Introduction To Game Design

Curricular
Framework
A resource for educators and administrators
to bring interactive application and game
design into the classroom

© 2020 Unity Technologies unity.com | 1

Table of Contents
Introduction to the Unity Curricular Framework..........................................................................................5
00.A Why the Curricular Framework......................................................................................................................6
00 00.B How to Use This Document...............................................................................................................................6
00.C Overview of the Curricular Framework........................................................................................................7
00.D Assessment..........................................................................................................................................................8

Introduction to Game Design.............................................................................................................................10

01.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................10
01 01.B Curriculum Overview.........................................................................................................................................11
01.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................13
01.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................15

Critical Thinking in Game Design.....................................................................................................................17

02.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................17
02 02.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................18
02.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................20
02.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................22

Game Design Theory..............................................................................................................................................24

03.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................24

03 03.B Unit Outline..................................................................................................................................................................25

03.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................28
03.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................30

Story and Game Creation.....................................................................................................................................32

04.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................32
04 04.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................33
04.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................35
04.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................36

|2
 System Dynamics and Scripting Fundamentals....................................................................................... 38
05.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................38
05 05.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................39
05.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................41
05.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................42

Game Development Tools, Formats, and Asset Management............................................................44

06.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................44
06 06.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................45
06.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................46
06.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................47

Physics and Animation.........................................................................................................................................49

07.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................49
07 07.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................50
07.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................51
07.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................53

Environments and Level Design.......................................................................................................................55

08.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................55
08 08.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................56
08.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................58
08.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................59

Principles of Cameras and Lighting in Game Environments...............................................................61

09.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................61
09 09.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................62
09.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................64
09.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................65

Principles of Sound and Audio for Games..................................................................................................67

10.A Unit Description................................................................................................................................................67
10 10.B Unit Outline...........................................................................................................................................................68
10.C Learning Objectives and Assessments.....................................................................................................70
10.D Standards Alignment Guide..........................................................................................................................71

Basic Interfaces and the Build Process........................................................................................................73

11.A: Unit Overview...................................................................................................................................................73
11 11.B: Unit Outline..........................................................................................................................................................74
11.C: Learning Objectives and Assessments...................................................................................................75
11.D: Standards Alignment Guide........................................................................................................................76

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 Intermediate Animation and UI..........................................................................................................................78
12.A: Unit Overview...................................................................................................................................................78
12 12.B: Unit Outline..........................................................................................................................................................79
12.C: Learning Objectives and Assessments...................................................................................................80
12.D: Standards Alignment Guide........................................................................................................................81

Principles of Quality and Functionality Assurance in Game Development..................................83

13.A: Unit Overview...................................................................................................................................................83
13 13.B: Unit Outline..........................................................................................................................................................84
13.C: Learning Objectives and Assessments...................................................................................................85
13.D: Standards Alignment Guide........................................................................................................................86

Principles of Versioning and Game Release...............................................................................................88

14.A: Unit Overview...................................................................................................................................................88
14 14.B: Unit Outline..........................................................................................................................................................89
14.C: Learning Objectives and Assessments...................................................................................................90
14.D: Standards Alignment Guide........................................................................................................................91

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00

Introduction to the
Unity Curricular Framework
00.A Why the Curricular Framework 6
00.B How to Use This Document 6
00.C Overview of the Curricular Framework 7
00.D Assessment 8

This document provides a framework and resources for designing or

implementing courses for game design, game development, and Unity skill-
building. Educators, instructors and administrators can use this framework for
a variety of courses and in diverse classroom settings. Game development
MRWXVYGXSVWERHMRWXVYGXMSREPHIWMKRIVW[MPPƤRHKYMHERGIJSVXLIIRXMVIKEQI
HIWMKRTVSGIWWJVSQTVSXSX]TIXSXLITVSHYGXMSRSJEƤREPGETWXSRITVSNIGX

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5
00 Introduction to the Unity Curricular Framework

Some subjects that the Curricular Framework can be used to support include:

Game Design and Development Computer Science Graphic and User Interface Design

3D Graphics and Imaging Interactive Application Design

00.A Why the Curricular Framework 00.B How to Use This Document
The global media and entertainment industry is complex, The Curricular Framework is meant to be a jumping-off point
expansive and rapidly growing. Within it, two exciting, highly for the development of a full semester or year-long course in
GVIEXMZIERHMRGVIEWMRKP]PYGVEXMZIƤIPHWLEZIIQIVKIH game development. Each unit offers an outline of material,
that are capturing the hearts and minds of millions: digital interactive including suggestions for lessons and topics to be covered
development and video game creation. within those lessons, along with some suggested activities or
assignments that will help to deliver the intended content in
those units. The Activities and Resources Document
8LI9RMX]'YVVMGYPEV*VEQI[SVOWMQTPMƤIWXLITVSGIWW of
is an adjunct to the Curricular Framework, and offers
creating and delivering courses that allows educators to more easily
educators detailed assignments, resources and tutorials
teach the tools and methodologies of interactive application creation
that can be used to bring the Curricular Framework to life
in a classroom setting, using Unity as a primary development tool. in the classroom. Despite all of the resources provided,
Through the use of this framework, students can gain the technical we strongly encourage educators to tune the content to
skills of developing applications in Unity, as well as a broader the interests of their students, either by revising
understanding of the design principles that go into the development assignments and activities from the Activities and
Resources Document or by developing their own.
of video games and interactive applications, including:

• User Experience/User Interface Each unit includes standards alignment for a variety of
• Player Motivation and Incentivization different educational standards, including:
• Game Balance and Game Design Theory • Professional Standards for Interactive Application
• Visual Design and Video Game Creation
• Asset Development • Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
• Environment Design • STEM Career Clusters (SCC)
• Collaboration, Communication, and Teamwork • 21st-Century Skills (T21C)
• ISTE Standards
These skills are transferable to a variety of contexts outside
SJXLIƤIPHSJKEQIHIWMKRERHTVITEVIPIEVRIVW[MXLEWIX of These will help both educators and administrators
technical and soft skills that, if used correctly, can be invaluable to align the various units to the needs of their educational
their future studies and career prospects. institution.

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6
00 Introduction to the Unity Curricular Framework

00.C Overview of the Curricular Framework

This framework consists of 14 units, each containing a number of lessons that cover a variety of
topics which together serve as an introduction to video game and interactive application design,
Unity skill development, and game design theory. The units are as follows:

01 06 11
Introduction to Game Design Game Development Tools, Basic Interfaces and
This unit introduces the basic Formats, and Asset Management the Build Process
concepts of game design and begins This unit introduces concepts around This unit introduces concepts
the process of familiarizing learners ƤPIJSVQEXWERHYWEKISJMRXIPPIGXYEP around building UI elements such
with the Unity engine. property and discusses how to manage assets as buttons and menus and takes
learners through the build process
02 in the Unity Editor.

XSGVIEXITPE]EFPIKEQIƤPIW
Critical Thinking in Game Design 07
This unit introduces game analysis as Physics and Animation 12
an important tool for understanding This unit deepens learners’ Intermediate Animation and UI
how games function and guides understanding of Unity’s physics This unit deepens learners’
PIEVRIVWXLVSYKLWIXXMRKYTXLIMVƤVWX system and introduces them to some understanding of UI and
simple Unity projects. simple animation tools. introduces more complex
animation, including rigging
03 08 of humanoid avatars.
Game Design Theory Environments and Level Design
This unit introduces some of the This unit introduces concepts related
13
functional tools that designers use to level design, including gameplay Principles of Quality and
and asks learners to begin adding ƥS[ERHH]REQMGWERHHIITIRW Functionality Assurance in
to and modifying the projects they’re learners’ understanding of the ways Game Development
building. that rich environments can be This unit introduces the concept of
developed in Unity. a QA process and asks learners to
04 build and execute test plans for
Story and Game Creation 09 their capstone games.
This unit introduces learners to the Principles of Cameras and
unique possibilities that games hold Lighting in Game Environments 14
for telling stories and asks them to This unit introduces concepts around Principles of Versioning
begin thinking about how to build 3D Unity’s camera system, including and Game Release
environments in Unity. placement and management of This unit guides learners through
cameras, and focuses on how to
05 XLIƤREPWXITWSJGVIEXMRKXLIMV
light scenes effectively. release candidates.
System Dynamics and
Scripting Fundamentals 10
This unit introduces the fundamentals Principles of Sound Each unit contains a complete
of writing C# scripts in Unity as well and Audio for Games lesson outline with lesson titles,
as the Game Design Document, an This unit introduces basic sound topics within those lessons, and
industry-standard tool that game design in Unity as well as issues of some suggested activities or
designers and engineers can use. intellectual property and copyright. resources for that content.

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7
00 Introduction to the Unity Curricular Framework

00.D Assessment

00.D.1: Learning Objectives & Bloom’s Taxonomy Each unit in document are designed so that learners can

the Curricular Framework comes complete with Learning Objectives

experience hands-on learning and gain first-hand

and corresponding Demonstrations of Learning. Each

technical experience as they go through the course.

SJXLIWISFNIGXMZIWMWEPMKRIH[MXLEWTIGMƤGPIZIPMR
To evaluate this work, the Curricular Framework
Bloom’s Taxonomy, designed to cover the full range of assessment,
offers two broad rubrics that can be applied
from lower-level cognitive skills to higher-order thinking.
throughout the entire curriculum to assess student
progress: the Technical Rubric and the Grit Rubric.

