Teacher Wayne update

I have recently gained a PhD!

I recently completed a PhD research study using an experimental approach to embedding mathematics in computer game design units through a serendipitous process. 

I am a Lecturer at Coventry University teaching game design and development.

I am an experienced games design lecturer, I have set up and was the lead lecturer teaching the games design courses at NWSLC (which was SLC at the time) taking it from 0 students to 2 x level 2 provisions and 3 x level 3 provisions with 60+ students enrolled each year for over 5 years. This level of cohort led to me first developing and teaching HND courses and then a Creative Computing BSc top-up year which was validated with Coventry University. I have strong links with this cohort for student recruitment

Unit 71: Upload point

Please upload your assignment to this point pls.

Games design Final project

You are creating a game based from the popular Netflix series “Stranger Thing”.

This is a year long process and it links many units together. Students are to first prepare, propose a game concept. Then develop the game implement it and then test it. With a final presentation in May 2019 demonstrating their game.

Task 1) – Unit 68 P2/M2/D2

You are creating a game based from the popular Netflix series “Stranger Thing”.

Create a game concept based from “Stranger things”, present this game concept to the class. You can work as a group but each member of the team needs to clearly show what element they are working on.

In particular focus on the environment.

What will it look like? Is it indoor or outdoor or both?

Give initial sketches and a draft mock up using Unreal of what it may look like.

Story board the game concept.

Consider target audience, what genre is it?

How many levels do you need?

Presentation : November 2018

Task 2) Unit 68 P3/M3/M4 & Unit 70 P4/M4/D4 & Unit 71 P4/M4/D4

From Game concept create the game itself.

First create the environment form the draft concept then add other elements like any 3D models you have created in other units.

Second add characters in game consider the blueprints needed and any additional coding needed.

Create documentation showing screenshots OR video with voice over describing the making and development of the game.

Created documented : Throughout but completed by end off May.

Task 3) Unit 70 P4/M4/D4

Test the game and document your game play, then show to 2 others and get them to play test it and add their documentation. Reflect on your testing. What could you have done better? What was good?

You can use a video play test (like Fraps) with audio talk over if you wish.

Due May 31^st 2019

Game upload

2D Game upload point

In the First year of games design you created many 2D games.

Give me a link to a game you created.

I need how you made it (can be video / screenshots + doc)  and a game play video as well.

editing the code

Ok so lets look at the code in the HTML file

First we have a peoload funtion that loads all the sprite assets up, we have 4 in this example. The sky the ground a star to collect and of course our animated dude! This function runs code runs once.

function preload() {

    game.load.image('sky', 'assets/sky.png');
    game.load.image('ground', 'assets/platform.png');
    game.load.image('star', 'assets/star.png');
    game.load.spritesheet('dude', 'assets/dude.png', 32, 48);

}

Next we have some variable to store all the elements we need.

var player;
var platforms;
var cursors;
var stars;

Next we have the create function to put on screen all our assets needed for this game (or a level).
This function runs code runs once.

function create() { all code for putting assets on screen first time goes here }

Then last but not least we have the update function. This function runs until its exited.

function update() { 
all code for :-
Movement
Scoring
Collision detection
animation control
ect.
 }

Other functions can be added that are called in the update function. In this example its collectStar function.

All this is based from this example

When you have understood this you are ready to try game states (this link)                           

Setting up an Example

Basic PHASER.JS Example

Server Side

First thing we need is a web server. I use personally WAMP, but any web based server is adequate.
Unzip my Example and put in WWW folder (for WAMP) with all its folders intact.
It will look like :-

Client Side

Use a web browser and access your wamp server and run part8.html

edit part8.html (I recommend notepad++)

Next Part - Editing the code

OO Design 2

Task 1

Object-oriented design is one part of the overall design process and should be seen in this context. Normally object-oriented design would start after completion of the creative phase (development of concepts and ideas) and would be used to flesh out ideas. The object approach can then be used to plan the detailed implementation of a project to ensure that milestones and other parameters are met.

For this assignment you need to review object-oriented design within a game (you can use your game).

P3

review object-oriented modelling with some appropriate use of subject terminology

M3 explain object-oriented modelling with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology

D3

critically evaluate objectoriented modelling with supporting arguments and elucidated examples, consistently using subject terminology correctly

Documents this or blog this

Assignment 1

Upload document here pls.

To break it down easier, with the FOCUS on the coding aspects.

Look at the 2D game you made last year in Gamemaker
Look at the 3D game you are doing now.

Compare them both side by side and REVIEW (see P3 above) how the coding was used for both and whats similar and/or different ?

Create a table if your confused and put them side by side. Show code for example moving or attacking or health bars or anything really.  Show how its done in GameMaker and Unreal. Whats the same? Whats different ? Also Why is it different ?

