1. 1Computer Games Development Coursework John Shearer Culture Lab – space 2 john.shearer@ncl.ac.uk

2. 2Computer Games Development Overview Make a game

3. 3Computer Games Development Game The game can be written in any language you like You may use a game engine, but you MUST still do software development for your game, whether as a plugin, or mod Graphics/game engines may be used (e.g. Ogre3d) Game must be demonstrated in class (to me, class and invited guests) You must hand in your game code, and presentations.

4. 4Computer Games Development Deadlines Game Proposal - 10% –12-noon on Monday 14 th February Game Proposal presentation – 5% –3pm till complete on Monday 14 th February (let me know if you have a different class this time) Game - 75% –Technical Challenges set and met – 35% –Game play – 35% –Video – 5% (use fraps, snagit, or something) – at least 320x240, at 30 seconds –12-noon on Monday May 16 th – code submission (just after dissertation deadline) Game demonstration – 10% –3pm on Monday May 16 th – In normal practical session

5. 5Computer Games Development Game Proposal Presentation You are required to produce a game concept presentation and associated game. You should have a good idea of what type of game you want to design and build. Your presentation should contain the following sections:

6. 6Computer Games Development Game Concept Presentation 2 Imagine you are bidding to a publisher to have them finance your game. Introduction: Describe the game in an excited manner. Enthusiasm of the programming team really helps. Background: Describe how the game relates to other games (you may have produced). Indicate what additional qualities (above those games that already exist) your game provides. This may be economic as well as technical reasons (e.g., budget game). Description: Describe the game play. Key features: Bullet point list of items that you consider important aspects of the game. They should be structured as selling points of the game. Genre: Identify the genre you are using and identify why this genre is suitable given your earlier descriptions in this document. Technical: Identify target platforms, possible development tools (e.g., games engine), environment (e.g., network).

7. 7Computer Games Development NOW Write down some ideas of what you’re thinking of for your game Think about player perspective and genre Think of other games you’ve played in this genre Why did you like them How do you think they worked Can you/we try them in practical sessions after this, to learn more how they work

8. Some genres Action Strategy Adventure Role-Playing Games (RPGs) Sports Simulations Puzzles Others - ??? 8Computer Games Development

9. Some classic games Space Invaders - http://www.freespaceinvaders.org/welcome.html Asteroids - http://www.thepcmanwebsite.com/media/flash_asteroids/ Pacman - http://www.freepacman.org/ Tetris - http://www.freetetris.org/ Donkeykong Frogger - http://www.freefrogger.org/ Lemmings Missil command Centipede Planetoid /Defender - http://www.midway.com/classicGames/defender/defender.html Worms 9Computer Games Development

10. 10Computer Games Development Questions / Queries Email me (john.shearer@ncl.ac.uk), I will respond to the class email list