Kodu Together: Video Game Programming & Publishing
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The document outlines the use of video games, specifically the programming and publishing tool Kodu, as an engaging method to teach coding skills. It highlights the economic importance of coding and provides a structured framework for a game design program that includes design, programming, and publishing phases. The document also emphasizes the accessibility and flexibility of Kodu for various game types and encourages ongoing participant engagement after game completion.
Kodu Together: Video Game Programming & Publishing
- 1. KODU TOGETHER: VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING & PUBLISHING Nick Tanzi Assistant Director, South Huntington Public Library
- 2. WHY USE VIDEO GAMES TO TEACH CODING? • Video games are fun! • Easy sell • Passive learning • Video games are of growing economic importance! • Video Game Designer ranked 33rd best job in America (CNN Money) • eSports up 40% since 2015 (Indeed) • Twitch streamers
- 3. THE IMPORTANCE OF CODING SKILLS It’s the economy, stupid. Jobs requiring coding skills pay $22,000 per year more than jobs that don’t. Programming jobs are growing 50% faster than the market overall. It’s not limited to just the tech sector Accounting Graphic design Need to understand Big Data Source: Burning Glass Technologies Coding Skills Report
- 4. WHAT ELSE CAN WE LEARN FROM VIDEO GAME DESIGN? Language Writing dialogue Plot development Math Scorekeeping Assigning Damage Tracking Health Art Designing worlds Creating game aesthetics Incorporating sound effects.
- 5. SO WHAT IS KODU? Software created and maintained by Microsoft. Kodu is a visual programming language made specifically for creating video games! It has received continuous updates since 2009.
- 6. WHY CHOOSE KODU? • It’s FREE! • Visual programming language = flexibility • Learn by doing model • Doesn’t require a high-end computer! • Accommodates PC or console gaming. • Capable of designing many different types of games. I want you to teach video game design!
- 7. WHAT KINDS OF GAMES CAN YOU DESIGN USING KODU? Racing RPGs Shooters Adventure
- 8. LET’S HAVE A LOOK
- 9. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO RUN A PROGRAM USING KODU? Kodu! (kodugamelabs.com) Time! At least 3 hours. Multi-session or longer workshop? Computers/Laptops 1 per participant or buddy system. Staff 8-10 per instructor (unless experienced) Internet connection (only necessary for publication)
- 10. 3 (GENERAL) STAGES OF A GAME DESIGN PROGRAM Design Phase •Build game environment •Deciding on plot •Choose protagonist Programming Phase •Establish protagonist control scheme •Code game elements •Test & debug. Publishing Phase •Establish conditions for winning. •Play & complete demo game. •Conduct final debugging. •Publish game online.
- 12. KEY BENCHMARKS FOR THE DESIGN PHASE Understanding of the basic controls Comfort with the brush and terrain tools Aware of the resource limit tool A good rough draft of the game world Saved their progress!
- 14. KEY BENCHMARKS FOR THE PROGRAMMING PHASE Workable control scheme Navigable environment Appropriate game physics Manageable resources (Mostly) bug-free
- 16. KEY BENCHMARKS FOR THE PUBLISHING PHASE Achieve a “playable game” Ideally, a winnable game! Final touches Title screen, narration Complete debugging Publish game online!
- 17. THE GAMES ARE PUBLISHED, SO NOW WHAT? Show participants where they can find each others games. Consider using a hashtag Schedule a show and tell event! Encourage continued exploration Add Kodu to public computers Continue building upon their games or those of others.
- 18. THANK YOU! Nick Tanzi [email protected] (631) 549-4411 ext. 243 the-digital-librarian.com