SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE FALL 2016

ART 1680 Game Development

OFFICIAL CATALOG
POLICIES, PROCEDURES, & EXPECTATIONS
CONCEPTS NOT KEYSTROKES
SHOW, NOT TELL
GENERAL TO SPECIFIC
NO RULES JUST TOOLS
ERROR RECOVERY NOT FAILURE AVOIDANCE
FAIL FASTER
3 credit, 2 lecture, 3 lab hours Section 001:
SCM 2-094 4:00 pm- 6:20 pm TR
Prereq: ART 1280 Suggested Co req- none
Instructor: Dan Haring
E-mail: [email protected]
(please use CANVAS instead)
Salt Lake Community College Animation
Students Facebook page
Office: SCM 2-099D Phone:801-957-3048
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to influential movements,
principles, analysis, mechanics and theories
of game play and development. Applied
through a collaborative production work-flow
creating design documentation, and
prototyping of physical and software based
games
MATERIALS LIST
Required
($2 to $10) Drawing tools, pens, pencils,
erasers, copy paper
($1) 6 sided dice
($2) Pack of 3x5 note cards
($3 to $130 depending on size) Digital
storage device like a usb drive 4gb minimum
or an online cloud storage service like
Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive,
Apple iCloud, etc.
Recommended
a vimeo, youtube, or other streaming video
account to share video

LEARNING RESOURCES
There are many things that can provide you
with information relevant to this course,
including the listed texts and websites. As an
instructor I am not the source of all knowledge,
but rather an instrument to help awaken
dormant imaginations. You should gather
information from different sources and share it
with classmates. In person and through
CANVAS. In many cases the other views will
enhance and clarify what is being taught.
Various readings will be provided throughout
semester.
Required
http://wiki.polycount.com/wiki/PolycountGam
eMaker Support
GDC 2010 Keynote Address: Sid Meier: "The
Psychology of Game Design: Everything You
Know is Wrong"
Recommended
($95 new) Fundamentals of Game Design,
Ernest Adams
($55 new) Rules of Play: Game Design
Fundamentals, Katie Salen, Eric Zimmerman
You might also want to find a book with specific
information geared to an area of emphasis.
Check with instructor for suggestions.
"Using a computer to move an object around
does not make me an animator any more than
my buying a typewriter would make me a writer
capable of authoring GONE WITH THE WIND." John Lasseter

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this studio/production
course the successful student will have defined
and applied knowledge of GAME
FUNDAMENTALS related to the core concepts
behind the making of good games. Analyze and
discuss major figures, movements, and events
in the history of games. Utilizing simple
physical objects and software, CREATE GAMES
demonstrating use of Industry standard design
documentation, game theory, core mechanics
and game play, and user interface. Implement
foundation skill and techniques in using
INDUSTRY STANDARD SOFTWARE, relating to
creating 2D games. Applied TRADITIONAL
principles of art and design relating to 2D game
creation. Exhibit traits of PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY. Demonstrate PRODUCTION
workflow as it relates to game production.
Assessments
You will be asked to demonstrate the above
outcomes through quizzes, a game journal, and
several projects that explore aspects of game
design that will show evidence of your ability to
apply the principles covered in class, and by
presenting and participating in critiques and
discussions.
Assignments
This is a studio class with all assignments given
in class. There will be class time given to work
on projects creating an opportunity for greater
instructor involvement. Each assignment will be
outlined on CANVAS, and when completed will
be presented to the class for a peer review. See
attached schedule. Part of that grade will also
reflect your participation in group critiques.
Final
We will meet on the day of the Final for a post
mortem of the course and presentations of the
2D game demos and Game Design Documents
of each team. Times for the Final are different
than our usual class. See Schedule.

Schedule
T
H

Lecture

Assignment

26-Aug Intro, File

management
31Aug

2-Sep

7-Sep 9-Sep

Fundamental Game Simple Object

Game
Concepts
Analyzing Games

14Sep

16-Sep Play/Evaluate
Student Games

21Sep

23-Sep Media Literacy

28Sep

FALL
Play/Evaluate
BREAK Card/Board Games

5-Oct 7-Oct

Card/Board
Games

Genres
Game Design
Document

12Oct

14-Oct Types of Design

Documentation

19Oct

21-Oct Mechanics of game Mobile/online

play
Game

26Oct

28-Oct Game Engines

2-Nov 4-Nov

Concept Art

9-Nov 11-Nov User Interface

16- 18-Nov Lab Time
Nov
23- Thanks Play/Evaluate
Nov giving Student Games
30- 2-Dec
Nov

Parameters for Final Game Journal

7-Dec 9-Dec

catchup week

16-Dec

Final

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, & EXPECTATIONS

I.

