Game Design Camp has begun with high creativity, fun, and goofiness - all the things you'd expect from a group of growing game makers! We started the week with a challenge: let's learn the elements that make a good game across multiple platforms, whether that platform be a computer game, an outdoor game, a board game, or even a cell phone app. Participants have risen to that challenge!
Outdoor games!
One young designer created a paper hat throwing game with a counselor! Laughter was enjoyed by all.
Humans have been using games as learning tools for thousands of years. Good games always teach something, so that, as you play, your chances of winning the game become higher. Participants used this idea to design amazing motion sensor mazes (below). Students coded these sensors to have basic artificial intelligence, which allowed them to speak certain phrases or make certain sounds if triggered. Participants used these to create obstacle courses which taught strategy, flexibility, and agility.
Having fun with sensors!
The obstacle course!
Good games also have good story telling, often unlocked through level-based design. As you unlock each level, you are rewarded with more of the story. Participants have been working on designing level based games using various platforms, including Scratch coding, Game Star Mechanic, and even app making software like Bitsbox! Stories have involved moon colonies, dogs looking for their owners, and even dragons flying through magical kingdoms!
Overall, its been a great start to the week with amazing creativity, group work, coding, laughs, and whacky games.
Looking forward to the rest of the week!