00.D.2: Assessment Rubrics 00.D.2.A: Technical Rubric

The various assignments and activities in this A technical rubric is provided to help educators
document and in the Activities and Resources assess students on technical projects.

Technical Rubric

Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations Below Expectations

Technical Project is technically Project compiles Project does not compile

4VSƼGMIRG] complete, without bugs or as expected or has fatal errors
errors
Project elements are Project cannot be
Extra project elements are present played to completion
implemented, or student
Project achieves Project does not
has crafted project
learning objective demonstrate goal or
elements particularly well
learning objective at all
Student has achieved
learning objectives

Technical Student demonstrates a Student cannot answer

Student demonstrates
Familiarity basic understanding of questions about their
EƥYMHYRHIVWXERHMRK
their development process process
of their process and results
Student can identify but Student cannot answer
Student can identify not resolve the source questions about their
and offer a plan for of bugs in their code or results
resolving bugs in their output Student can not identify
code or their output XLIWSYVGISJFYKWSVƥE[W
in the code or the project

Design Sense Project demonstrates Project takes users into Project does not
a clear design sensibility account demonstrate an
awareness of the user
Project displays Project displays
information in thoughtful or information accurately Project is not user friendly
especially concise way and clearly or has elements that
cannot be accessed
Project is easy to use Project can be used
or understood without
without student input
student guidance
Project communicates
information incoherently
or not at all

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00 Introduction to the Unity Curricular Framework

00.D.2.A: Grit/Effort Rubric

A “grit”-focused rubric is included to measure effort
and perseverance rather than technical mastery. This
is often useful for teachers with students who have a
wide range of experience at the outset of the class and
as a mechanism to encourage students to challenge
themselves rather than “playing it safe.”
Grit/Effort Rubric

No Some Solid Excess

Evidence Evidence Evidence Evidence

Academic
Focus Student is on-task and engaged

Student participates in classwork and

class discussion by asking good questions or
contributing observations and connections

Student has and works to achieve a clear goal

Effort
Student plans to achieve high-quality work

Student pushes their skills and

tries to create more complex things

Student applies feedback and

incorporates it into future work

Perseverance
Student applies new strategies when faced

Student researches new avenues or new

tactics to tackle problems

Process Student can describe the process of their

work and incorporates previous failures as
lessons for next time

© 2020 Unity Technologies unity.com | 9

 Introduction To Game Design

01

Introduction to Game Design

01.A Unit Description................................................................................10
01.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................11
01.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................13
01.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................15

01.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to provide a high-level overview
of game design and the game creation process. Learners will be
introduced to various game genres during this unit. They will also become
familiar with elements of gameplay and project management concepts as
related to interactive application and video game creation. Learners will
also become familiar with the basic operations of the Unity Editor.

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10
01 Introduction to Game Design

01.B Curriculum Overview

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Game/application What is a game/application and Have students describe games

how is it created? they’ve played, and identify their
design overview
Where do we play games? parts such as assets, narrative,
Platforms; console, PC, mobile objectives, etc.
Who makes games?
What makes a game enjoyable?
What makes a game unenjoyable?
• Unfair
• Can’t do anything
• Confusing
• Game Balance
• Player Agency
• UX/UI
Knowing the players
Bartle Types
Game genres
Genres are linked to gameplay, not
story or theme
Game Platforms
Xbox, Playstation, Switch, PC,
Mobile, etc.

2. Game element Narrative formation Use the Game Analysis Activity

Stories in games in the Activities and Resources
exploration
Game design document to get students
How the designer sees the game started thinking about games in
Objectives a scholarly/critical way.
The player’s goal or goals
Player options
What players can do to affect the
game
Sequences
Linking moments in games together
for deeper, more interesting play
Mechanics
Rules that control how players act
in the game
Game aesthetics
The look-and-feel of a game
Dramatic elements
Draws elements from traditional
novels, cinema, theater, etc.
Multimedia inclusions
Some games are text, some are still
images, some are moving pictures,
2D, 3D, music, sound

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11
01 Introduction to Game Design

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

3. Gameplay Game theory introduction Use the +EQI1SHMƼGEXMSR

Games as systems, interconnected Activity in the Activities and
Player-centered design Resources document to start
Balance students thinking of games as
Game economies something they can change and
Some consume resources in-game, manipulate.
some consume player time
Challenge development
Keeping challenge levels appropriate for
players
“Flow”
Level design
What happens where, when?
How can levels surprise players?

4. Project management for What is project management? Have students take a scene
game development Tools and skills that help projects thrive from a game they’re familiar
Why is project management important? with and list every asset present
Communication, clarity, collaboration in the scene – objects, lighting,
The Four Phases of animations, sound, etc. Ask
Project Management (model)
students to estimate how long it
might take to make each object.

5. Unity Editor for Setting up a new project Use the Exploring the Unity
game creation Create a project Editor Activity in the Activities
Import assets and Resources document to get
Navigating within the Unity Editor students set up and familiar with
Move, rotate, pan, select the basics of the Unity Editor.
Game, hierarchy, inspector, asset panels
Game mode, edit mode Make sure students are familiar
with the basic layout of the
editor and know how to move
around and highlight objects in
the editor.

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01 Introduction to Game Design

01.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Identify basic game design principles, From memory, learners can list or label 1. Remember
reciting common (visual, audial, basic game design principles.
01.1
interactive, narrative, etc.) choices,
styles, and/or aesthetics.

Demonstrate the ability to review Learners can research online game 2. Understand
and summarize contemporary video reviews, citing the vocabulary related to
01.2
games, examining intent, form, and game play and design elements.
functionality.

Implement the fundamental concepts Learners can consistently and correctly 3. Apply
of project management within the apply project management fundamentals
01.3
context of the interactive application as an essential function of game
and video game development process. development.

Use the Unity Editor to open and Learners can demonstrate how to 1. Remember
organize a simple project or scene. open a predeveloped scene, view its
01.4 GSQTSRIRXWERHGSRƤKYVIXLIYWIV
interface within the game editor.

Differentiate primary components Learners will be able to differentiate 2. Understand

within the game editor, examining their the following game development
purpose and function. components:
Assets
Hierarchy
Inspectors/properties
01.5 Parenting/nesting
Views: Scene
Game animation
Light mapping
Occlusion culling
Prefabs

Distinguish contemporary game genres Supplied with a list of contemporary 4. Analyze

and platforms. games, learners will consistently and
correctly characterize genre inclusion,
TVSZMHMRKEHIUYEXINYWXMƤGEXMSRJSVKIRVI
selection. Learners can also differentiate
popular gaming platforms, describing the
01.6 advantages and disadvantages in terms
of hardware (i.e., peripheral) features and
gameplay modalities.

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01 Introduction to Game Design

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Devise systems to organize and Learners can design a game rating 4. Analyze
illustrate the interactivity and system to rank interactivity and player
01.7
player immersion that exist within immersion.
contemporary video games.

Reconstruct the rules of contemporary Based on the review created by the 5. Evaluate
games, in order to improve the learner, the learner will formulate a
gameplay experience. +EQI1SHMƤGEXMSR8EWO7LIIX and a
01.8 +EQI1SHMƤGEXMSR4PER, identifying key
differentiators of the game, possible
issues, and/or areas for improvement.

Critique contemporary video games, Upon selecting a game of their liking, 5. Evaluate
providing adequate arguments and learners can write a critique using
01.9 NYWXMƤGEXMSR appropriate standards and terminology.

Interpret the role of game narrative Within small group interactions, 5. Evaluate
and gameplay, evaluating its impact learners can argue or defend the value
on the interactive storytelling of game narrative and game play,
01.10 environment. evaluating its impact on the game
FIMRKHMWGYWWIHERHMRƥYIRGMRKSXLIVW
within the group.

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01 Introduction to Game Design

01.D Standards Alignment Guide

01.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
01.1.3: Explain the role of iteration in the design process.
01.1.4: Explain the difference between game mechanics and gameplay.
01.6.2: Demonstrate understanding and ability to use game mechanics to improve gameplay.
01.1.6: Assess and describe the basic gameplay from an existing game.
01.1.7: Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of several game mechanics used in a contemporary game.
01.1.8: Investigate the concept of “Interactive Narrative” and explain how it could pertain to game design.
01.1.9: Explain the relevance of ambiance and environment in game design.
01.1.10: Determine the relevance of character development, backstory, and attributes (power,
speed, intelligence, empathy, etc.) in game design.
01.1.11: Differentiate basic game player types and objectives with examples (thrill seekers, socializers,
explorers, achievers).
01.1.12: Evaluate and describe various 2D and 3D, single and multiuser genre.
01.1.16: Describe available target platforms, their capabilities and constraints.
01.1.20: Examine an existing game and critique its design with respect to functionality and usability.
01.1.21: Examine an existing game and critique its design with respect to artistic impression and
emotional response.
01.1.22: Examine an existing game and attempt to determine the developer’s target demographics
and its appeal for basic player types and objectives.

01.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.6-8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events,
WGMIRXMƤGTVSGIHYVIWI\TIVMQIRXWSVXIGLRMGEPTVSGIWWIW
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and
collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

01.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the full
range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.

