Game+Design


 * Lots of kids think about becoming game designers! Have you ever wondered how computer programmers create games and animations?
 * Last year we were able to try our hand at Scratch

**// What kind of problem-solving and reasoning skills need to be developed to become a programmer or game designer? // Computer programmers write the step-by-step instructions that direct computers to process information. ** You also have other options to test out:
 * **// These instructions, or programs, tell the computer what to do in a series of logical steps. //**
 * **// __The computer can only do what the program tells it to do__. //**
 * **// People used to think that computer programming was a tedious job that could only be done by those with advanced technical skills and training. //**
 * **// Traditionally, programming languages such as Java and C++ are very difficult to learn. //** ||  ||
 * We will refresh our memories of some simple steps in Scratch
 * Scratch- This is already downloaded on all computers
 * []
 * More Ideas and Help - Scratch
 * http://scratchprogramming.wikispaces.com/
 * Sploder- no download needed
 * Since this is all online, to be able to find your game you will need to sign up for an account
 * Game Maker - Yoyo games - This must be downloaded so check the site to see what it offers to see if you want to try it
 * Stencyl- This must be downloaded so check the site to see what it offers to see if you want to try it
 * may be similar to scratch

When you finish your game you will need to provide information on where your game is available (for example: if you signed up for an account your need to provide the link to your game, or if you saved it on the computer - where it is saved and what platform you use, ex: I used stencyl it is available on shared/Tech 8/Stencil/your game's name.)

Designing a quality game requires a person to use both sides of their brain! They need to be very creative, imaginative, and have artistic talent. In addition, they have to be very logical, problem solve and be patient!

Think about any of the games you play. What is unique about the game? What makes it fun and hold your interest? What did the designer do to make it special and fun?

You will need to sign up for an account for the specific game you choose to make ||  ||
 * What you need to do:
 * Create a new page called Game Design
 * Create a //Scratch// project that demonstrates a process or cycle (water cycle, food chain, scientific process, writing process, supply and demand, governmental process). for example, think about a "how to" resource you can create. Resources below will help you get started.
 * Upload this to our schools scratch site:
 * Login: LCATech
 * Password: lakeview
 * Embed your project onto your wiki, by going to scratch.mit.edu
 * login with the information above
 * find your game
 * copy your embed code


 * Create another game of your choice, using Scratch or another of the options above
 * When you finish your game you will need to provide information on where your game is available (for example: if you signed up for an account your need to provide the link to your game, or if you saved it on the computer - where it is saved and what platform you use, ex: I used stencyl it is available on shared/Tech 8/Stencil/your game's name.)
 * **Describe what you like and don't like about the game software you used - if you chose to do scratch for both projects tell why - if you chose another game design platform, why did you choose that platform and how was it compared to scratch? (This should be 5 sentences at least)** ||  ||