Well, some of you were starting to get pretty stressed on Alice today, but we had a lot of laughs with all your “learning” experiences. I thought you might like a break during Friday’s lesson:) Of course I have to relate it to our unit, but….
My first attempt at game programming was when my brother and I created pong for our family computer. No, I wasnt a geek…we were copying it out of a book and then changed a few things to change colors and such. Ok so we didnt have cable. Anyway, I found a GREAT widget for you:)
When you start feeling aUGHHH… play a game of pong. If it doesnt show up below then it is Smartfiltered:(
Welcome to the world of game programming! Of course you will find your daily directions on the lesson page, but this post will give you an introduction to the unit. Each day will also have various demos according to the lesson. The game programming unit takes you behind the doors of creating games and even give you hands-on practice as a graphic programmer who developes and modifies complex 3D graphic renderings. I’m sure some of you are already thinking about what sprites you want to make and game ideas. Other’s of you are in a panic thinking you only have a few weeks to learn a new programming language. This unit is just an introduction to game programming for which we will use the Alice program. By using Alice, the first several steps of a graphics programmer has already been completed. These steps required a good grasp of math concepts such as vector and matrix math, quaternions and linear algebra. These math concepts are really just an extension of what you are currently learning right here at MHS:) You will be surprised at how much you will learn in just a few weeks!
Step One: Research
Of course, we will start this unit like all others with…RESEARCH. You already know that during this unit you will primarily play some of the roles of a graphic programmer, but there are more roles behind the gaming industry.
Your first project is to create a Chat About It while researching game programming. Check out the Mrs. D’s File Cabinet for your project guidelines.
Get started researching! As you do, make sure and add to our Game Programming wiki on Tiderwiki. As you find good websites, add them to your Diigo; you will need some good ones for your Chat About It🙂 Dont limit yourself to our class library collection! You also have access to the MHS library, parish library, and even online libraries such as IPL.
Jumpstart Research Topics
Randy Pausch Video
Creator of Alice Software Project
Game Programming
Roles in Creating Game Programming
Top Names in Gaming Industry
Top Gaming Artists
Alice Software
3D Vectors
Math Behind Game Programming
Step Two: Organize
Ok this is probably your least favorite section of every unit. Yet every unit requires some form of organization. I have some good news, the “true” organization involved in Game Programming has already been completed for you. I would like you to know about the organizational structure, documentation and code architecture, involved. Once you are in the Alice program you will be able to see some of this organization. You will need your storyboard for the planning stage, because this is where you will organize your plan using the software.
What is the design document?
How does data structure affect the organization of software?
Step Three: Sneak Peak
Before you can plan your programming, you need to get a taste of the Alice software.
Don’t worry, you aren’t going to “mess up” the program. You are learning through “trial and error.” There are built in tutorials you will find when you open the software. Remember my first rabbit on Alice was going to move his arm about a meter and instead it detached from his body about a meter. It reattached without any need for surgery! From which I learned detail, detail, detail. I was moving too quick, not using a tutorial, and forgetting detail. HAVE FUN!
Step Four: Plan
Ok, take out your storyboard and plan what your character(s) will do. Don’t leave out scene(s). Remember to think about the detail involved in making these actions. Do you want to include other student’s characters?
Step Five: Create
Get busy creating. As you learn new tricks, make sure and post about it in the discussion board.