01.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively. Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly

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15
01 Introduction to Game Design

01.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS3: Planning and carrying out investigations
NGSS4: Analyzing and interpreting data

01.D.6: ISTE Standards

1A: Students articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies that leverage technology to achieve
XLIQERHVIƥIGXSRXLIPIEVRMRKTVSGIWWMXWIPJXSMQTVSZIPIEVRMRKSYXGSQIW
1D: Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to
choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore
emerging technologies.
2D: Students manage their personal data to maintain digital privacy and security and are aware of
data-collection technology used to track their navigation online.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

02

Critical Thinking
in Game Design
02.A Unit Description 17
02.B Unit Outline 18
02.C Learning Objectives and Assessments 20
02.D Standards Alignment Guide 22

02.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to develop critical thinking and
problem-solving skills. Learners will be introduced to various strategies and
techniques for idea generation, problem-solving, and critical analysis.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

02.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Introduction to creative and What does it mean to think critically? Quick Critical Thinking Exercise:
Think creatively? Alien Tour Guide
critical thinking practices
Critical thinking terms Have students describe a
• Ambiguity familiar environment (classroom,
• Assumptions school, etc.,) as if they were
• Values talking to an alien with no
• Emotions knowledge of human culture.
• Argument Which parts are easy to
• Fallacy describe? Which parts are hard?
• Thinking barriers What implicit assumptions aboǎt
• Language the space do we hold?
Tools for critical thinking
(e.g., SWOT analysis) Go back to the +EQI1SHMƼGEXMSR
• Strengths Assignment from the previous unit.
• Weaknesses Have students perform a SWOT
• Opportunities EREP]WMWSRXLIMVQSHMƤGEXMSRW
• Threats
Critical thinking and the evaluation process Hold a class discussion analyzing
the phrase in the Critical Thinking
Assignment in the Activities and
Resources document.

2. Idea generation Introduction to brainstorming Students should get into groups

and mind mapping and brainstorm ideas for a new
Idea sorting game to work on. They should
• Immediate usefulness come up with ideas for:
• Areas for exploration • Story and theme
• New approaches to • Protagonist
problem-solving • Antagonist

3. Phases of decision- 4VSFPIQMHIRXMƼGEXMSR ,EZIWXYHIRXWƤRMWLXLIDesign

;LEXEWWTIGMƤGEPP]EWTSWWMFPI Analysis Assignment provided
making/problem-solving
is the problem? in the Activities and Resources
Information gathering HSGYQIRXXSMHIRXMJ]WTIGMƤG
What do we need to know about the changes to a game and guess
problem? about what effects those changes
When does it happen? How? would have on the game.
To whom? Why?
Brainstorm solutions
Develop a list of possibilities
Compare the pros and cons of each option
Examine each possibility and choose one
to test
Test selected solution & evaluate the
effectiveness of the solution
Did it solve the problem?
Did it create new problems?
Repeat

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

4. Setting Up a Project Navigating in the Unity Editor Have students complete the
Implement a Microgame
in the Unity Editor
Importing Assets Assignment in the Activities
and Resources document. This
The Game View and the Scene View will give them all the resources
they need to put together a
small playable game and begin
tweaking it.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

02.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

(IƤRIGVIEXMZIERHGVMXMGEPXLMROMRK 0IEVRIVWGERHIƤRIXLIQIERMRKSJ 1. Remember

critical thinking and creative thinking.

02.1

Learners can explain contemporary Learners can explain the Six-step 1. Remember
problem solving methods, providing Problem-solving Process and can
examples. associate the steps with real-world
02.2 examples.

Demonstrate the ability to determine Given a paragraph, learners can 2. Understand

essential questions, issues, and/or determine the key questions or issues
problems. within the content.
02.3

Use contemporary problem-solving Learners can use brainstorming 3. Apply

techniques. XIGLRMUYIWXSKIRIVEXIEXPIEWXƤZI
possible solutions for a given situation or
02.4 problem.

Differentiate between a game review Learners can distinguish a game review 2. Understand
and a critical analysis of a game. versus a critical analysis of a game.

02.5

Break down a problem into its Given a series of scenarios, learners 5. Evaluate
component parts, set priorities, and can recognize and prioritize likely failure
explore methods of resolution. TSMRXWWXYH]MRKGSQQSRQSHMƤGEXMSRW
02.6 used to avoid such failure points.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Gather, generate, and evaluate relevant When supplied with an unfamiliar topic, 3. Analyze
information through effective research. learners can demonstrate an ability to
research the topic, correlating multiple
02.7 sources of relevant information.

Develop informed conclusions/ Learners can compile all information to 5. Evaluate

solutions. propose the most valid solutions.

02.8

Use logic and reasoning to identify Supplied with a particular problem 6. Create
the strengths and weaknesses of scenario, learners can generate a range
alternative solutions, conclusions, or of solutions and courses of action with
02.9 approaches to problems. FIRIƤXWGSWXWERHVMWOWEWWSGMEXIH[MXL
each.

Consider the relative costs and After being presented with an application 3. Analyze
FIRIƤXWSJTSXIRXMEPEGXMSRWXSGLSSWI design problem that includes multiple
the most appropriate one. possible solutions, the learner will analyze
02.10 the strengths and weaknesses of each
solution, deciding on the best option.

Use oral and written communication Learners can play a game reviewed in an 5. Evaluate
skills to clearly communicate and online gaming magazine, write their own
defend their positions or conclusions review, and compare it with the online
02.11 [MXLVIKEVHXSEWXSV]WTIGMƤGMWWYISV reviewers, defending their opinions and
evaluation. conclusions.

Predict when problems arise or are Given a series of scenarios, learners can 5. Evaluate
likely to arise within a given scenario. predict failure points and recommend
QSHMƤGEXMSRWXSEZSMHXLIJEMPYVITSMRXW
02.12

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

02.D Standards Alignment Guide

02.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.1.7: Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of several game mechanics used in an existing game.
1.1.20: Examine an existing game and critique its design with respect to functionality and usability.
1.1.21: Examine an existing game and critique its design with respect to artistic impression and emotional response.
1.2.3: Describe problem-solving processes and their application.
1.2.5: Describe methods for establishing priorities.
1.2.6: Explain the concept of “trade-offs” in the design process.
1.2.7: Explain how the “optimum solution” is not always the “best” solution.
1.3.8: Use brainstorming techniques to creatively generate a multitude of possible solutions to a stated problem.

02.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.1 'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to important distinctions the author makes and to any gaps or inconsistencies in the account. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.2
Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by
paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of
information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a
problem. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts,

YWMRKZEPMHVIEWSRMRKERHVIPIZERXERHWYJƤGMIRXIZMHIRGI
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and
information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

02.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC04 Information Technology Applications: 9WIMRJSVQEXMSRXIGLRSPSK]XSSPWWTIGMƤGXSXLIGEVIIVGPYWXIVXS
access, manage, integrate, and create information.

02.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly

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22
02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

02.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS1: %WOMRKUYIWXMSRW
JSVWGMIRGI
ERHHIƤRMRKTVSFPIQW
 JSVIRKMRIIVMRK

NGSS3: Planning and carrying out investigations

NGSS8: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

02.D.6: ISTE Standards

3.A: Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their
intellectual or creative pursuits.
3.B: Students evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources.
4.B: Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints
and calculated risks.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

03

Game Design Theory

03.A Unit Description................................................................................24
03.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................25
03.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................28
03.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................30

03.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to foster an understanding of
fundamental game design principles, including genres, goals, mechanics,
player motivation, structure, and gameplay. Learners will analyze different
types of 2D and 3D games, create proposals for building common game types,
and begin learning the process of building games using the Unity Editor.

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03 Game Design Theory

03.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Introduction to Broad categories and Hold a class discussion about

distinguishing characteristics the difference between genres
game genres
Games are grouped in genres based in movies and novels vs video
on how they’re played, as opposed games.
to their themes or narrative.
Comparison of 2D and 3D game Genres in games are connected
environments to how they’re played:
• *47
Common environment mechanics,
player views, and player controls
Player controls describe how the
players interact with the game.
ƤVWXTIVWSR shooter) Document to solidify their
• RPG (role-playing game) Have students complete the understanding of genre in
• Action Genre Exploration Assignment in games.
• Puzzle the Activities and Resources
• Bullet hell, etc.

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03 Game Design Theory

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

2. Overview of key Game concept Have students complete the

• Description Student-Led Game
components of
• Platform Analysis Assignment for
video game design • Genre Unit 3 in the Activities and
Backstory Resources document to help
• World and character them think critically about
construction games they’re familiar with.
• Emotion, Mood and Theme
Game mechanics Have students complete the
Rules Game Design Document
• Operational Outline Assignment in the
• Constitutive Activities and Resources
• Implicit document to begin sketching
• +EQIƥS[ out their design document for
• Gameplay their capstone project.
Game balance
Game balance refers to the ways that
games can be fair or unfair to their
players. Games can test player
MRXIPPIGXQIQSV]SVVIƥI\IWERH
“fair” can mean different things in
each case.
Goals and objectives
Goals and objectives demark
player progress.
Reward and motivation
Rewards motivate player
behavior towards goals.
Logic and challenges
Some games demand skill, others
demand that players use logic and
deductive reasoning to advance.
Game physics and mathematics
Accurate physics models are some
of the most resource intensive tasks
that games do.
Art/sound
The visual style and sound of a
game are crucial to connect to an
audience and communicate the
game’s ideas to players.
Resource management
'SQTYXMRKVIWSYVGIWEVIƤRMXI
Memory and CPU cycles (processing
power) can’t be wasted by game
designers indiscriminately.

