1. Game Development in Computer Science Education Dr. Michael Katchabaw Department of Computer Science The University of Western Ontario London, Ontario, Canada

2. Outline Introduction Introduction Why Study Game Development? Why Study Game Development? Building Game Development Curriculum Building Game Development Curriculum Classroom Resources Classroom Resources Conclusions and Looking Forward Conclusions and Looking Forward

3. Introduction Worldwide, there has been a recent growing interest in video game studies in education circles. Worldwide, there has been a recent growing interest in video game studies in education circles. Many disciplines are looking into this: Many disciplines are looking into this: Media studies Media studies Education Education Psychology and sociology Psychology and sociology Art and design Art and design Music Music And, of course, computer science And, of course, computer science

4. Introduction Each discipline has its own interests in studying video games. Each discipline has its own interests in studying video games. For example, media studies look into the content of games and their impact on society. For example, media studies look into the content of games and their impact on society. As another example, many educators are investigating the applicability and usefulness of games as classroom learning tools. As another example, many educators are investigating the applicability and usefulness of games as classroom learning tools. In terms of computer science, interest is typically focused on the issues surrounding the development of games. In terms of computer science, interest is typically focused on the issues surrounding the development of games.

5. Introduction Most interest in video games in computer science curriculum has been at the university and college levels. Most interest in video games in computer science curriculum has been at the university and college levels. Developing games of commercial scale and quality often requires a great deal of background and expertise. Developing games of commercial scale and quality often requires a great deal of background and expertise. For example, game studies at Western. For example, game studies at Western. Nevertheless, we are starting to see a move towards the secondary and elementary levels as well. Nevertheless, we are starting to see a move towards the secondary and elementary levels as well.

6. Why Study Game Development? Why study video games in general? Why study video games in general? Why study game development in a computer science curriculum? Why study game development in a computer science curriculum? Why study this at the secondary and elementary levels? Why study this at the secondary and elementary levels? There are a lot of good reasons, actually … There are a lot of good reasons, actually …

7. Why Study Game Development? The Challenge "Game programming is without a doubt the most intellectually challenging field of Computer Science in the world." - André LaMothe "Game programming is without a doubt the most intellectually challenging field of Computer Science in the world." - André LaMothe

8. Why Study Game Development? The Challenge Graphics Artificial Intelligence AnimationNetworks Operating Systems Software Engineering Architecture Physics Artwork Overall Entertaining Player Experience! Literature Time Budget Cinematography

9. Why Study Game Development? Good Computing Problems Since game development builds on nearly all areas of computer science, games can be a good mechanism to teach students about computer science in general. Since game development builds on nearly all areas of computer science, games can be a good mechanism to teach students about computer science in general. Problems are entertaining and involve creativity and ingenuity. Problems are entertaining and involve creativity and ingenuity. Yet, they also teach students about programming, data structures, data management, algorithms, and so on. Yet, they also teach students about programming, data structures, data management, algorithms, and so on.

10. Why Study Game Development? Good Computing Problems Studying game development can also provide rich experiences to students: Studying game development can also provide rich experiences to students: Working in teams. Working in teams. Interdisciplinary studies. Interdisciplinary studies. Providing a creative outlet. Providing a creative outlet. Working on concrete, real-world problems and applications. Working on concrete, real-world problems and applications. Consequently, these can be very good computing problems to investigate. Consequently, these can be very good computing problems to investigate.

11. Why Study Game Development? Industry Drivers The video game industry is a significant component of the software industry: The video game industry is a significant component of the software industry: Several billions of dollars in sales each year, and growing very rapidly. Several billions of dollars in sales each year, and growing very rapidly. More units distributed each year than virtually any other category of software product. More units distributed each year than virtually any other category of software product. Last year, the gaming industry pulled in more revenue than Hollywood. Last year, the gaming industry pulled in more revenue than Hollywood. For the last several years, video games have been selected as the “most fun entertainment activity” of all North Americans according to surveys. For the last several years, video games have been selected as the “most fun entertainment activity” of all North Americans according to surveys.

12. Why Study Game Development? Industry Drivers Canada has a growing game industry. Canada has a growing game industry. Ontario, in particular, is home to a growing number of game companies. Ontario, in particular, is home to a growing number of game companies. To stay competitive, these companies will need a number of things: To stay competitive, these companies will need a number of things: A skilled workforce to rely upon. A skilled workforce to rely upon. New technologies to improve their products. New technologies to improve their products. New development tools and techniques that allow their products to be built cheaper and faster, without sacrificing quality. New development tools and techniques that allow their products to be built cheaper and faster, without sacrificing quality.

