Using Game
Development
as a Learning Vehicle
Presented by
Raymond Yan
About….Mii?
Raymond Yan
Senior Executive
BFA Program Director
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Former Head of Art Production
Nintendo Software Technology
[email protected]
DigiPen Institute of Technology
• Campuses in Redmond,
Washington, Singapore, and in
Fall 2011, Spain.
• Approx. 900 matriculated
students completing
undergraduate and graduate
degrees in:
–
–
–
–
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Production Art
Game Design
• Princeton Review – Ranked
DigiPen as one of the top game
design schools in North
America
Agenda
• Overview of Industry
• Why Teach Game
Development?
• DigiPen & K-12
• Q&A
Still Going Strong…
2010 - $18.6B in video
game & PC game
software retail sales in
U.S. alone.
2012 – Global video
game sales projected to
exceed $86B
$$$ Global Success $$$
Units Sold to Date
– Wii – 87.9M
– XBox360 – 54.8M
– PS3 – 51.6M
– PSP – 68.8M
The KING!
Nintendo DS
147 MILLION+!
A Question…
What is the key to success in
the industry?
Webster Says…
in·no·va·tion
Pronunciation:
\i-nə-‘vā-shən\
Function:
noun
Date:
15th century
1 : the introduction of something new 2 : a new idea,
method, or device
— in·no·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
The ―Good ‗ol Days!‖
Power In Your Hands!
Full Blitz!
Good Times!
Enter the THIRD Dimension!
Touchdown!
Beyond Fun & Games
Making ―Fun‖ Ain‘t Cheap!
• ―AAA‖ games can cost $18M-$28M
• ―Modern Warfare 2‖ estimated to have cost
$50M
• ―Gran Tourismo 5‖ estimated to have cost
$60M
• Cost recovery has become big challenge!
It‘s Not Magic…
Rocket Science?
• Video games are extremely sophisticated pieces of
software featuring:
– Incredible 3D environments and characters
– Real physics models
– Advanced artificial intelligence
– Networking capability
– Full surround sound technology
The Production Team
• Programmers - game logic, artificial
intelligence, advanced mathematics,
networking physics ,and computer graphics is
a must.
• 2D and 3D digital artists - solid
understanding of fundamental art concepts,
graphic design, acting and even film/video
production.
• Game designers - strong communication
skills, game theory, mechanics, psychology,
cognitive sciences, logic, and observation
skills.
• Other technical and creative talent:
– Producers/Directors
– Writers
– Quality Assurance
– Musicians
Message to Students
• The video game industry is SERIOUS business.
• Just because you‘re good at playing games does
NOT mean you can make one!
• Students interested in pursuing a career in this field
will require strong foundation in subjects such as
mathematics, physics, computer science, writing, and
fine arts.
Why Teach Game Development?
• GAME MAKING engages the
student and can supports the
development of a wide range of
skills essential to the autonomous
learner, such as deductive
reasoning, memorization,
sequencing, peer tutoring,
cooperation and collaboration.
• Game projects CAN be
completely non-digital!
• Straight forward process to align
to GLE/EALR‘s.
STEM and Beyond
Software Engineering – process for
development of complex software.
Mathematics – algebra, trigonometry,
geometry, linear algebra, calculus.
Science – most games are simulations
of a world which requires an
understanding of physical science.
Art – drawing, color theory, graphic
design, acting, music, film/video
production.
Writing – design documentation,
character/story development.
Benefits
• Allows for adjustment of problems and
tasks to maximize students‘ experience
of success.
• Provides opportunity for student
collaboration.
• Challenges students to use problem
solving skills and technology to
develop solutions.
• Provides opportunities for students to
use presentation and communication
tools to present to fellow students.
• Challenges students to meet ―real
world‖ standards.
Computer Science
• Programming languages - C++, Java,
C# and VB can be used.
• Focus should be on common
computer science principles.
• Some of the topics to be covered
include:
– Variables
– Input/Output
– Expressions, statements,
operators
– Functions
– Pointers
– Flow control
– Arrays
– Structures
Production Art
• Emphasis on development of artistic
skills.
• Some of the topics covered include:
– Basic design process - Importance
of research for source materials
– Development of traditional drawing
skills
– Color theory
– Graphic design concepts
– Working with 2D paint software
(Photoshop) and 3D animation
software (3DS Max)
– Animation concepts including
character animation
Mathematics
• Many math concepts that
relate to game development
• Some of the topics covered
include:
– Basic number concepts
– Laws of exponents
– Equations and inequalities
– Linear equations
– Quadratic equations
– Factoring
– Rational numbers
– Sequences and series
– Vectors
Creative/Technical Writing
• Important elements found in many of
today‘s game:
– Strong storyline
– Narrative
– Character development
• Can examine classical literary
sources for ―inspiration‖
• GAME DESIGN DOCUMENT and
TECHNICAL DESIGN DOCUMENT
production provide an excellent
opportunity for students to develop
technical writing skills.
Making the Game
• The critical piece that ties in all of the
material taught in core courses
• Projects can be “non-digital” - focus
on the quality of the game…it‘s not
about being digital.
• Emphasize the iterative nature of game
development.
• Materials – dice, blank cards, pawn
pieces, spinners, popsicle sticks, egg
timers, graph paper, pencil crayons,
glue, etc.
• Limit number of rules and teach
students to critique the experience.
Making the Game
• If going digital, numerous game
development tools are available and
can be utilized to provide students with
ability to create games without
necessarily understanding all of the
computer science, math, etc.
The Lab
• Recommend PC based environment
• Programming – COMPILER such as
Microsoft Visual Studio
• Art – 2D PAINT SOFTWARE such as
Photoshop, 3D ANIMATION
SOFTWARE such as 3D Studio Max
or Maya
• For writing and project management
– OFFICE SOFTWARE such as
Microsoft Word and Excel
• Tools – Microsoft Kudo, ProjectFUN,
Alice, Kahootz,
The Teacher
• Game development can be
tied to almost any subject
taught:
–
–
–
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Art
English
Math
Science
• Teacher should enjoy playing
games!
• If going digital, previous
software development
experience a plus
Questions
Thanks for your time!
Questions?
Email
[email protected]