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03 Game Design Theory

3. Introduction to rapid The iterate-test cycle Have students complete

Designers build prototypes, test them, the Rules on Three Levels
iteration and prototyping
VIƤRIXLIQERHXLIRXIWXXLIQEKEMR Assignment in the Activities and
How to know what to test Resources document. When
Tests should have a clear question they’re done, discuss how you
they’re trying to answer. might test this new game, and
How to know what changes to make what rules you might iterate on.
7MQMPEVP][LIRHIWMKRIVWVIƤRIXLIMV
prototypes, they should change only
a few things at a time to make sure
their changes are the right ones.

4. Puzzle Design What is a puzzle in a game?

Puzzles ask players to use their
(Optional)
deductive skills, logic, or memory to
move forward.
Why are puzzles fun?
Puzzles can break up action
WIUYIRGIWƥIWLSYXWXSV]ERH
provide a different type of challenge.
How to make a good puzzle
• Good puzzles should be tough to
solve, but their solutions should
be obvious in retrospect.
• Think carefully about what the
player needs to know to solve
the puzzle. Make sure they have
XLEXMRJSVQEXMSR

5. Modifying content in the Use premade assets to change how a Have students complete the
microgame works in Unity. Implementing a New Microgame
Unity Editor
Activity in the Activities and
Develop new assets, import them into Resources document to
Unity, and use them in a microgame. reinforce the learning they’ve
done around downloading and
modifying assets.

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03 Game Design Theory

03.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Identify common game genres. Supplied with a list of video game 1. Remember
descriptions, the learner will be able to
identify the correct genre(s).
03.1

Categorize contemporary game Supplied with a list of gameplay 2. Understand

genres. characteristics, the learner will be able to
categorize each
03.2

Summarize important considerations Upon request, the learner will be able 3. Apply
in game design. to verbally summarize the important
considerations in
03.3

Describe rule creation and elements of Following the Rules on Three Levels 4. Analyze
player challenge Assignment, the learner, in writing, will be
able to identify, summarize, and interpret
03.4 the implicit, operational, and constitutive
rules of several contemporary video
games.

Explain the theories behind player The learner will be able to explain, in 4. Analyze
motivation. writing, the 11 basic psychological needs
that people can meet by playing video
03.5 games.

Generate models and materials for Using the Unity Editor, the learner will be 6. Create
project(s) created within the Unity able to create models and materials (per
Editor. technical guidelines set by the instructor)
03.6 [MXLMRXLIGSRƤRIWSJXLI9RMX])HMXSV
training assignments.

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03 Game Design Theory

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Apply fundamental concepts of project Supplied with a Project Charter Form 3. Apply
management. (PCF), learners will be able to integrate
the principles of project management
03.7 toward the completion of a basic project
charter for their capstone project.

Create a game proposal for a one- The learner will be able to write a game 6. Create
button game. proposal for a one-button game.

03.8

Differentiate 2D from 3D game Within live, small group settings, 4. Analyze

environments. learners will be able to communicate
the difference between top-down 2D
03.9 game environments and ground-up 3D
game environments, citing contemporary
examples as necessary to illustrate key
points of differentiation.

Examine the critical elements of puzzle The learner will be able to compose 5. Evaluate
design. a written analysis of puzzle design;
categorizing and contrasting popular,
03.10 contemporary puzzle examples and
debating the quality and effectiveness
(i.e., good vs bad) of puzzle design
products in the market.

Evaluate the importance of iteration Supplied with a complete review of 5. Evaluate

and rapid prototyping in game design. several contemporary games, learners
will be able to evaluate (in writing) the
role and importance of rapid prototyping
and iteration with the game production
TVSGIWWGMXMRKWTIGMƤGI\EQTPIWJSV
03.11 each game. Within live, small-group
environments, the learner will also
be able to select a game and judge
the importance of iteration and rapid
prototyping within the production
process, defending their statements and
debating opposing views.

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03 Game Design Theory

03.D Standards Alignment Guide

03.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
Identify theprimary stepsin thedesign process (Conceptualize, Prototype, Test,Analyze) .
1.1.1:Identify theprimary steps inthedesign process (Conceptualize, Prototype, Test,Analyze) .

Explain1.1.3:Explaintheroletheof roleiterationofiteraintionhe designinthedesignprocessprocess..

Explain1.1.4:Explainthedifferthencedifferbetwncebetweengame mechanicsgamemechanicsandgameplandameplay.
1.1.12: Evaluate and describe various 2D and 3D, single and multiuser genre.
1.2.8: Describe the difference between goals and objectives.
1.6.2: Demonstrate understanding and ability to use game mechanics to improve gameplay.

03.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments,
WMQYPEXMSRW
MRXSEGSLIVIRXYRHIVWXERHMRKSJETVSGIWWTLIRSQIRSRSVGSRGITXVIWSPZMRKGSRƥMGXMRKMRJSVQEXMSR when possible.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and
TVSƤGMIRXP]
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas,
concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question
(including a self-generated question) or solve a problem, narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate, and
synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating an understanding of the subject under investigation.

03.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the full
range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information

03.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and Self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners

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03 Game Design Theory

03.D.5: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS8: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

03.D.6: ISTE Standards

1D: Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to
choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore
emerging technologies.
4C: 7XYHIRXWHIZIPSTXIWXERHVIƤRITVSXSX]TIWEWTEVXSJEG]GPMGEPHIWMKRTVSGIWW
6C: Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects
such as visualizations, models or simulations.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

04

Story and Game Creation

04.A Unit Description................................................................................32
04.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................33
04.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................35
04.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................36

04.A Unit Description

This unit of study introduces the learners to the major elements of narrative for
interactive environments. The focus is on the concepts of storytelling in relation
to game design. Learners will explore the fundamentals of narrative creation
and the crucial importance of interactive storytelling. Learners will also use
storyboards to create a visual sequence of story development and gameplay.

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32
04 Story and Game Creation

04.A Unit Description (Cont’d)

Games offer some unique opportunities for storytelling. nature of computers to let games respond to simple
This unit will discuss simple ways to use branching choices made by the player. Environmental storytelling
narratives and environmental storytelling, two narrative relies on the physical environment that the player
techniques unique to games. Branching narratives (like moves through to tell part of the story. Both have simple
Choose Your Own Adventure stories) use the procedural implementations that students can use.

04.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Parts of a story Events/structure Story diagram: Have

• An “inciting event” sets the story in motion. students pick a story
• What events help propel the story along? they’re familiar with and
• How do the player’s choices change the diagram the inciting
story’s direction, if at all? incident, rising action,
• A climax resolves the events of the story climax, and falling action.
Characters and character development
• Main characters change and evolve over the
course of a game.
• Is there a relationship between the character’s
mechanical abilities in the game and their position
in the story?
Character archetypes
• What are character archetypes and why are
they useful?
• Archetypes like “Hero,” “Helper,” and “Foil”
help us make sense of stories by giving us
familiar dynamics.
• We can use archetypes to subvert expectations, too.
Visual design of characters
• How characters look communicates a lot about
the character and the world that they’re in.
• How do you make a visually compelling character?
• Environments
• This is the location or locations where the story takes place.
• Some games have lots of environments, some
of them have very few.
• Environments are crucial for helping players
make sense of the game world.
Theme
• The theme of a game or story is a central
concern that comes up again and again.
• Themes can be broad like “What is a hero?” or more
WTIGMƤGPMOIŰ&IXVE]EPJVSQ[MXLMREJEQMP]ű
Genre
• Game genres have as much to do with how the game
is played as they do with the content of the story.
• Genre can also contain elements like “tone” or “mood.”

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04 Story and Game Creation

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

2. Storytelling in games Player agency Have students get into groups

• Agency is the ability to make choices. and complete the Group Story
• As a designer, it’s your job to Generation Activity in the Activities
determine how the choices players and Resources document to
make affect the story and the game. generate ideas for stories that
Branching structures might be turned into video games.
• When players make some choices, (MWGYWWWTIGMƤGHVEQEXMGTSMRXWMR
they might see different outcomes, those stories. How can designers
this is called a “branching” storyline. make those dramatic moments feel
• Sometimes branches can come exciting? How can we give players
back together, but be careful that the feeling of being there instead of
players don’t feel like their choices are just watching?
meaningless.
Environmental storytelling
• Environmental storytelling is when
information about the story is in the
environment that players encounter,
instead of having a character say it
out loud.
• Murder mysteries are a good example
of environmental storytelling: readers
must understand the story of what
happened from the scene of the crime.

3. Tools for stories Storyboards Have students make a storyboard

• A storyboard is a tool used to show for the story that they diagrammed
different shots or scenes in a story. above.
• Storyboards are an important tool for
communicating an idea visually. Have students complete the Game
• Storyboards can be short, or very Design Document Storyboard
complex. Assignment in the Activities and
Game Design Document Resources document to deepen
• The Game Design Document is a record their understanding of the stories in
of every concept, asset, and mechanic their proposed prototype games.
that is going to go into a game.
• It is the most important tool for a team Have students complete the Work
to collaborate on, because it gives Breakdown Structure Exercise
everyone information about the state of in the Activities and Resources
the game. document and focus on trying to
Terrain tools and environmental objects get good estimates for how much
• The Unity Editor has a powerful terrain time each asset will take to create.
editing tool. Think about learning time, and how
• This lets users create realistic to reuse work.
environments such as meadows,
canyons, or urban scenes. Have students complete the
Work Breakdown Structure Terrain Activity in the Activities
A Work Breakdown Structure document shows and Resources document to begin
each task in the creation of a game, along with practicing with Unity’s powerful
a clear estimate of how long that task will take. Terrain Tool.

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04 Story and Game Creation

04.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Deconstruct and review the general Given a brief storyline, the learner 4. Analysis
principles of storytelling. [MPPGVIEXIGLEVEGXIVTVSƤPIWSJXLI
04.1 protagonist and antagonist.

)\TPEMRXLIFIRIƤXWSJWXSV]XIPPMRKERH Given a set of character descriptions, 2. Comprehension

the power of narrative. the learner will be able to categorize the
04.2 archetype.

Describe the process of creating 1. Knowledge

characters and designing character +MZIREWTIGMƤGEVGLIX]TIXLIPIEVRIV[MPP
04.3 actions within the storyline. be able to summarize the characteristics
and typical function

Explain the use of storyboarding in Given a storyboard, the learner will be 3. Application
game design. able to identify the important narrative
04.4 and gameplay beats in the storyboard.

-HIRXMJ]XLIFIRIƤXWSJGVIEXMRKE Given a storyboard, the learner will be 2. Comprehension

storyboard. able to identify the important narrative
04.5 and gameplay beats in the storyboard.

Explain how storyboard techniques can Given a story, the learner will be able 5. Synthesis
be used to further a storyline. to construct a storyboard showing the
04.6 important transitions and beats.

Create and control terrain within the The learner is able to build recognizable 3. Application
Unity Editor. terrain in the Unity Editor.
04.7

Differentiate between the Concept The learner is able to identify the uses of 1. Knowledge
Document, the Story Treatment, and the GDD, the Concept Document, and the
04.8 the Game Design Document (GDD). Story Treatment.

Distinguish components of a Work Given a project, a learner will be able to 6. Evaluation

Breakdown Structure (WBS) break down tasks and assign estimated
04.9 times to those tasks.

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04 Story and Game Creation

04.D Standards Alignment Guide

04.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.1.8: Investigate the concept of “Interactive Narrative” and explain how it could pertain to game design.
1.1.10: Determine the relevance of character development, backstory and attributes (power, speed,
intelligence, empathy, etc.) in game design.
1.3.1: Use appropriate, accurate terminology when communicating about artistic concepts and technology.
1.3.2: Write effectively, producing clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to the purpose and audience.
1.3.13: Assemble sketches and annotations into storyboards and presentations for both print and web.
1.3.14: Create a narrative and storyboard for a new interactive app/video game.
2.3.10: Explain what differentiates characters from other objects.

04.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas,
concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of
content. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using
effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style
are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.5 Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or
XV]MRKERI[ETTVSEGLJSGYWMRKSREHHVIWWMRK[LEXMWQSWXWMKRMƤGERXJSVEWTIGMƤGTYVTSWIERHEYHMIRGI

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual
or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.10 ;VMXIVSYXMRIP]SZIVI\XIRHIHXMQIJVEQIW
 XMQIJSVVIWIEVGLVIƥIGXMSRERH
revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

04.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC04 Information Technology Applications: 9WIMRJSVQEXMSRXIGLRSPSK]XSSPWWTIGMƤGXSXLIGEVIIVGPYWXIVXS
access, manage, integrate, and create information.
SCC07 Leadership and Teamwork: Use leadership and teamwork skills in collaborating with others to
accomplish organizational goals and objectives.

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04 Story and Game Creation

04.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Work Creatively with Others
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly, Collaborate with Others
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information, Use and Manage Information
ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy: Apply Technology Effectively
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and Self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners
Productivity and Accountability: Manage Projects, Produce Results

04.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS8: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

04.D.6: ISTE Standards

4C: 7XYHIRXWHIZIPSTXIWXERHVIƤRITVSXSX]TIWEWTEVXSJEG]GPMGEPHIWMKRTVSGIWW
6A: Students choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their
creation or communication.
6B: Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

05

System Dynamics and

Scripting Fundamentals
05.A Unit Description 38
05.B Unit Outline 39
05.C Learning Objectives and Assessments 41
05.D Standards Alignment Guide 42

05.A Unit Description

The focus of this unit of study is to introduce learners to the concepts of system
thinking, using a set of simple examples developed in Unity. Learners will begin
to understand the interdependent elements of game design –
for example, the connection between the velocity of a game object, and
XLIHMJƤGYPX]SJXLIKEQI0IEVRIVW[MPPEPWSVIGSKRM^IXLIRIIHJSVKEQI
documentation and begin developing their own scripts.

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05 System Dynamics and Scripting Fundamentals

05.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Components of a System thinking and system awareness Have students complete the
Game Design Document What are the inputs (e.g., player Project Proposal for Capstone
controls) and outputs (e.g., movement) Activity in the Activities and
(GDD)
of the system? Resources document. This helps
How does changing inputs change them focus their design skills
outputs? on the game they’re planning on
Design for game development making for their capstone project.
What makes a game fun? Consider following this assignment
What makes a game challenging? with the Systems Thinking and
What makes a game boring? Game Development Assignment
Establishing the game purpose in the Activities and Resources
What do you want this game to feel like? document.
How might you make that happen?
Identifying the audience and understanding
the player
Who do you think would like to play your
KEQI#&IWTIGMƤG

Why would your game appeal to that

person?
Goals and objectives for games
How does your game end?
How does a player win?
How does a player lose?
Creating the game script and narrative
What is the story of your game?
;LEXMWXLIGSRƥMGXMRXLIWXSV]#
How is it resolved?

2. Systems thinking and design Using the script and storyboard Have students complete the
Narrative fundamentals Systems Thinking and Game
Storyboarding Player Progress Development Planning Assignment
Sequences and triggers in the Activities and Resources
Player actions vs system actions document. Ask them to think about
Player triggers their capstone project as they
System triggers work on this assignment. Consider
Flowcharting the player process following this assignment with the
Inputs J Outputs Creating a Game Development
Creating a complete Plan Assignment in the Activities
Game Design Document (GDD) and Resources document.
Project: Build a GDD for a simple game.
Every element of the game that the
player encounters should be represented
in the GDD.
Use a simple project as an example.

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05 System Dynamics and Scripting Fundamentals

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

3. Anatomy of creating scripts Class Have students complete the

A class is a set of methods and data Building Learner Scripting Skills
that are grouped together in order to Assignment in the Activities and
be used together. Resources Document. Students
Declarations will set up new projects, download
A declaration is when values new assets, and begin writing
are assigned to variables. simple scripts.
Variables
Variables are containers that
hold different types of data.
Event sequencing
Events in a script proceed from top
to bottom, unless the script contains
a loop (FOR, WHILE) or a
branching statement (IF)

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05 System Dynamics and Scripting Fundamentals

05.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Describe the system model as related The learner will be able to summarize, 1. Remember
to game development. in writing, the components of the design
05.1 and problem-solving process.

Create a system model to describe The learner will be able to diagram a 3. Apply
the connections between inputs and “system model” that clearly depicts
05.2 outputs in a game. the game development process and
interdependence of game components.

Create a basic script and attach it to Within the Unity Editor, learners are able 1. Remember
one or more game objects. to create simple script(s) to perform
05.3 WTIGMƤGEGXMSRWMREKEQI

Populate properties with values or Within the Unity Editor, learners are able 3. Apply
other game objects. to populate properties with values or
05.4 other game objects.

Sequence events by writing simple Learners will create scripts that affect 3. Apply
functions within a script. game functions and connect them to
05.5 game objects in order to see those
functions in action.

Analyze the sequencing of game When provided with several examples, 4. Analyze
actions. learners are able to effectively analyze the
05.6 sequencing of game actions.

Critique Game Design Documents When provided samples, learners will 5. Evaluate
(GDD). be able to critique the completeness of
05.7 a Game Design Document (GDD) for a
simple interactive application or video
game.

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05 System Dynamics and Scripting Fundamentals

05.D Standards Alignment Guide

05.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.2.2: Develop problem statements and design briefs.
1.2.3: Describe problem-solving processes and their application.
1.2.4: (IZIPSTWTIGMƤGEXMSRW
 GVMXIVMEERHGSRWXVEMRXW
XSSTXMQM^IWSPYXMSRW
1.2.12: Sequence objectives and tasks logically.
1.2.13: Explain and demonstrate project management techniques.
1.3.1: Identify and apply appropriate, accurate terminology when communicating about artistic concepts and technology.
1.3.5: Develop, analyze and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches, technical drawings,
graphical, mathematical and/or physical models.
1.3.8: Apply brainstorming techniques to creatively generate a multitude of possible solutions to a stated problem.
1.3.14: Create a narrative and storyboard for a new interactive app/video game.
1.8.4: Create, iterate and maintain a full set of game design documentation.
2.7.1: Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical concepts, logic and syntax shared by various
programming languages.
2.7.2: Demonstrate an understanding of “if” and “switch” statements.
2.7.3: Demonstrate an understanding of loops to manage recurring events.
2.7.4: Demonstrate an understanding of coroutines.
2.7.5: Demonstrate an understanding of Functions, Constants and Variables.
2.7.6: (IGPEVIERHYTHEXI*MIPHWERH4VSTIVXMIW[MXLZEVMIHEGGIWWQSHMƤIVW
2.7.9: Demonstrate an understanding of proper use of Classes and Functions

05.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1 'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step
procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEXXIRHMRKXSWTIGMEPGEWIWSVI\GITXMSRWHIƤRIHMRXLIXI\X

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEREP]^IXLIWTIGMƤGVIWYPXWFEWIHSRI\TPEREXMSRWMRXLIXI\X

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.6 Analyze the author’s purpose in providing an explanation, describing a

procedure, or discussing an experiment in a text, identifying important issues that remain unresolved. CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments,
WMQYPEXMSRW
MRXSEGSLIVIRXYRHIVWXERHMRKSJETVSGIWWTLIRSQIRSRSVGSRGITXVIWSPZMRKGSRƥMGXMRKMRJSVQEXMSR when possible.

