The video game design course provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of video game design and development. Students will explore conceptual and technical aspects of contemporary video game creation using Unity software, a robust and highly respected industry game development platform. This curriculum stems from the Unity Curricular Frameworks, and includes three larger modules focused on game design theory, the major aspects of game creation including programming, art, production and design, and exploration of the conceptual and technical implementation of elements within those domains.
In the first module, students will begin by exploring the critical thinking behind game design theory, story and game creation, and develop their own unique non-digital game. In the second module, students will focus on key aspects of video game design, writing and implementing code in the Unity editor and implementing elements of art and production, as they use basic features to create an initial game in Unity. In the final module, students will explore advanced constructs of game development such as level design, cameras, lighting, and audio, as they complete a capstone video game project. Students will then peer review video games created by their classmates, and use the iterative process to reflect on feedback provided on their own game and revise.
Over the course of the semester, students will be engaging in discussions around current trends in the game industry and the future of the field. There will be a strong focus on project management for technical projects such as video game creation. This course will require accurate and thorough documentation, including game design documents and a game developer’s journal, as well as clear and consistent communication with classmates.
Important Note: Students will have choice in the types of games that they play in this course; some games may have dark themes.
Students will be able to:
- Identify basic game design principles and understand game theory.
- Incorporate critical thinking skills in game development and analysis.
- Create a video game using the Unity editor that incorporates programming, design and art elements.
- Implement the fundamental concepts of project management within the context of the video game production.
In addition to VHS Learning system requirements, students will need the following:
- Unity 3D Real-Time Development Platform.
Due to the Unity 3D software required, this course requires regular access to a computer running Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac OSX. This course cannot be completed on a Chromebook, iPad or mobile device.
Students must create a Unity account to complete this course and will be directed to do so during the first week of the course.
Students working on a school computer must use the Unity educational serial license number provided by VHS Learning; SCs will receive licensing information to download this version of the software prior to the semester start. Students working from home may download and install Unity Personal Edition free of charge.