Video Games: Don’t Just Play, Create!
As I discussed in a recent post, video games can provide a window into motivation and learning. While most students have experienced gaming as a player, very few have had the opportunity to create a game of their own design. Fortunately, there is an abundance of tools that can promote creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. From free and kid-friendly to pricey and precise, students can learn that there is more to gaming than meets the eye.
Why Teach Games?
I realize that many educators are skeptical of the merits of teaching game design. As I tell my students in my summer courses, however, “Computers is stupid. They only do what you tell them.” Unlike most of the content and processes within our curriculum, students have an innate understanding of the complexities of an engaging gaming experience. They understand the importance of a good story line, the linear progression of difficulty, and the relationships between all the assets that comprise a game’s strategy. In short, they “get” what makes a good game; the trick is to apply those concepts to something new. They know what they would like to see happen; they just don’t know how to bring their ideas to fruition because, of course, the computer can’t do it for them…so they have to think.
Here’s a quick list of some of the tools I’ve used through the years, ranging from a simple website for elementary students to a full-fledged programming language for teenagers and adults.
Sploder
As an entry point, Sploder offers all the basics of a 2D shooter with a simple web-based design interface. Though limited in functionality, it can be very effective in examining the basic relationships between assets in a game. Finished games can be shared online, fostering peer (aka expert) feedback.
Quest Creator
Adventure games are great vehicles for storytelling, and Quest Creator excels at bringing imagination to life. For only $15 (and $1 for each additional computer), there is simply no better or more cost effective tool for letting students create their own version of Tolkein’s trilogy.
StageCast
Although not inexpensive ($775 for 25 users), StageCast is a highly versatile tool for creating games and animations. The program comes with a detailed set of self-guided tutorials and its icon-based approach to scripting teaches students the fundamentals of programming without the need for learning a language.
GameMaker
Available in a free (but rather limited) form as well as a full function “pro” version ($20 with site licenses available), GameMaker is an excellent introduction to 2D game design. Using drag-and-drop commands, users can create sophisticated games that employ scripts, sprites, and scrolling backgrounds without the need for coding. Games can be exported as .exe files for playback on any PC.
3D GameMaker
Until recently, 3D game creation was beyond the reach of non-programmers, but thanks to the 3D GameMaker, even elementary-age students can create stunning games using just their imagination. For $35 (volume pricing available), more than 12 billion gaming options are available.
FPS Creator
Older (i.e. high school) students interested in making commercial-quality first person shooters won’t be disappointed with FPS Creator ($50 with volume pricing available). Although no programming is necessary, the design interface is too complex and the characters too graphic for elementary and middle school. That notwithstanding, the results are truly impressive.
DarkBASIC
The aforementioned point and click tools are great for introducing fundamental concepts and building some highly entertaining games, but “real” video games are created with code. DarkBASIC ($15 for Lite; $40 for Full Version) employs the BASIC programming language to create 3D games and animations.
Stop Playing and Start Creating
Whether your goal is to just experiment with sprites or jump straight into the intricacies of code, game design tools can foster creativity and critical thinking. Chris Crawford’s The Art of Computer Game Design is a must-read for anyone wanting to explore the possibilities, but it’s OK to start small. Talk with your students, try a free demo, and see what they can create; I think you’ll pleasantly surprised.
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April 17th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Hey Pat,
Have you heard about this - Games for Change? Just got an email about it yesterday. I think it’s well underway for this year, but was curious about how to acquire the software they use. Haven’t figured that out yet.-karen
Xbox has partnered with Games for Change and Microsoft’s Imagine Cup Competition to launch the “Xbox 360 Games for Change Challenge,” which will represent the first time a game development category has been available during the Imagine Cup. Students will face the ultimate test of their creative and technical skills as they create a game that is not only entertaining but has a social message about creating a sustainable environment. The theme of Imagine Cup 2008, “Imagine a world where technology enables a sustainable environment,” is a challenge to top student technologists around the world to actively contribute to the mission of protecting our world for generations to come.
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2007/0611-gamesforchangechallenge.htm
April 19th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thanks, Karen, for sharing the Games for Change resource. I’ll see about getting the software and if I do, I’ll be sure to let you know