plan on following.
9/30
9/30
You are to complete the Basic Unreal Scene tutorial. I have provided step-by-step instructions as well as a video tutorial. See Tutorial Here . . .
9/28
9/28
Jump.mp4Record Parkour Scene
Record Maze scene
Finish Basic Scene
Make sure you have the following completed
9/26
9/26
Jump.mp4Record Parkour Scene
Record Maze scene
Finish Basic Scene
✅ Syllabus / Lab Fee Due 8/30✅ "Who Are You?" Paragraph about you. Due 8/30✅ "What Inspires You?" Inspiration Board Due 8/30
✅ Create Google Site Due 8/30
✅ Turn in Portfolio Address HERE Due 8/30✅ Unreal BSP Parkour Scene Due 9/16✅ Unreal Maze Due 9/20✅ Unreal Basic Scene Due 9/28
✅ Create Google Site Due 8/30
✅ Turn in Portfolio Address HERE Due 8/30✅ Unreal BSP Parkour Scene Due 9/16✅ Unreal Maze Due 9/20✅ Unreal Basic Scene Due 9/28
9/21
9/21
Change of plans . . .
9/6
9/6
Editing Brushes
Boolean Brushes
Worked on Parkour scene
9/6
9/6
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse