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Computer Science II: Game Design & Development
Course Overview
In this course, students practice designing and developing games through hands-on work. Through the creation of small “toys,” the course asks students to solve problems and create content, building the design and technical skills necessary to build their own games.
Throughout the course, students come to understand game design through game designer Jesse Schell’s “lenses:” different ways of looking at the same problem and answering questions that provide direction and refinement of a game’s theme and structure. During this time, students also learn how to use Godot, the professional game development tool they use throughout the class. They become familiar with the methodologies of constructing a game using such assets as graphics, sounds, and effects, and controlling events and behavior within the game using the GDScript programming language, which is modeled after Python.
In the last two modules of the course, students work in teams to brainstorm and develop new games in response to a theme or challenge. Students will develop their skills in communication, project- and time-management, and creative problem-solving while focusing on different aspects of asset creation, design, and coding.
Prerequisite: Computer Science I: Computational Thinking or its equivalent
Students in GOA courses will need reliable access to a computer with webcam/microphone connections, an email address (preferably school-based), a Web-conferencing app (GOA courses use Zoom), and a Word processing app (GOA courses use Google’s G Suite). When necessary, alternative arrangements may be made.
NCAA-approved course
UC-approved course
Explore a range of creative disciplines and learn basic design principles, color theory, critical thinking, and artistic techniques.
OTHER COURSES IN THIS PATHWAY
Computer Science & Engineering
- Computer Science I: Computational Thinking
- Computer Science I: Computational Thinking (Middle School)
- Computer Science II: Analyzing Data with Python
- Computer Science II: Game Design & Development
- Computer Science II: Java
- Cybersecurity
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction to Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
- Problem Solving with Engineering & Design
Gain an understanding of computer software, hardware, human-tech interaction, and its societal impact.
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