Play Bubble Shooter

AI game concept

Build a game with at least 2 AI elements..

Build an interactive game that consists of at least two AI components. This can be either a 2D or 3D game using the UNITY game engine (look at suggested games in list below). This game should be a core element of a game, not a fully working game as such. For example it could be one level that show cases the core AI elements and how they are used. This game is created individually and can include 3D models created in 301 module of this Degree.

You will be marked on a good design of at least two AI components and how they have been implemented by you in terms of re-usability and software patterns. Your analysis should include the rationale behind your design decisions as well as a discussion on any improvements you would consider.

Game type

For 2D: Maze game, Space Invaders, Snake, Snakes and Ladders, Break-out, Tetris, Pac-Man, Super Mario, Bomber Man or similar game.

For 3D: First or Third person shooter or survival game or simular

Marking Criteria

You will be assessed on: the software implementation, as well as a report where you will explain how you have done the implementation, the problems you faced as well as diagrams explaining the most significant aspects of your work. Also note that all the code must be provided in the Appendix section.

The structure of the report must be the following:

• Title page 
• Abstract (or summary) 
• Introduction 
• Brief description of chosen game design 
• Game implementation 
• Conclusions 
• References

Assignment One 

Critical Approaches to games design

What is our game about ?

• Think about game concept
• What is the story? (does it have one)
• What genre is it?

How does this game relate to our culture in large?

• Does this game promote stereotypes?
• Is the theme relate to a specific culture?

Who is our game for? 

• age
• gender
• ethnicity
• who is the target audience?

What games are similar?

• List of similar games and how they relate to your game

What is Player Experience ?

• Why is this important?
• What is immersion?
• How is this important to games design ?

Market research what is this and how does this relate to making a new game?

• What is qualitative analysis?
• What is quantitative analysis?
• How is this data used?

OOD Ass Two

Task 2

Object-oriented design is one part of the overall design process and should be seen in this context. Normally object-oriented design would start after completion of the creative phase (development of concepts and ideas) and would be used to flesh out ideas. The object approach can then be used to plan the detailed implementation of a project to ensure that milestones and other parameters are met.

Research each of the following principles listed below and apply to how you have used code in Game Maker and are now using in Unreal Engine. Use examples to illustrate them.

So for example in Gamemaker sprites become an object you can apply code to (that is OO design). 

For this assignment you need to understand the purpose of object-oriented design for games

Look at and discuss :-

Concepts and principles: simplified understanding; reusability; maintenance; efficiency; real-world modelling; collaboration and sharing; communication; quality assurance

Game objects: sprites; characters; weapons; rooms; walls; scenery; instances; rewards, eg bonuses, power-ups

Object properties: colour; size; speed; movement; sounds; health; lives

Actions and events: mouse and keyboard events; create; destroy; collision; timers; scoring

Inheritance: parent; child; inherited behaviours and properties; overriding events

Assignment Two

Documents this or blog this

Upload document here pls.

OO Design

Using OO Design within Unreal

Object-oriented design is one part of the overall design process and should be seen in this context. Normally object-oriented design would start after completion of the creative phase (development of concepts and ideas) and would be used to flesh out ideas. The object approach can then be used to plan the detailed implementation of a project to ensure that milestones and other parameters are met.

OO Design Work

Task One.

Look at 4 game engines and how they do coding

Unity, Unreal, Gamemaker, Constuct 2

How do they do coding ?
What is it called ?
Do a page for each engine and give examples of how it appears.
For the assignment you will be looking at :-

Concepts and principles: simplified understanding; reusability; maintenance; efficiency; real-world modelling; collaboration and sharing; communication; quality assurance

Game objects: sprites; characters; weapons; rooms; walls; scenery; instances; rewards, eg bonuses, power-ups

Object properties: colour; size; speed; movement; sounds; health; lives

Actions and events: mouse and keyboard events; create; destroy; collision; timers; scoring

Inheritance: parent; child; inherited behaviours and properties; overriding events

Task Two

We have looked at Water Features  in the past but this is an environmental affect.

Now we need to look at OO Design we need within  the game we are creating.

We need elements like non player characters (NPC's which are a form of AI Characters).

These NPC's need to move around the map and also need to interact (attack usually) with the player character (PC). Also the PC needs a health bar so they can take damage. Then we need a way for the PC to attack / fight the NPC's. We can also look at elements like inventories etc as well.

In Unreal we use a concept called blueprinting to do this.

So I have created a video series on YouTube to teach these elements.

This is a Basic AI movement video

This is a more advanced AI patrol tutorial.

Or using vimeo "https://vimeo.com/257379526" if blocked

 So What Do I want you to do ?

Well Everyone should be able to follow the videos 
Some Will be able to start to adapt this to their game
and a few will be able to complete both videos and add both elements to their game as well.

OK so now we have looked at a practical application of OO design lets look at the theory...