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05 System Dynamics and Scripting Fundamentals

05.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the
full range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.

05.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners

05.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS1: %WOMRKUYIWXMSRW
JSVWGMIRGI
ERHHIƤRMRKTVSFPIQW
 JSVIRKMRIIVMRK

NGSS8: Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

05.D.6: ISTE Standards

3C: Students curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of
artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.
4C: 7XYHIRXWHIZIPSTXIWXERHVIƤRITVSXSX]TIWEWTEVXSJEG]GPMGEPHIWMKRTVSGIWW
5D: Students understand how automation works and use algorithmic thinking to develop a sequence of steps to
create and test automated solutions.

© 2020 Unity Technologies unity.com | 43

02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

06

Game Development Tools,

Formats, and Asset Management
06.A Unit Description................................................................................44
06.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................45
06.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................46
06.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................47

06.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are constructed to facilitate the design, development, and analysis
of existing tools used for game development. This unit will answer some questions about what
the Unity Engine actually is and how it’s best used in the creation of interactive applications and
video games. Additionally, the unit covers strategies for good asset management
ERHHMWGYWWIWHMJJIVIRXƤPIJSVQEXWWYTTSVXIHF]9RMX]ERHLS[XSMQTSVXERH
apply them to projects.

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06 Game Development Tools, Formats, and Asset Management

06.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Game engines What is a game engine? Have students brainstorm a

Game engines are sets of tools that list of all of the platforms they
make the design process easier. can think of, and then research
3D engines them. Which ones have similar
Many game engines are 3D engines, architecture? Which ones are
which allow users to build 3D very different? (For example,
environments. Xbox is basically PC architecture,
but the Mac and the iPhone are
very different.

2. Resource development +VETLMGƼPIJSVQEXWERHIHMXSVW %WOWXYHIRXW[LEXOMRHWSJƤPI

tools .jpg, .gif, .png, .img formats work best for what
:MHISƼPIJSVQEXWERHIHMXSVW kinds of media. Discuss “lossy”
.mp4, .avi, .mov vs lossless audio.
7SYRHƼPIJSVQEXWERHIHMXSVW
.wav, .ogg
%WWIXƼPIJSVQEXW
Assorted

3. Asset management The Hierarchy window Give students a chance to do

in Unity How is it organized? some free building in Unity.
Parent-child relationships What’s easy to build? What’s
The Project window hard?
Importing assets
+SSHƤPIQEREKIQIRXWXVEXIKMIW Talk students through organizing
their assets. How do assets get
grouped by type? Why might they
use nested folders?

4. Physics engines Collision detection Have students complete the

Dynamic simulation: rigid body Simple Coding Introduction in
and soft-body the Activities and Resources
document. This will help
students understand the basic
relationships in code.

5. Libraries What is a software library: Show students how to

Purpose and examples access the Unity Asset Store.
Dynamic versus static Demonstrate the wealth of free
libraries on the store containing
assets, scripts, etc.

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06 Game Development Tools, Formats, and Asset Management

06.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Explain the function and purpose of Learners will be able to hypothesize 4. Analyze
physics engines. several ways in which a physics engine
06.1 might be used within a game

Identify contemporary game Learners will be able to discuss the 1. Remember

development tools. principles of ray casting and explain why
06.2 it is used.

;VMXIWGVMTXWXLEXTIVJSVQWTIGMƤG Learners will be able to write scripts that 3. Apply

functions. move an object in response to player
06.3 input.

Understand basic Asset management. The learner will understand how and 3. Apply
why to group assets into folders, and the
06.4 nature of parent-child relationships in
objects.

Explain the purpose of dynamic The learner will be able to compare 1. Remember
libraries. purposes of static and dynamic libraries
06.5 and justify recommendations for the use
of each in particular situations.

Explain the function and purpose of Learners will be familiar with at least one 1. Remember
sound editing tools. free sound editor.
06.6

Build simple scripts that take player Learners will be able to write scripts that 3. Apply
input and translate it into game use Start and GetKeyDown keywords, and
06.7 actions. [LMGLVYRƤ\IH9THEXIW[MXLMREKMZIR
project development.

Understand the relationships between Learners will be familiar with the suite 5. Evaluate
different types of assets. of tools they’ll need to use to build their
06.8 capstone projects.

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46
06 Game Development Tools, Formats, and Asset Management

06.D Standards Alignment Guide

06.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.7.1: Assess and adapt technology tools and processes for producing deliverables that meet requirements
and quality standards.
1.7.9: Demonstrate a working knowledge of game development tools.
1.7.12: )\TPEMRXLIYWEKISJKVETLMGƤPIWJSVQEXWERHƤPIMRXIVSTIVEFMPMX]
1.7.13: )\TPEMRXLIYWEKISJZMHISƤPIJSVQEXWERHƤPIMRXIVSTIVEFMPMX]
1.7.14: )\TPEMRXLIYWEKISJEYHMSƤPIJSVQEXWERHƤPIMRXIVSTIVEFMPMX]
2.3.1: -QTSVXEWWIXWJVSQETTVSTVMEXIƤPIJSVQEXWJSVYWIMRHIZIPSTQIRX
2.7.13: Demonstrate an understanding of various programming interfaces.

06.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats
and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem. CCSS.ELA-
Literacy.RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments,
WMQYPEXMSRW
MRXSEGSLIVIRXYRHIVWXERHMRKSJETVSGIWWTLIRSQIRSRSVGSRGITXVIWSPZMRKGSRƥMGXMRKMRJSVQEXMSR when possible.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.10 By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the
KVEHIW§§''6XI\XGSQTPI\MX]FERHMRHITIRHIRXP]ERHTVSƤGMIRXP]
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.6 %GUYMVIERHYWIEGGYVEXIP]KIRIVEPEGEHIQMGERHHSQEMRWTIGMƤG[SVHWERHTLVEWIW

WYJƤGMIRXJSVVIEHMRK[VMXMRKWTIEOMRKERHPMWXIRMRKEXXLIGSPPIKIERHGEVIIVVIEHMRIWWPIZIPHIQSRWXVEXIMRHITIRHIRGIMR

gathering vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

06.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the
full range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC04 Information Technology Applications: 9WIMRJSVQEXMSRXIGLRSPSK]XSSPWWTIGMƤGXSXLIGEVIIV
cluster to access, manage, integrate, and create information.

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47
06 Game Development Tools, Formats, and Asset Management

06.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy: Apply Technology Effectively
Life and Career Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability: Be Flexible

06.D.5: ISTE Standards

3A: Students plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their
intellectual or creative pursuits.
5A: 7XYHIRXWJSVQYPEXITVSFPIQHIƤRMXMSRWWYMXIHJSVXIGLRSPSK]EWWMWXIHQIXLSHWWYGLEWHEXEEREP]WMW
EFWXVEGXQSHIPWERHEPKSVMXLQMGXLMROMRKMRI\TPSVMRKERHƤRHMRKWSPYXMSRW

© 2020 Unity Technologies unity.com | 48

02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

07

Physics and Animation

07.A Unit Description 49
07.B Unit Outline 50
07.C Learning Objectives and Assessments 51
07.D Standards Alignment Guide 53

07.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to engage the learner, providing
rich skill-building opportunities in areas of game interface creation for Human
Computer Interfaces and Graphical User Interfaces.

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49
07 Physics and Animation

07.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Developing the game Components of the game environment Have students write a simple
environment The game environment comprises branching narrative using if-then
both the level that the player can see, language to describe how the
and the scripts and elements that are story would change based on
invisible to the player. the actions of the player.
If-then statements
One of the most basic and powerful
tools in code is the ability to use
if-then statements.
These statements check a condition
and activate if that condition is true.
Scale and position
Unity offers a simple and powerful
way to change the scale of an object.

2. Physics in Unity Collisions and Rigidbody components Have students complete the
• Rigidbody is a component that Character Controllers Activity
tells Unity to apply physics to an in the Activities and Resources
object. Without one, objects are Document to set up some simple
like holograms. physics interactions between
• Rigidbody components also note objects in their environments
“collisions,” when two objects and their players.
intersect.
• Learners can use Rigidbody
components to check if two
things have collided and if-then
statements to say what happens
if this is the case.

3. Creating animations in Simple animations Have learners complete the

• Unity can also use the Animation Animation within an Interface
Unity
system to move objects. Activity in the Activities and
• Animations are created through Resources document.
the animation editor.

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50
07 Physics and Animation

07.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Differentiate a graphical user interface The learner will be able to differentiate 4. Analyze
(GUI) and a human machine interface a graphical user interface from a human
07.1 (HMI). machine interface.

Identify contemporary game Learners will be able to summarize the 2. Understand

development tools. role and purpose of controls that are (or
07.2 should be) included in a GUI/HMI.

