Game Makers: Build Your Own World

  Week 1: Welcome to the World of Game Design

• Objective: Explore the basics of what makes video games engaging and fun.
• Highlights:
  • Learn about game genres, mechanics, and storytelling.
  • Discuss what makes your favorite games exciting and memorable.
  • Fun Activity: Brainstorm ideas for your own video game concept.

Week 2: Crafting Characters and Stories

• Objective: Develop characters and narratives for your game.
• Highlights:
  • Learn how to create compelling characters and backstories.
  • Explore the elements of a great game storyline and dialogue.
  • Fun Activity: Design a main character and write a short story or quest for your game.

Week 3: Building Game Levels and Worlds

• Objective: Design immersive levels and environments for your game.
• Highlights:
  • Learn about level design principles, such as challenges, pacing, and flow.
  • Experiment with tools to create maps or layouts for game worlds.
  • Fun Activity: Build a prototype level using a simple game design platform.

Week 4: Adding Game Mechanics and Challenges

• Objective: Explore how game mechanics make games interactive and engaging.
• Highlights:
  • Learn how to add elements like movement, scoring, and power-ups.
  • Experiment with physics, logic, and cause-and-effect relationships in gameplay.
  • Fun Activity: Add a working challenge or goal to your game prototype.

Week 5: Testing and Polishing Your Game

• Objective: Refine your game to make it more fun and functional.
• Highlights:
  • Playtest your game and get feedback from peers.
  • Learn how to debug and improve your game’s mechanics and design.
  • Fun Activity: Work on final touches like sound effects, animations, and special features.

Week 6: Game Makers Showcase

• Objective: Present and play your completed game with others.
• Highlights:
  • Share your game with friends, family, and classmates in a fun gaming event.
  • Celebrate creativity and teamwork as you discuss the design process.
  • Receive your award certificate for your creativity and innovation.

 *Note: Course outline subject to change based on grade level of students and prior knowledge of students--we believe in providing a truly differentiated learning environment!*