Assignment One -- UPLOAD POINT

unit 70p1p2

Unit 70 P1 and P2

A game engine has varies elements

The famous game Doom was a groundbreaking title; it brought into existence and popularized a new game programming model, the ‘game engine.’ This modular, extensible and tweakable engine design concept allowed gamers and programmers to hack into the game’s core to create new games with new models, scenery, and sounds, or put different twists called ‘mods’ on the existing game material. CounterStrike, Team Fortress, TacOps and Strike Force are among numerous new games created from existing game engines, with most using one of iD’s Quake engines as their basis.

The term ‘game engine’ has come to be a standard part of a gamer’s language. Learners need to have a knowledge and understanding of game engines as all games are developed using either a licensed game engine or a studio bespoke engine. It is therefore vital that learners have both a practical working knowledge and a basic technical understanding of 2D and 3D game engines. Through studying this unit learners should be able to understand the processes involved in the production of 2D and 3D game levels through the use of a game engine, the use of graphics and other game assets required to produce a game level.

P1: learners will describe the purpose of game engines and their advancement over the years. For a merit give some illustrative examples.

In simple terms look at the What is the purpose of a game engine?

How have game engines evolved over time. So for unreal from version 1 to version 2 to version 3 and now 4, what are the differences? When and how did they take place. Choose at leat 3 game engines that have evolved over time. Show some games made by these engines. Feel free to put images of the games and the engines.

The evidence produced will describe the purpose of 2D, 3D and mobile game engines, though for this grade the evidence will not be related to examples of particular game engines. Learners should also describe how game engines have helped game enthusiasts to develop and create their own game mods and how this has led to mod teams being funded by game developers. As a minimum to achieve this grade learners must provide correct and substantially complete descriptions of the purpose of a game engine, and must mention graphic rendering, collision detection, artificial intelligence, sound and physics. A pass grade learner might note, ‘A game engine is the core component of a video game. It handles rendering which allows us to see the models in the game world. It basically puts everything in the game together so it can be viewed on screen.’

P2: learners will provide correct and substantially complete descriptions of components of game engines. For a merit give some illustrative examples.

In simple terms look as "graphic rendering, animation systems, systems, artificial intelligence and middleware" descibe what they are and compare them in different game engines. How are they used in game give and example for each element.

The evidence produced will describe components of game engines and must mention , though at this grade the evidence will not be related through examples to particular game engines. As a minimum to achieve this grade, learners must provide correct descriptions of components of game engines, graphic rendering, animation systems, systems, artificial intelligence and middleware. For example, a learner might note, ‘In computer graphics the renderer is viewed as one of the most important parts. The renderer allows us to see the models in the game world. It basically puts all the graphics features in the game together so it can be viewed on screen. With so much to do it needs a lot of processing power. It is the part that is most often criticised when viewed by those playing the game, as graphics can play a key role in how commercially successful a game will become.’

Handin 29/10/18

concepts

3D Landscape Concepts

You have been asked to create a 3D environment the first step of this process is initial game sketches.

So using either free hand or using an appropriate software package sketch out (as a top down overview like plan) the environment.

Give sketches also of characters, and other elements, weapons and other predominant features as well.

These outline ideas for the 3D environment are forfill the P2/M2/D3 requirement for unit 68

In the art classes you have been tasked to create initial sketches of models and landscapes.

Task 1) Presentation of your initial ideas for the game.

Use initial Sketches  and also prototypes of game to demonstrate this idea. If you are working in groups show the areas of the game you are developing.

Show a environment prototype.

Show other ideas.

This presentation can be  stand-up presentation. Or a video presentation. A document is not an appropriate presentation of the game concept.
Consider these elements :-
Client brief - Who is the game for ? Create a description of what you going to create, how many levels, what is going to be in game and if your in a team who is doing what.

Target Audience - Who are you making the game for? Age group etc.

Initial Sketches of game and main characters.

A Prototype of game is question will cover most of the aspect needed and a simple play though level showing example elements that will be used. Don't be afraid to show elements tyhat don't work or are semi-completed. You are showing a prototype not a full working game.
examples

Regans Presentation
Amys presentation

Deadline for Presentation is 10/11/18

3d environments

3D Landscape Concepts

You have been asked to create an environment in the Unreal engine based on the Netflix Series 

YouTube trailer on "Stranger Things"

Create a 3D Enviroment using the Unreal engine using elements and concepts found in the Netflix series "Stranger Things". This environment should make a audience feel a connection with this series.

Task 1) : Initial ideas, sketches and Prototypes

Task 2) : Create game environment 

Consider these other elements as well :-

Client brief - Who is the game for ? Create a description of what you going to create, how many levels, what is going to be in game and if your in a team who is doing what.

Target Audience - Who are you making the game for? Age group etc.