13. Why Study Game Development? Student Interest Students are definitely interested in game development. Students are definitely interested in game development. Since it provides an interesting, stimulating, and educational experience, why not include it more in their computer science course work? Since it provides an interesting, stimulating, and educational experience, why not include it more in their computer science course work? Perhaps it might help attract students to computer science … Perhaps it might help attract students to computer science …

14. Building Game Development Curriculum Building game development curriculum can be quite challenging. Building game development curriculum can be quite challenging. What topics should be presented? What topics should be presented? How should it be delivered? How should it be delivered? How should students be evaluated? How should students be evaluated? Do tests and exams make sense, or is project work all that is needed? Do tests and exams make sense, or is project work all that is needed? We will take a look at the answers to these and other questions now … We will take a look at the answers to these and other questions now …

15. Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics Game Design Technical Elements Software Infrastructure (Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, Animation, Physics, Networking, …)

16. Technical elements: Technical elements: These compose the core technologies and foundations that are used to support the game. These compose the core technologies and foundations that are used to support the game. This includes graphics, animation, artificial intelligence, networking, physics, and so on. This includes graphics, animation, artificial intelligence, networking, physics, and so on. While each technology is relatively independent, they must work in unison to provide a complete gaming experience. While each technology is relatively independent, they must work in unison to provide a complete gaming experience. Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

17. Software infrastructure: Software infrastructure: A good software design pulls the various technical elements together to form a functional software base to support the game. A good software design pulls the various technical elements together to form a functional software base to support the game. This layer must keep in mind the best practices of software engineering, including abstraction, modularity, encapsulation, portability, reusability, dependability, testability, localization, robustness, maintainability, correctness, scalability, usability, and so on. This layer must keep in mind the best practices of software engineering, including abstraction, modularity, encapsulation, portability, reusability, dependability, testability, localization, robustness, maintainability, correctness, scalability, usability, and so on. We must also follow standard software engineering processes during development. We must also follow standard software engineering processes during development. Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

18. Game design: Game design: With good software and technical design, we have all the foundations for a game. With good software and technical design, we have all the foundations for a game. Having good foundations, however, is not enough to produce a good game. Having good foundations, however, is not enough to produce a good game. Good games require careful and thoughtful design of the structure, content, and approach to gameplay. Good games require careful and thoughtful design of the structure, content, and approach to gameplay. Without this, the game might be technically sound, but just not enjoyable to play. Without this, the game might be technically sound, but just not enjoyable to play. Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

19. Games in general Games in general Motivators and types of players Motivators and types of players The evolution and history of video games The evolution and history of video games Game genres Game genres The game development process The game development process Principles of game design (generic and genre-specific) Principles of game design (generic and genre-specific) Interactive storytelling Interactive storytelling Level design Level design Puzzle/obstacle design Puzzle/obstacle design Software lifecycle models for game development Software lifecycle models for game development Technical issues (graphics, artificial intelligence, animation, sound, networking, …) Technical issues (graphics, artificial intelligence, animation, sound, networking, …) Real-time software Real-time software Engine design and implementation Engine design and implementation The game asset lifecycle The game asset lifecycle Tools and supports Tools and supports Ethical/social issues Ethical/social issues Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

20. While appropriate for a college or university curriculum, some of these topics are too advanced for a secondary or elementary curriculum. While appropriate for a college or university curriculum, some of these topics are too advanced for a secondary or elementary curriculum. Quite a few, however, are appropriate for a secondary and elementary curriculum. Quite a few, however, are appropriate for a secondary and elementary curriculum. They would be quite suitable for computer science courses, especially multimedia. They would be quite suitable for computer science courses, especially multimedia. Some might be good topics in other subjects. Some might be good topics in other subjects. Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

21. Photo from the Space Pioneer Learning Adventures Game Design Camp. 40 boys and girls (5th and 8th graders) came together for two weeks to work in same gender groups (with a teacher facilitator) to design space related educational games.