Use game interfaces across platforms Learners will be able to explain why GUI 2. Understand
and game genres. needs might be different across different
07.3 game genres, and develop a plan for the
GUI for their own games.

Structure the game environment to The learner will accurately choose 3. Apply
enhance the player experience. appropriate game assets and effectively
07.4 assemble them into the game
environment.

Explain the importance of hierarchical Learners will be able to apply proper 3. Apply
structures for managing game objects asset management techniques, employ
and transformations within the Unity effective hierarchical strategies, and
07.5 Editor. perform adequate asset transformations
[MXLMRWTIGMƤGKEQIHIZIPSTQIRX
projects.

Create, manipulate, and transform The learner will be able to integrate 1. Remember
animation controllers. animator controllers, animator
07.6 components, and blend trees that meet
the requirements of a given project.

Create blended animations using blend Learners will be able to apply and 6. Create
trees. manage humanoid avatars within the
07.7 requirements of a given project.

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51
07 Physics and Animation

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Create animator components. The learner will be able to use animation 6. Create
curves, adjust animation properties
07.8 and events (as necessary) to meet the
requirements of a given project.

Use scripts to manage animators. Learners will be able to write and execute 3. Apply
ERMQEXMSRWGVMTXWXLEXQIIXWTIGMƤG
07.9 project guidelines.

Integrate navigation and character The learner will be able to evaluate 5. Evaluate
controllers within the game effective from ineffective uses of
07.10 environment. interface controls.

Manage object properties and object Learners will be able to write scripts that 6. Create
transformations in the Unity Editor. activate game objects and adjust scope
07.11 ERHEGGIWWQSHMƤIVW[MXLMREKMZIR
project.

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52
07 Physics and Animation

07.D Standards Alignment Guide

07.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
2.8.1: Explain and demonstrate principles of visual communication.
2.8.7: Explain how target platform capabilities and constraints affect the choice of user interfaces.
2.8.8: Apply structured methods to user interface development.
2.8.9: Implement a new user interface system, test and evaluate its usability.
2.8.10: Modify and adapt user interfaces for different target platforms and genre.

07.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1 'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step
procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEXXIRHMRKXSWTIGMEPGEWIWSVI\GITXMSRWHIƤRIHMRXLIXI\X

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.7 Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text

into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in
an equation) into words.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades
§µXI\XGSQTPI\MX]FERHMRHITIRHIRXP]ERHTVSƤGMIRXP]
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEREP]^IXLIWTIGMƤGVIWYPXWFEWIHSRI\TPEREXMSRWMRXLIXI\X

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments,

WMQYPEXMSRW
MRXSEGSLIVIRXYRHIVWXERHMRKSJETVSGIWWTLIRSQIRSRSVGSRGITXVIWSPZMRKGSRƥMGXMRKMRJSVQEXMSR when possible.

07.D.3: Stem Career Clusters

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the full
range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC04 Information Technology Applications: 9WIMRJSVQEXMSRXIGLRSPSK]XSSPWWTIGMƤGXSXLIGEVIIVGPYWXIVXS
access, manage, integrate, and create information.

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53
07 Physics and Animation

07.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy: Apply Technology Effectively
Life and Career Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability

07.D.5: ISTE Standards

4D: Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.
5A: 7XYHIRXWJSVQYPEXITVSFPIQHIƤRMXMSRWWYMXIHJSVXIGLRSPSK]EWWMWXIHQIXLSHWWYGLEWHEXEEREP]WMWEFWXVEGX

QSHIPWERHEPKSVMXLQMGXLMROMRKMRI\TPSVMRKERHƤRHMRKWSPYXMSRW
7C: Students contribute constructively to project teams, assuming various roles and responsibilities to work
effectively toward a common goal.

© 2020 Unity Technologies unity.com | 54

02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

08

Environments and Level Design

08.A Unit Description................................................................................55
08.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................56
08.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................58
08.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................59

08.A Unit Description

In this unit of study, learners will explore concepts fundamental to the ideal level design.
Learners will understand the principles of navigation and the
MQTSVXERGISJEFEPERGIHPE]SYXXSTVSZMHMRKKSSHKEQIƥS[0IEVRIVW[MPP
also explore principles of functionality.

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55
08 Environments and Level Design

08.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Level design theory +EQIƽS[X]TIW Have students do a design

Games that are too simple or too analysis on a video game level.
easy (or too confusing) are boring. • Where are the most
Games that are too complicated or exciting parts of the level?
XSSHMJƤGYPXGEYWIER\MIX] • How does the player know
Games that are well balanced how to move through that
IRGSYVEKIEWXEXIGEPPIHŰƥS[űMR environment?
players, where they’re engaged and
focused on play.
Creating a balanced layout
+EQIFEPERGIMWXLITVEGXMGISJƤRHMRK
XLIVMKLXFEPERGISJHMJƤGYPX]ERH
reward to keep players engaged.
0IZIPHIWMKRLEWELYKIMQTEGXSRƥS[
as it helps designers determine how to
keep the player engaged without either
boring or overwhelming them.
Support of the game narrative Stories in
games can help to
WYTTSVXXLIƥS[SJXLIKEQIF]
contextualizing player actions.
“Stealth” sections can be exciting,
even if the play isn’t action-packed.
Conveying the design
Level design combines environmental
design and game play to create a
cohesive, exciting experience for
players.

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08 Environments and Level Design

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

2. Level design: The big idea Have students do the “Block Out” A
Soup to nuts • What’s the overall concept of the Level Activity in the Activities and
level? Resources document. This will help
• Where does it take place? students think about level design
• What happens over the course of before building digital assets,
the level? and start to understand how to
From research to reference choreograph a level.
It’s important to research real-world
counterparts for the levels the players
are making.
'VIEXMRKXLIƽSSVTPERW

Draw out and diagram the physical

space of the level.
Gameplay elements
• It’s important to mark out where
WTIGMƤGKEQITPE]MRXIVEGXMSRW[MPP
happen in the level.
• Elements include ambushes,
explosions, anything that will trigger
when a player interacts with it.

Objects
• 3FNIGXWƤPPWTEGIXIPPWXSVMIWERH
provide cover.
• Other effects (lighting, sound, etc.)

3. Understanding the 2D platformers Look at some classic 2D levels

(Super Mario Bros. 1-1 is a good
ƽS[SJWTEGI-
(ƼVWXTIVWSRWLSSXIVW example) and talk about how the
Explore how players levels are choreographed.
tend to move through 3D narrative spaces
space in several different
situations

4. Level editors: Scene Editor (Unity 3D game engine) Have students do the Capstone
Project Activity in the Activities
Tools and tricks
and Resources document to
of the trade begin building the environments
they’re going to need to have in
their capstone projects.

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08 Environments and Level Design

08.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Plan and draw maps on paper, collect Using a pencil and paper, the learner will 4. Analyze
references, and create top down be able to design a complete level map.
08.1 sketches for gameplay.

Explain the principles of level design. Learners will be able to create a thorough 5. Evaluate
and detailed written level walkthrough,
08.2 including map sketches, for at least two
levels of their capstone project.

Compare and contrast various game Learners will be able to understand the 2. Understand
ƥS[W GSRGITXSJŰƥS[űERHKMZII\EQTPIWSJ
08.3 how to design to encourage it.

Use the fundamentals of level design 0IEVRIVW[MPPFIEFPIXSHIƤRIERH 1. Remember

to critique game levels. implement game pathways, choke points,
08.4 WTE[RTSMRXWERHQIXLSHWSJHIƤRMRK
where game objects will meet at choke
points.

Explain the concept of a balanced Learners will be able to design a game 5. Evaluate
layout. level incorporating (at least 6 of the 8
HMQIRWMSRWSJ
ƥS[ERHMRHMGEXILS[XLI
08.5 layout and challenges of the level achieve
each element.

Describe how game levels are used to Learners will be able to create level 6. Create
support game story. HIWMKRWXLEXVIƥIGXERHI\TPEMRXLIKEQI
08.6 narrative.

Communicate level design ideas, Learners will be able to critique level 5. Evaluate
concepts, and models in a variety of design, offering alternate maps or layouts
08.7 ways. to improve gameplay.