Initial Sketches of game and main characters.

A Prototype of game is question will cover most of the aspect needed and a simple play though level showing example elements that will be used. Don't be afraid to show elements tyhat don't work or are semi-completed. You are showing a prototype not a full working game.

Black Jack Game

Black Jack Card Game

Ok everyone here is a link to my BlackJack demo I showed my students

The main scripts are

setup
firstcards
createarandomdeck

So use this if you want ...

Final Game Post

Game based of a film

At the beginning of this year you where given the assignment of creating a game based of the film big trouble in little China.

You have been using various elements from the game for other assignments.

Now its time for me to the the game.

So what required is a game play video of you playing your game and discussing the game as you play it (5 min video). (unit 70 & 68)

Also give me a 1 to 2 minute video of a friend playing the game.

Also a 5 to 10 min video of making the game (unit 71)

You can do one video with all the elements or multiple videos or create word do with lots screen  shots if you want.

This covers all my 4 units, so most of the grades come from this one piece of work.

Unit 70:

P4

create a 3D game world following industry practice, working within appropriate conventions and with some assistance. [CT; SM; RL]

M4 create a 3D game world to a good technical standard following industry practice, showing some imagination and with only occasional assistance.

D4

create a 3D game world to a technical quality that reflects near-professional standards following industry practice, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations.

One covers the OO Design within the game and how it is used.

Unit 71 :

P4

apply object-oriented modelling techniques to design a game element with some assistance. [CT; SM]

M4 apply object-oriented modelling techniques to design a game element to a good technical standard with only occasional assistance.

D4

apply object-oriented modelling techniques to design a game element to a technical quality that reflects near-professional standards, working independently to professional expectations.

Also a video on the environment and how you set it up ..

This covers ..

Unit 68 :

P3

create a 3D environment following industry practice, working within appropriate conventions and with some assistance. [CT; SM; RL]

M3 create a 3D environment to a good technical standard following industry practice, showing some imagination and with only occasional assistance.

D3

create a 3D environment to a technical quality that reflects near-professional standards following industry practice, showing creativity and flair and working independently to professional expectations.

Unit 6 :

When END OF MAY

OO Design Assignment 2

Task 2

Object-oriented design is one part of the overall design process and should be seen in this context. Normally object-oriented design would start after completion of the creative phase (development of concepts and ideas) and would be used to flesh out ideas. The object approach can then be used to plan the detailed implementation of a project to ensure that milestones and other parameters are met.

For this assignment you need to review object-oriented design within a game (you can use your game).

P3

review object-oriented modelling with some appropriate use of subject terminology

M3 explain object-oriented modelling with reference to detailed illustrative examples and with generally correct use of subject terminology

D3

critically evaluate objectoriented modelling with supporting arguments and elucidated examples, consistently using subject terminology correctly

Documents this or blog this

Assignment 2 

Upload document here pls.

Game Two

Game Two

Now its time to work on the two official games design assignments.

They are the creating of two games, a card game and a space invader type game.

Half of the class will work on the card game and half works on the space invader game, then you swap over.

These assignments are to be worked on by yourself, you can ask for help and I will provide help (especially in the realm of coding) to get you going.

So What do I need ?

Walk Through Video of you and a friend playing (and reviewing) your game (assuming you have a working game). 

A video and/or documentation with screenshots of how you made (or tried to make the game). 

Show :- 

How you made the sprites (not all of them just majors ones)

How you used sounds (hard to do a screen shot)

How you used scripts in the game?

The problems you had and how you overcame them (or didn't)

Discuss the visual style you are using.

Discuss the game concept you are working to.

With James you will a 'presentation' / video etc of either game. 

Second Deadline is 29th of May ..

Please upload game one documentation / videos 

At end of course I will see each student and see (and get games) from them and students can talk to me about the games design process.

The last step is a handover of both games. You will demonstrate both games to me. I may take a copy of these games and I will will be asking you questions about the games design process. This will include a questionnaire, 

Assignment One : game one

Game One

Now its time to work on the two official games design assignments.

They are the creating of two games, a card game and a space invader type game.

Half of the class will work on the card game and half works on the space invader game, then you swap over.

These assignments are to be worked on by yourself, you can ask for help and I will provide help (especially in the realm of coding) to get you going.

So What do I need ?

Walk Through Video of you and a friend playing (and reviewing) your game (assuming you have a working game). 

A video and/or documentation with screenshots of how you made (or tried to make the game). 

Show :- 

How you made the sprites (not all of them just majors ones)

How you used sounds (hard to do a screen shot)

How you used scripts in the game?

The problems you had and how you overcame them (or didn't)

Discuss the visual style you are using.

Discuss the game concept you are working to.

With James you will a 'presentation' / video etc of either game. 

First Deadline is 24th of April ..

Please upload game one documentation / videos for first game to this post.