22. Game concepts and examples can be used to support a traditional core computer science curriculum as well. Game concepts and examples can be used to support a traditional core computer science curriculum as well. Programming. Programming. Software design. Software design. Algorithms. Algorithms. Data structures and management. Data structures and management. User interface design. User interface design. Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

23. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has developed its own curriculum framework for game studies, and runs a discussion e-mail list for this purpose as well. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) has developed its own curriculum framework for game studies, and runs a discussion e-mail list for this purpose as well. Information can be found online at: Information can be found online at:http://www.igda.org/academia/curriculum_framework.php Building Game Development Curriculum: Topics

24. In a college or university curriculum focused on game studies, student evaluation typically takes the form of assignment or project work. In a college or university curriculum focused on game studies, student evaluation typically takes the form of assignment or project work. Students, alone or in a group, complete a small, medium, or large sized game. Students, alone or in a group, complete a small, medium, or large sized game. Tests and exams are relatively rare, but are not unheard of. Tests and exams are relatively rare, but are not unheard of. Testing students on game studies can be surprisingly difficult. Testing students on game studies can be surprisingly difficult. Building Game Development Curriculum: Evaluation

25. Screen shots from game projects developed in Western’s game development course.

26. In a secondary or elementary curriculum, tests and exams could be more common, but are still hard to construct. In a secondary or elementary curriculum, tests and exams could be more common, but are still hard to construct. Assignments and projects involving the development of games would still play a key role, however. Assignments and projects involving the development of games would still play a key role, however. Especially true in courses where games are studied for their own sake (like multimedia). Especially true in courses where games are studied for their own sake (like multimedia). But, this can also hold true in courses where games are used as examples of computing problems (like programming). But, this can also hold true in courses where games are used as examples of computing problems (like programming). Building Game Development Curriculum: Evaluation

27. Assignments and projects in developing games must be managed carefully. Assignments and projects in developing games must be managed carefully. Scope is likely the most serious problem. Scope is likely the most serious problem. Complexity is also a big issue. Complexity is also a big issue. Collecting content and game assets can be incredibly time consuming, and generating it might not be an option. Collecting content and game assets can be incredibly time consuming, and generating it might not be an option. Tools and resources must be in place first. Tools and resources must be in place first. Good progress tracking is a must. Good progress tracking is a must. Building Game Development Curriculum: Evaluation

28. Before developing a game, it is important to first consider just how much of the game will be built by the students. Before developing a game, it is important to first consider just how much of the game will be built by the students. Scope and complexity are definitely limiting factors here. Scope and complexity are definitely limiting factors here. There are several key parts to a game. There are several key parts to a game. Some may be acquired for use with minimal difficulty and huge gains. Some may be acquired for use with minimal difficulty and huge gains. Others will need to be generated by the students no matter what. Others will need to be generated by the students no matter what. Building Game Development Curriculum: Project Ideas

29. Game Content and Assets Content Creation and Management Tools Programming and Support SDKs Game Code

30. Building Game Development Curriculum: Project Ideas Game Engine Game Logic Game Content and Assets Content Creation and Management Tools Game Scripting and Logic Tools Programming and Support SDKs

31. A really good approach might be an interdisciplinary approach. A really good approach might be an interdisciplinary approach. At a secondary school, there are many disciplines of study so why not use them? At a secondary school, there are many disciplines of study so why not use them? Visual arts for artistic assets. Visual arts for artistic assets. English for story creation. English for story creation. Drama for voice acting and motion capture. Drama for voice acting and motion capture. Music for, well, music. Music for, well, music. Teaming up like this is a great way to have really interesting and rewarding projects. Teaming up like this is a great way to have really interesting and rewarding projects. Building Game Development Curriculum: Project Ideas

32. Another interesting interdisciplinary approach involves teaming up secondary and elementary students together. Another interesting interdisciplinary approach involves teaming up secondary and elementary students together. Elementary students design the game, while secondary students build the game for them. Elementary students design the game, while secondary students build the game for them. This allows for some new and interesting dynamics and collaboration. This allows for some new and interesting dynamics and collaboration. It could also inspire elementary students to study computer science further when they reach secondary school … It could also inspire elementary students to study computer science further when they reach secondary school … Building Game Development Curriculum: Project Ideas

33. Screen shot from Neomancer, an interdisciplinary action/adventure/RPG project between computer science students at Western and art and design students at Seneca College. Nearly 50 participants are involved in the project.

34. Classroom Resources There are a variety of good resources available to assist in class game development activities. There are a variety of good resources available to assist in class game development activities. Software tools and programming environments. Software tools and programming environments. Books. Books. Websites. Websites.

35. Classroom Resources: Software Supports Game Maker. Available online at http://www.gamemaker.nl.

36. Classroom Resources: Software Supports Klik&Play. Available online at http://www.clickteam.com/English/klilk&play.htm.

