Development of a project-oriented Computer Game Design Course

Instruction Improvement Colloquium

Alex PangMay 8, 2006

Background

• Plans for a degree program in computer games

• Existing courses + new game courses e.g. game design, game AI, …

• Visualization / computer graphics != computer games

• No in-house expertise

Proposal

• Pattern after CG / Vis / Anim course – project-oriented

• Transition plans – initially hosted by CMPS 161 (evolving nature)

• Plan: interdisciplinary, targetted game assignment e.g. for certain age group, gender, etc.

• Reality: CG / Anim background• Issue: Game design vs Game engine

Assessment

• Internal (class) vs External (other schools)

Attraction

• Recruiting

• Summer camps

• Game competitions

Updates

• New faculty hire: Game AI

• CMPS 161 projects– http://www.soe.ucsc.edu/classes/cmps161/Winter06/projects/