THE WAY IT IS

messy. If you want to succeed faster and want your

work to get better, whether you're a writer or an
animator, you need to increase the frequency of
your failures. Do more work. Don Hahn

Information has NO VALUE

Technology will NOT advance your art skills
If you are coming to college for information you are
wasting your time. You may have noticed they have
this thing called the internet where information is
free, or at least comparability inexpensive. Why
should someone hire you to do something, when
they can Google the tutorial and do it themselves?
There are several colleges and universities that have
illustration and animation programs. The schools
that turn out industry-level graduates generally run
for four years, have a higher tuition, and enroll only
exceptionally talented students in the first place. The
vast majority of applicants are turned away. You
have chosen an education here at the community
college. We only offer a two year program, tuition is
lower, and we are open enrollment, meaning we
turn away no one. There is no job waiting for you
solely on the fact you might graduate from here.
How are you going to use this college experience to
make sure you have some kind of value?
It is PRIMARILY YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY to
succeed.
Many talented artists have struggled and failed in
the professional world while others who are less
talented have succeeded. On the flip side some
people work really hard and get nowhere, while
others get traction towards their goals. Youll need
HARD WORK & TALENT, a little bit of luck helps too.
An instructor cannot bestow talent, they can only
teach, share, give assignments, persuade, direct,
critique, and encourage. They also cant do the hours
of practice and work that you will have to do to
master these skills. Various studies have determined
it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to reach
a level of mastery in any field. Those who will reach
their goals will be the small number of extraordinary
students who are both innately gifted and willing to
devote their complete attention to becoming serious
practitioners. How are you going to MAKE
YOURSELF into someone who must be paid
attention to because he or she has the passion,
talent, and persistence to change things?
It's all about getting your ideas down fast, and taking
some chances. In your work, don't be afraid to be

Computer software introduces the concept of

rewards without earning them. Software is filled
with amazing solutions to artistic problems; some
easy to find, some harder. Software is utilized best
when the artist has developed a vision in his or her
own minds prior to approaching the machine. Then,
the software becomes a tool, just like a pencil, to
create. However, when the artist dives into the
software, without utilizing any artistic efforts in their
own mind, they pull out canned solutions from the
software and think theyre great, but they are awful
and they are everywhere. You are not creating when
you invest so little. Engage software too early and
you will be dependent on out of the can solutions
and not on a creative visionary process.
(paraphrased from Ryan Woodward) Where are you
at artistically? Where do you want to be? How are
you going to get there?
II.
CONDUCT
The expectations for this course are that you are
engaged and present during class time. All phones
and any other devices should be silenced before
entering the classroom. If you have an emergency,
please exit the classroom to take the call. You are
expected to engage in discussion for the class. You
may use devices to access your textbook, take notes,
and research, but refrain from reading emails, social
networking, streaming videos, surfing the web, or
engaging in activities not related to the class.
Students must be enrolled in this section of the
course to attend, please do not bring children,
spouses or others to class with you (unless they too
are enrolled.)
The behavior and attitude that will make you a
valued professional in the workplace are also
important to curate in the classroom. Students
should try to maintain a standard of hygiene,
language, appearance, punctuality, inclusiveness,
friendliness, etc. to make this class a safe,
comfortable, and pleasant place for all to be. Class
behavior disruptive to the learning environment will
be referred to the Dean of Students.

Students are responsible for keeping track of their

own materials. No school property may be removed
from the room. You may not record or publish
information from the class without written
authorized use from the instructor. If used without
authorization you have violated privacy/intellectual
property rights.
I do not offer content accommodations. If you find
any of the content of this course offensive you may
opt not to participate. If you choose not to
participate in a section of the class that is worth
points, you will not receive them.
SLCC HAS A NO FOOD OR DRINK POLICY FOR ALL
COMPUTER LABS.
Academic Honesty will be strictly enforced in this
course. Any behavior deemed unethical or that does
not abide by reasonable academic honesty will result
in action by the professor. STUDENTS CAUGHT
CHEATING IN THIS COURSE WILL FORFEIT THEIR
RIGHT TO PASS THIS COURSE.
College policy on the student code of conduct can be
read here:
http://vvww.slcc.edu/policies/docs/Student_Code_o
f_Conduct.pdf
III.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Realize that time management is a myth.

