Course Title: Design and Creation of Games

Course Prefix & Number: GAME1306

Section Number: 0350

Term Code: 19FA

Semester Credit Hours: 3

Lecture Hours: 32

Lab Hours: 32

Course Description (NCTC Catalog):

Introduction to game and simulation development. Includes analysis of existing applications and creation of a game using an existing game engine. In-depth coverage of the essential elements of game design. Also covers an overview of cultural history of electronic games, a survey of the major innovators, and examination of the trends and taboos that motivate game design.

Course Prerequisite(s): None

o - Academic General Education Course (from Academic Course Guide Manual but not in NCTC Core)

o - Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

x - WECM Course

Name of Instructor:

Lin Hampton

Campus/Office Location:

Corinth Campus, by appt. meet in room 201

Telephone Number:

940-891-2935

E-mail Address:

mhampton@nctc.edu

Office Hours:

Online conference and by appointment

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Susan Svane

Office Location:

Corinth, C233

Telephone Number:

940-498-6292

E-mail Address:

ssvane@nctc.edu

# of Graded Course Elements

Graded Course Elements

Percentage or Points Values

15

Chapter Quizzes

150

8/4

Game Tutorials & Game Designs

500

4

Exams

200

3 DF

Course  Participation & Involvement

50

1

Practicum – FINAL Game Design  (Portfolio Work)

100

900 pts-above

A

600-690 pts

D

800-890 pts

B

<600 pts

F

700-790 pts

C

Topic

General Description of Subject Matter

Introduction

Introduction to game engines, specifically GameMaker, the Global User Interface, game installation and configuration and running a game. A discussion of the video game industry, its current direction and video game careers.

Essential Game and Simulation Environments

Game Design, Sprites and Objects

Events and controls

Discussion of events, how events are triggered, and using events to control program flow, Instances and Objects

Insertion of text and sound

How text and sound are used to improve the user experience, and how these objects are incorporated in

Game Maker

Strengths and limitations of game and simulation systems

Game Design and Interactive Challenges.

Programmatic elements of a development system

Level Design. The Game Design Framework, front-end and completion screens.

Graphical Elements of a development system

Selecting and Applying Features, the Elements of Design, Rookie Mistakes

The Concept Document

Multiplayer games, Competitive Games, Weapons, Defense, Competition and Cooperation, Balance,  What is Artificial Stupidity

Video Games

GML, the Programming Side of Gaming with Variables, Functions, Conditions, Arrays, Instances, Scripts and Debugging Fun.  Review support and resources like GIMP, Anvil Studio,  and Audio Audacity.

Last day to Withdraw

For the FALL 2019 semester, the last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is Friday, November 1st. The instructor will not drop you from this course. You must complete applicable papers and file them with the Registrar’s Office yourself and before the final drop date.  Be responsible!

Student Rights & Responsibilities

NCTC Board policy FLB (Local) Student Rights and Responsibilities states that each student shall be charged with notice and knowledge of the contents and provisions of the rules and regulations concerning student conduct.  These rules and regulations are published in the Student Handbook published in conjunction with the College Catalog.  All students shall obey the law, show respect for properly constituted authority, and observe correct standards of conduct.

Scholastic Integrity

Filing a Complaint

CITE Certifications

Learning Management

System

Scholastic dishonesty shall constitute a violation of college rules and regulations and is punishable as prescribed by Board policies.

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but not be limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion. 

If the complaint involves a problem with an instructor, the student shall discuss the matter with the instructor before requesting a conference with the department chair…. If the complaint involves a grade received, the student shall collect all tests, papers, daily assignments, class notes and other relevant material prior to the conference with the instructor.” (See Student Handbook  > Discussion of Complaint).  Failure to follow the procedure will result in no action taken.

If you are planning to complete a certificate, you must take the competency exam prior to graduation. Contact Susan Svane at ssvane@nctc.edu within three weeks of graduation.  

This course will be augmented by using NCTC’s online course delivery system, CANVAS. Log into CANVAS from the NCTC home page (www.nctc.edu) or directly at www.CANVAS.nctc.edu. Discussion boards and emails may be available on CANVAS. Participation in CANVAS is MANDATORY. 

If a student should experience problems accessing the course material in CANVAS any Virtual Labs, or in sending/receiving course mail, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor immediately.

Even though your grades will be posted on the CANVAS grade book, it is your responsibility to keep a record of your grades. Please give me at least two weeks to post your grades after the final due date of the assignment.

Early Alert and NCTC CARES

Childcare &

The Childcare Reimbursement Program

Disability Services

(OSD)

The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully.

The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e-mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

The Childcare Reimbursement Program provides support services for NCTC students pursuing a career in a technical field of study to help them complete their career plans. The program will reimburse technical declared students a percentage of their daycare expenses if the child is attending a licensed or registered daycare facility.  This is on a first come first serve basis, and is available to students on all 5 campuses. Please note, we do not have a childcare facility on any of our 5 campuses. This is a reimbursement program only.

Students who wish to become eligible for Childcare Assistance Program need to:

• Declare in a technical field of study
• Establish financial need
• Ex: Pell Grant recipient, Food Stamp recipient, W2,  etc.
• Complete a Childcare Reimbursement Program Application and provide all necessary documentation.  The  Application can be found online at http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/Childcare.aspx

For more information, please contact Yvonne Sandmann on the Gainesville Campus at 940-668-4209 ext. 4321, or by email at ysandmann@nctc.edu.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides accommodations for students who have documented disability. On the Corinth Campus, go to room 170 or call  940-498-6207. On the Gainesville Campus, go to room 110 or call  940-668-4209.  Students on the Bowie, Graham, Flower Mound, and online campuses should call  940-668-4209.

North Central Texas College is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2009, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (P.L. 93-112).   http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices/Disabilityservices.aspx

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The program helps students acclimate to college by providing students free interactive workshops about Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, and much more. For more information, please visit your nearest Student Success Center.

Counseling and Testing staff offer a variety of services to current and prospective students, such as College 101, placement testing, academic advising and course registration, transfer assistance, and College Success seminars (Time Management, Study Skills, Test Anxiety, Choosing a Major, Learning Style Strategies, Career Exploration), and much more.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/CounselingTesting.aspx

 Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, free 24/7 online tutoring through Grade Results and assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students.   First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized support services.  http://www.nctc.edu/StudentServices/SupportServices.aspx

Financial Aid offers financial resources for students that qualify, visit the financial aid offices for more information.       http://www.nctc.edu/FInancialAidHome.aspx

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veterans Services

The Financial Aid Office is responsible for administering a variety of programs for students who need assistance in financing their education.  The first step for financial aid is to complete a FAFSA.  For more information, please visit your nearest Financial Aid Office. 

Other Pertinent Information

On-Site Tobacco Policy

The instructor reserves the right to amend the syllabus at any time during the semester. Any announcements/information disseminated during class will take precedence over the syllabus. Assignments are due on the assigned due date. Late assignments are not accepted. No Excuses –make a commitment if you register for this course!

NCTC restricts the use of all tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco on campus property. NCTC is aware that tobacco use influences underage students which cumulates unsightly tobacco litter and interferes with assuring clean air for all who come to NCTC. NCTC recognizes the health hazards of tobacco use and of exposure to second hand smoke. Information on a tobacco cessation program is available for students, faculty, staff who wish to stop using tobacco products. We would like to "thank you" for your help in making our campuses Tobacco-Free. For questions or concerns please contact the Office of the President of Student Services at  940.668.4240.