November 2007 — News
Print this article | Email this articleClick here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal
Getting Started with Videogame Development
In the first segment in this series, we covered the pedagogy behind student videogame development. We addressed how learning as doing, collaborative & peer learning, tutoring, ownership, and publication are critical components to game development. We also addressed benefits of videogame making, including content area knowledge acquisition, students as producers of information, and the potential of game-making for encouraging STEM-related careers for women and minorities.
In part 2 of this series, we turn to helping teachers to get started in videogame development. We focus on tools and engines to begin the development process. We also list practical suggestions for teachers who want to try this in the classroom.
Getting Started with Videogame Development
Most commercial games are developed using computer scientists who are well versed at programming languages (e.g. C++, Java, or ActionScript). However, game development software packages exist that do not require a deep understanding of programming languages. Some of this software creates opportunities for individuals to develop games from scratch. With these tools, users must provide the resources and determine the controls and artificial intelligence to create a game. Other software tools allow users to modify (mod) existing game resources and structures to create a game. Some commercial games are even packed with mod tools like map editors so that individuals can change content and alter resources within a game.
There are a number of free or low-cost tools available for those interested in developing videogames (with obviously varying degrees of programming abilities required). Scratch (http://scratch.mit.edu), developed by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab, uses a programming language designed for young people. Users can create games as well as interactive stories, animations, music, and art. The Scratch interface uses a simple drag-and-drop process to create scripts, a series of steps that control the game resources. The software includes a number of sample projects that users can explore to understand how the programming language works. In addition, these sample projects could also be modified. Finished games or projects can be uploaded to the Scratch website for publication.
Gamemaker (http://yoyogames.com) also uses a drag-and-drop process. Users gather or create resources, such as sprites, backgrounds, and sounds, then provide actions for each of the resources that determine how the game functions. Users can specify controls and other aspects of the game. Finished games can be created as stand-alone executable files.
RPG Maker XP (http://www.enterbrain.co.jp/tkool/RPG_XP/eng/) specifically allows users to create role-playing games (RPGs). With an extensive library of game resources, it allows users quickly to create maps, interactions, and dialogs for an RPG. The website even has characters, backgrounds, icons, and skins to directly import into the program.