Find out where you're wasting time.
Create time management goals.
Implement a time management plan.
Use time management tools.
Prioritize ruthlessly.
Learn to delegate and/or outsource.
Establish routines and stick to them as
much as possible.
Get in the habit of setting time limits for
tasks.
Be sure your systems are organized.
Don't waste time waiting.

http://www.slcc.edu/academiccalendar/index.aspx
IV.
DEADLINES
Project deadlines are not negotiable. Make backups
of all digital work. My hard drive crashed or similar
excuses will be ignored. Legitimate excuses for late

assignments do exist, if you are so sick that you

cannot possibly make your commitment to be in
class, every effort should be made to get your
assignment into the hands of a classmate so that it is
not late. Chronic illness and the associated absences
and/or late assignments cannot be rewarded. Lack of
attendance will affect your grade regardless of the
late circumstances. Drawing, design, story,
animation are processes of constant improvement.
We have frequent critiques to review the progress of
your work. If your work is not finished you are still
expected to display it and participate.
V.
REVISIONS
Projects that are turned in on time will not receive a
final grade until the end of the semester so that you
will have the opportunity to make revisions. You will
receive a temporary grade at the time each is due.
When the revisions are completed a final grade will
be assigned to each, if the revisions are done poorly
the grade will not be improved and may even drop.
Projects should be reworked based on the critique
comments until they are as strong as possible.
VI.
GRADING CRITERIA
My professional experience and aesthetic
preferences are factors that influence my judgment.
Specific objectives for each project will be outlined
and explained in-class. The purpose of the
assignments are not to display cleverness, but to
learn something you did not already know. You must
demonstrate your skills and abilities in a professional
manner to receive full credit for an assignment.
Students will receive point value for work that meets
the criteria as given. Grades will be given in the
following breakdown as recommended by the Visual
Art and Design Department.
A = 100 93
A- = 92 90
B+ = 89 87
B = 86 83
B- = 82 80
C+ = 79 77
*lowest passing grade: D-

C = 76 73
C- = 72 70
D+ = 69 67
D = 66 63
D- = 62 60*
E = 59 0

VII.
VISUAL ART & DESIGN DEPARTMENT
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is required. This class is a studio class.
Most of the class work and evaluations will be
completed during class time. As a training ground for
work you should know promptness affects

professionalism. Students are expected to attend all

classes in which they are enrolled on a regular and
punctual basis. Failure to do so indicates that the
student is not serious about his or her education.
If, on occasion, a student must miss class he or she is
responsible to acquire notes and assignments from
CANVAS or another student. Networking with other
students is highly recommended.
If a student has a serious illness or has another valid
and compelling reason for being absent more than
20% of the class periods, he or she should talk to the
instructor about receiving an incomplete grade.
The students should then be prepared to show
documentation of the validity of the absences. Work
for the class must then be completed within the next
year or else the grade will become an E.
It must be emphasized that domestic problems, job
conflicts, vacations, weddings, other class or
schedule conflicts, etc., are not considered valid and
compelling reasons for non-attendance. Instructors
are not allowed to give an incomplete grade for
these excuses.
Students who are absent for more than
approximately 20% of the class periods in a
semester, and who do not have a valid, documented
excuse, will receive an E grade for the course. To
avoid this, the student must officially withdraw from
the class in the time frame outlined by the College.
If a student is tardy, it is his or her responsibility to
notify the teacher of attendance before the class is
over.
Classes Per Wk Days Missed = E
1
3
2
6
3
9
4
12
5
15
NOTE: 3 Lates = 1 Absence
VIII.
PREREQUISITE & AUDIT INFORMATION
It is the students responsibility to examine each
course description for details of prerequisite classes.
Those prerequisites must be satisfied before the
designated class may be taken. All prerequisite
courses must be completed with a grade of C or
better in order to continue with the program. A

student may be dropped from a class if the

prerequisite has not been completed.
Not all Visual Art & Design (ART) classes may be
audited. This is especially true for any VAD class that
has a prerequisite. Students wishing to audit any
VAD (ART) class without officially completing a
prerequisite with a grade of C or better must obtain
signed permission from the instructor. VAD (ART)
classes that do not have a prerequisite may be
audited as per the Auditing Classes guidelines.
Please see the SLCC General Catalog for more
information.
IX.
ADA STATEMENT
Students with medical, psychological, learning or
other disabilities desiring accommodations or
services under ADA, must contact the Disability
Resource Center (DRC). The DRC determines
eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these
accommodations and services for the college. Please
contact the DRC at the South city Campus, 1575
South State Street, Room 1-061M. Phone/TTY: (801)
957-3258 Fax: (801) 957-3398 or by email:
[email protected]
http://www.slcc.edu/drc/
X.