37. Classroom Resources: Software Supports Adventure Game Studio. Available online at http://www.adventuregamestudio.co.uk.

38. Classroom Resources: Software Supports RPG Toolkit. Available online at http://www.toolkitzone.com.

39. Classroom Resources: Software Supports 3D GameStudio. Available online at http://conitec.net/a4info.htm.

40. Classroom Resources: Software Supports BlitzPlus and Blitz3D. Available online at http://www.blitzbasic.com.

41. Classroom Resources: Software Supports Other tools/engines/environments: Other tools/engines/environments: OGRE (http://www.ogre3d.org) OGRE (http://www.ogre3d.org) Irrlicht (http://irrlicht.sourceforge.net) Irrlicht (http://irrlicht.sourceforge.net) Popcap (http://developer.popcap.com) Popcap (http://developer.popcap.com) Blender (http://www.blender3d.org) Blender (http://www.blender3d.org) Alice (http://www.alice.org) Alice (http://www.alice.org) MUPPETS (http://muppets.rit.edu) MUPPETS (http://muppets.rit.edu)

42. Classroom Resources: Books Several publishers are now publishing books on game development. Several publishers are now publishing books on game development. Some are getting to be appropriate for classroom use as textbooks. Some are getting to be appropriate for classroom use as textbooks. A few of the more active publishers: A few of the more active publishers: Thompson Course Technology (took over and expanded Prima Tech/Premier Press series) Thompson Course Technology (took over and expanded Prima Tech/Premier Press series) Pearson Education (through Addison-Wesley and especially New Riders Games) Pearson Education (through Addison-Wesley and especially New Riders Games) Charles River Media Charles River Media Wordware Publishing Wordware Publishing

43. Classroom Resources: Websites Industry-oriented Industry-oriented Entertainment Software Association (http://www.theesa.com) Entertainment Software Association (http://www.theesa.com) ESRB (http://www.esrb.org) ESRB (http://www.esrb.org) IGDA (http://www.igda.org) IGDA (http://www.igda.org) Game development news Game development news Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com) Gamasutra (http://www.gamasutra.com) Slashdot (http://games.slashdot.org) Slashdot (http://games.slashdot.org) And do not forget google! And do not forget google! There are far too many good sites to list here! There are far too many good sites to list here!

44. Classroom Resources: Websites Do not forget our course website: Do not forget our course website:http://www.csd.uwo.ca/courses/CS437b There are course notes, sample exams, and lots of links to games-related material available on our website. There are course notes, sample exams, and lots of links to games-related material available on our website.

45. Conclusions and Looking Forward Moving forward with games in a curriculum involves careful consideration: Moving forward with games in a curriculum involves careful consideration: Sometimes negative perceptions of games taint the study or use of games. Sometimes negative perceptions of games taint the study or use of games. Being taken seriously by peers, parents, the community, and sometimes even students. Being taken seriously by peers, parents, the community, and sometimes even students. Issues in gender balance and inclusiveness. Issues in gender balance and inclusiveness. Will there be the support and resources made available that are needed? Will there be the support and resources made available that are needed?

46. Conclusions and Looking Forward That said, games and game studies have been successfully integrated before. That said, games and game studies have been successfully integrated before. At the college and university levels. At the college and university levels. And at the secondary and elementary levels. And at the secondary and elementary levels. With the growing acceptance of game studies at all levels, the time is right to pursue this further! With the growing acceptance of game studies at all levels, the time is right to pursue this further!

47. Conclusions and Looking Forward Studying game development in a computer science curriculum has many interesting and exciting possibilities. Studying game development in a computer science curriculum has many interesting and exciting possibilities. Interesting and engaging problems to solve. Interesting and engaging problems to solve. Opportunities to express creativity. Opportunities to express creativity. Enriching experiences for students. Enriching experiences for students. Experience in working in groups. Experience in working in groups. Possibilities for interdisciplinary studies. Possibilities for interdisciplinary studies. Studying games does not need to be limited to computer science either! Studying games does not need to be limited to computer science either!

48. Conclusions and Looking Forward Many resources are becoming more readily available to support this. Many resources are becoming more readily available to support this. Software tools and environments. Software tools and environments. Textbook-grade references. Textbook-grade references. Websites on the Internet. Websites on the Internet. It is becoming easier and easier to add games-related lessons and course work to a computer science curriculum with great success! It is becoming easier and easier to add games-related lessons and course work to a computer science curriculum with great success!