Have you ever wanted to design a computer game but not yet got the skills to program it? Then this class is for you! 

Not all computer games are designed by the programmer but a game designer who designs the rules and structure of a game. In this class, you will take on the role of the game designer, and work to plan and develop your very own design concept and game artwork! 

Session 1: In this session we will think about the target audience for a game and explore different gameplay features that are designed to hook the player in. We will look at the core components of a game and begin to think about the different elements that we might include in a new game. 

The session will close by examining the role of Game Rating Boards to ensure that students understand how to ensure that gameplay is suitable for the target audience. 

Session 2: This session will focus on choosing the genre, environment, theme, goals, and rules of the student’s own game idea. Students will consider the mechanics of their game and the platform that the game will be played on. In this session, students will design a start-up screen for their game. They will begin to consider the gameplay in more detail, identifying any positive and negative challenges the player will face. Students will be challenged to consider how a player will progress through their game to reach an end goal. 

Session 3: Students will focus on the key art for their game and create designs for the main characters, level environments and any objects or collectibles. Students can use any medium they like for this task – paper and pen/crayons, or digital applications such as Procreate for the iPad. This session will ask student to reflect on their designs and to consider if there are any elements of their design that might not be feasible in the final design. Students are encouraged to share their ideas with the class and to think critically about how to improve their designs. 

Session 4: This session will consider the role of sound in game design. Students are given the opportunity to investigate a range of different sound effects for their own design and to think about the types of background music they could incorporate. 

Session 5: Students will use this session to market their new game. They will be supported in writing a short marketing blurb and will consider how to create game trailers and onscreen adverts. 

Collaboration in the classroom is warmly encouraged. Whilst most of my classes do not require student video to be on, this class is best delivered with video and sound participation. If this would be a problem for your child, then please do reach out to me via the Outschool messaging system. 

****This class relies on student interaction and completion of paper based and on-screen tasks during class.