COLLEGE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

If you SEE something, SAY something

If you witness:

Theft
Accident
Violence
Suspicious Activity
Life, Safety or Emergency

Call 911!
For matters of heat, power, HAZMAT, [unknown
smells or spills], call: DAYTIME: 801-957-3911 or
NIGHTTIME: 801-898-4910.
If a power outage occurs such that the professor
cancels that specific class, please do not assume the
rest of your classes are cancelled. Normally, power
is restored within half an hour. To get accurate
information on how long an outage is expected to
last, and whether the College president is canceling
classes, call the information hotline from a campus

phone by dialing INFO (4636). From a cell phone or

other outside phone, call 801-957-INFO (801-9574636).

Wait to re-enter directed by authorized

personnel
DO NOT re-enter just because the alarm has
stopped sounding

SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS

If weather conditions are severe enough to cause
concern regarding the open/closed status of the
college, everyone can get timely and accurate
information by calling the Information Hotline, 801957-INFO or 801-957-4636. Information is posted on
this hotline at 5:00 a.m. and will be updated as
conditions change. Major media may also provide
information about school closures.
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM (EAS)
SLCC has an emergency alert system that sends
alerts to students and employees simultaneously via
electronic devices. When a serious emergency
event occurs, this system will help ensure that alerts
reach you. The service is free, but students and
employees must sign up (and update when contact
information changes) by going to your MyPage
account, and enter into the EAS. Follow the prompts
relevant to your status and provide the information
requested.
BUILDING EVACUATION (INCLUDING FIRE ALARMS)
1. Identify all exits from the classroom. Also identify
both the nearest and the alternate building exits.
Remind students that elevators should not be used
as emergency exits.
2. Inform the students:

Of the assembly location outside the

building (move a reasonable distance from
the building or emergency) where your
class can regroup
That you are required to verify they are
accounted for at the regroup area
That the lights will be turned out and the
door closed
That EVERYONE is required to evacuate
upon direction of the professor, or other
emergency personnel directives, or at a fire
alarm!
To stay clear of the building, emergency
responders and their equipment

3. If there are individuals in the class who require

assistance or accommodation, they must give you
notice privately as soon as possible. (Faculty Note-If
a student has a DRC authorized accommodation,
follow the authorized accommodation. If you have
concerns about a students mobility, such as use of
wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or other mobility
problems, please call the DRC for guidance. If you
have concerns about how to evacuate any student
who has identified they need assistance, please
contact the Emergency Manager, Scott Jones, at
4963).
XII. Title IX Information:
20 U.S.C.A. Section 1681 (a): TITLE IX
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of
sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied
benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under
any education program or activity receiving federal
funds.
Examples of violations (but not limited to):
} Sexual advances, requests for sexual
favors and sexually motivated physical
conduct
} Overt or subtle pressure for sexual activity
} Sexually offensive verbalization including
remarks, teasing, slurs, and innuendo
} Repeated inappropriate jokes or
comments about sex or gender specific
traits
} Conduct that is demeaning or derisive and
occurs substantially because of ones
gender
} Sexual assault
} Sexual Violence
} Gender based disparate treatment

Violations can occur in any college environment,

such as (but not limited to):

} Field Trips
} Student Clubs
} Transportatio
n

} Classroom
s
} Athletics
} On
Campus
Events

If you have questions or concerns regarding your

rights or responsibilities, or if you would like to file a
Title IX complaint please contact:
Students- Dr. Marlin Clark, Dean of Students, 801957-4776, STC 276 A (Redwood)
Employees or Community members- Ken
Stonebrook, Title IX & Discrimination Manager, 801957-5027, AAB 211G (Redwood)
Online Reporting Formhttp://www.slcc.edu/eeo/title-ix/complaint.aspx
Salt Lake Community College has a strong
prohibition against RETALIATION! The college does
not tolerate acts of retaliation against anyone for
engaging in filing a complaint or participating in an
investigation.
XII.
CATCH ALL
I dont claim to know everything, and am a fallible
human being. I will inevitably make factual errors,
draw unjustified conclusions, and sometimes pass
my opinions along as fact. Let me know when I have
messed up, and please suggest ways my instruction
or this course can be improved. When doing so
please do so privately, and when appropriate, also
state your reasons and indicate your source of
authority. The course evaluations at the end of the
year are helpful, but the changes brought about
through that feedback will be too late to help you.
Don't wait until then to address a problem. Let me
know if links are broken. Items on this syllabus may
be added to or changed to better achieve the course
goals and needs of the student and instructor as
situations present themselves.