Intro to Game Design

Grade Recommendations: 1-4, 3-6

What You will Learn

Intro to Game Design introduces the fundamentals and concepts of game design within a real game engine many indie development teams currently use.

  • Students learn to design and build their own game from the ground up, while learning 2D game art and programming logic with the engine’s integrated art software and easy-to-use events system.
  • This course is fit for beginners through advanced learners alike.
  • Our instructors help students develop games individually, so students have the freedom to create at their pace while focusing on their creative interests.
  • The final product is their own game that can be played on any computer, and the knowhow to continue their game development at home.

Program Learning Strategies

BSTEM supports a blended learning strategy which includes direct instruction, interactive instruction and experiential learning.

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What is Direct Instruction?

Highly teacher-directed and among the most commonly used. This strategy is effective for providing information or developing step-by-step skills. It also works well for introducing other teaching methods, or actively involving students in knowledge constructions.

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What is Interactive Instruction?

It relies heavily on discussion and sharing among participants. Students can learn from peers and teachers to develop social skills and abilities, to organize their thoughts, and to develop Rational arguments. The interactive instruction strategy allows for a range of groupings and interactive Methods. Interactive instruction requires the refinement of observation, listening, interpersonal, and Intervention skills and abilities by both teacher and students.

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What is Experiential Learning?

It is inductive, learner centered, and activity oriented. Personalized reflection about an experience and the formulation of plans to apply learning to other contexts are critical factors in effective experiential learning. The emphasis in experiential learning is on the process of learning and not on the product.

How work

Course Content

  • Available for after school enrichment and summer camps

  1. Students will learn basics on game design, along with how to navigate the game engine interface. They will be introduced to all the 2D game-making fundamentals.
  2. Students will create a basic platformer game in order to learn how to program events and add text.
  3. Students will continue to develop their platformer game by introducing obstacles, win and lose scenarios and creating enemy designs.
  4. Students will test their games and customize them to make it their own.
  5. Students will further develop their enemies and enemy functionality. This complicated step will take their game from a simple puzzle to an exciting challenge that is fun for all.
  6. Students will learn the final steps to completing their game by creating collectibles, and learn how to record and show points. The rest of class is polishing.
  7. Students will pivot to a new game type by starting a Space Invaders inspired game project. They will start with screen-wrapping functionality and player defense mechanics, along with their own customization.
  8. Students will revisit concepts they learned within the platformer development in order to add health bars, point systems and a countdown. Once their game is done, students will save and take home both games.

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Program Policies

With BSTEM, creating a safe learning environment is our top priority. Because we are a supplementary educational program (after school), we do our best to coordinate with the schools, after school care programs, educational agencies, etc. that collaborate with our organization to provide learning services, and we endeavor to uphold the learning safety programs they have in place. Because after-school procedure can vary from school to school, we like to inform all parents of general procedures and expectations for participating in a BSTEM course.

Students are expected to participate in all class activities as presented in class. Please note that multiple missed classes can impact the student’s depth of retention of materials and concepts.

If you find that your child is having any trouble keeping up with assignments or other aspects of the program, make sure you let their teacher know as soon as possible. Please make sure to encourage your child to be proactive in informing their teacher when difficulties arise during the program so that we can help find a solution.

Students in this program are expected to maintain their adherence to their regular school code of conduct, participation, commitment to active learning and participation in the class and also integrity in your behavior in the classroom.

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