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08 Environments and Level Design

08.D Standards Alignment Guide

08.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.6.1: Explain principles of user navigation and level progression.
1.6.2: Demonstrate understanding and ability to use game mechanics to improve gameplay.
1.6.3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of balancing layouts.
1.6.4: Demonstrate understanding of pathways, choke points, control points, spawn points and
SXLIVHIWMKRQIXLSHWJSVGVIEXMRKFEPERGIXMQMRKTEGMRKERHƥS[
1.6.5: Develop level designs with planning maps and use research and references
to sketch characters and environments
1.6.6: Analyze and describe level features & progression from a level in an existing title
1.6.7: Explain how game levels relate to or support an interactive narrative.
1.6.8: Design and develop intuitive levels in 2D & 3D
2.4.1: Implement environmental designs into 2D and 3D levels.
2.4.2: Select appropriate models and materials for creating environments.
2.4.3: Understand and use terrain generation and manipulation tools.
2.4.4: Create, edit and enhance environments to optimize quality.
2.4.5: 'VIEXIERHQSHMJ]TVSGIHYVEPIJJIGXWPMOIWO]FS\IWJSKERHPIRWƥEVI

08.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.Math.Content.HSG.GMD.B.4 Identify the shapes of two-dimensional cross-sections of three-dimensional
objects, and identify three-dimensional objects generated by rotations of two-dimensional objects.
CCSS.Math.Content.HSG.MG.A.1 Use geometric shapes, their measures, and their properties to describe
objects. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
(one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building
on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4 4VIWIRXMRJSVQEXMSRƤRHMRKWERHWYTTSVXMRKIZMHIRGIGSRZI]MRKEGPIEVERH

distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are
addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a
range of formal and informal tasks.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and
MRXIVEGXMZIIPIQIRXW
MRTVIWIRXEXMSRWXSIRLERGIYRHIVWXERHMRKSJƤRHMRKWVIEWSRMRKERHIZMHIRGIERHXSEHHMRXIVIWX

08.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the full
range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC03 Problem-Solving And Critical Thinking: Solve problems using critical thinking skills (analyze, synthesize,
and evaluate) independently and in teams. Solve problems using creativity and innovation.
SCC07 Leadership And Teamwork: Use leadership and teamwork skills in collaborating with others to
accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
© 2020 Unity Technologies unity.com |
59
08 Environments and Level Design

08.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Work Creatively with Others, Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions, Solve Problems
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly, Collaborate with Others
Life and Career Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability: Adapt to Change, Be Flexible
Initiative and Self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners
Social and Cross-Cultural Skills: Interact Effectively with Others, Work Effectively in Diverse Teams
Productivity and Accountability: Manage Projects, Produce Results
Leadership and Responsibility: Guide and Lead Others, Be Responsible to Others

08.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more
manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

08.D.6: ISTE STANDARDS

1D: Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose,
use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging
technologies. 4B: Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design
constraints and calculated risks.
6C: Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects
such as visualizations, models or simulations.

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 Critical Thinking in Game Design

09

Principles of Cameras and

Lighting in Game Environments
09.A Unit Description................................................................................61
09.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................62
09.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................64
09.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................65

09.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to introduce effective use of
cameras and lighting within game design. The focus will be on effective
placement of lights and cameras to engage the learner in the game
environment and create the atmosphere for the overall game experience.

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09 Principles of Cameras and Lighting in Game Environments

09.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Fundamentals of lighting Understand how real-world, practical Have students give examples of
lighting works how lighting might change an
• Basic color theory environment. How does lighting
• Types: change how a room feels? How
• Point can we use lighting to make a
• Area space inviting? Scary? How do
• Directional we draw attention to something
• Ambient using lighting?
• Spot
Lighting models
• Ambient
• Diffuse
• Emissive
• Specular
Properties of light
• Color
• Shape/size
• Direction
• Intensity
Three-point lighting
• Key light (or Main)
• Fill light
• Rim light (or Backlight)

2. Fundamentals of camera Essentials of scene composition Have students complete

use in video game design and the Rule of Thirds the Cameras and Effects
Assignment in the Activities
Types and Resources document, to
• Fixed camera systems understand the basics of camera
• Tracking cameras placement and basic camera
• Interactive camera systems effects.
Understanding the 3D camera view
• Position
• Aim direction
• Field of view
Introduction to projection types
• Perspective
• Orthographic
• Oblique

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09 Principles of Cameras and Lighting in Game Environments

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

3. Viewpoint and 2D If students haven’t already, have

• Top-down XLIQƤRMWLXLISetting up 2D
perspective
• Side-scroller Games in a 3D Environment
3D Assignment in the Activities and
• Fixed 3D Resources document, and talk
• First person about how the camera in that
• Third person project is used to represent a 2D
2.5 board using 3D assets.
• 3/4 perspective
• Pseudo-3D
Projection types
• Orthographic
• Perspective

4. Bringing it all together: Mood boards

How cameras and
lighting are used to
engage and immerse
the gamer.

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09 Principles of Cameras and Lighting in Game Environments

09.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Apply the Rule of Thirds Learners will be able to create visual 3. Apply
images in Unity that follow the Rule of
Thirds and demonstrate good balance
09.1

Demonstrate the importance of The learner will be able to compare and 4. Analyze
scene balancing contrast various ways to simulate light
in a computer graphics environment.
This includes light mapping to light
09.2 placement, explaining the advantages
and disadvantages of each method, and
hypothesizing on when each type of light
is best employed.

Explain how viewpoint impacts Learners will be able to explain 2. Understand

gameplay. the difference between 2D and 3D
perspective and the difference between
09.3
orthographic and perspective cameras.

Create atmosphere and enhance The learner will be able to light a basic 3. Apply
emotion through the principles of room, evoking three different emotions
lighting. (i.e., sadness, fear, and comfort).
09.4

Position lighting and cameras in order Learners will create a focal point lighting 6. Create
to focus attention within a game. scheme, focusing the viewer’s attention
XSEWTIGMƤGIPIQIRXSJERMQEKI
09.5

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09 Principles of Cameras and Lighting in Game Environments

09.D Standards Alignment Guide

09.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.1.9: Explain the relevance of ambiance and environment in game design.
2.5.1: Explain the role of cameras and lighting with respect to ambiance.
2.5.2.1: Create, transform and modify area lights.
2.5.2.3: Create, transform and modify directional lights.
2.5.2.4: Create, transform and modify point and spot lights.
2.5.4: )\TPEMRXLIYWISJGEQIVEWXSGVIEXIEPXIVREXMZIZMI[WSJKEQITPE]
 ƤVWXWIGSRHERHXLMVHTIVWSRTIVWTIGXMZIW

2.5.5: Effectively use framing and camera views to create visual cues for users.
2.5.6 : 9WIGEQIVEWERHPMKLXMRKXSGVIEXIWTIGMƤGIQSXMSREPI\TIVMIRGIWWYGLEWXIRWMSRJIEVI\GMXIQIRX

09.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEXXIRHMRKXSWTIGMEPGEWIWSVI\GITXMSRWHIƤRIHMRXLIXI\X
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.4 (IXIVQMRIXLIQIERMRKSJW]QFSPWOI]XIVQWERHSXLIVHSQEMRWTIGMƤG[SVHWERH

TLVEWIWEWXLI]EVIYWIHMREWTIGMƤGWGMIRXMƤGSVXIGLRMGEPGSRXI\XVIPIZERXXSKVEHIW§µXI\XWERHXSTMGW
CCSS.Math.Content.HSG.CO.A.1 /RS[TVIGMWIHIƤRMXMSRWSJERKPIGMVGPITIVTIRHMGYPEVPMRITEVEPPIPPMRIERHPMRI
WIKQIRXFEWIHSRXLIYRHIƤRIHRSXMSRWSJTSMRXPMRIHMWXERGIEPSRKEPMRIERHHMWXERGIEVSYRHEGMVGYPEVEVG

CCSS.Math.Content.HSG.CO.A.2 Represent transformations in the plane using, e.g., transparencies and

geometry software; describe transformations as functions that take points in the plane as inputs and give other
points as outputs. Compare transformations that preserve distance and angle to those that do not (e.g.,
translation versus horizontal stretch).

09.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the
full range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC03 Problem-Solving And Critical Thinking: Solve problems using critical thinking skills (analyze, synthesize,
and evaluate) independently and in teams. Solve problems using creativity and innovation.
SCC07 Leadership And Teamwork: Use leadership and teamwork skills in collaborating with others to
accomplish organizational goals and objectives.

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09 Principles of Cameras and Lighting in Game Environments

09.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and Self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners

09.D.5: ISTE Standards

3C: Students curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of
artifacts that demonstrate meaningful connections or conclusions.
4A: Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating
innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.
6C: Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects
such as visualizations, models or simulations.

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02 Critical Thinking in Game Design

10

Principles of Sound and

Audio for Games
10.A Unit Description 67
10.B Unit Outline 68
10.C Learning Objectives and Assessments 70
10.D Standards Alignment Guide 71

10.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to explore the various applications
of sound and music, including the selection of appropriate choices, and the
optimization of asset formats. Students will add sound to their games, using
both background and triggered sound effects. Students will learn how to
connect sound effects to in-game events, and how to deploy audio elements
that help to create the illusion of a 3D space.

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10 Principles of Sound and Audio for Games

10.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Enhancing game Sounds for game realism Have students choose a favorite
experience with sound • Motors, lasers, other sounds scene from a movie. Discuss
• What kinds of sounds exist in your how sound (or silence) plays an
and audio scene? important role in the scene.
• What do they tell the player about
the world of your game? Have students complete the Sound
Adding dialogue to the game and Audio Sources for Game
Narrator Development assignment in the
• A narrator is someone who Activities and Resources document,
describes the action but generally is which will give them some more
not part of the story. practice setting up a new project,
Character and some ideas about how to use
• Characters can use dialogue to sound to add depth and interest to a
talk to each other, or directly to the simple scene.
player.
Selecting appropriate music for game
experience
• What kind of music will help your
game come alive?
• How can music help your player feel
safe, excited, happy, sad, or scared?

• Finding sound and music sources

• Proper use of copyrighted music and
WSYRHƤPIW

2. Audio sources 'LSSWMRKGSVVIGXWSYRHƼPIX]TIW Have students implement a

• ;%:ƤPIW simple sound cue in a scene.
• 14ƤPIW Talk about why they might want
• MIDI Files XSYWISRIƤPIJSVQEXSZIV
• API sources: another.
OGG Vorbis, FMOD, SD

3. 2D and 3D sound Overview of mono and stereo format and Have students listen to a
2D/3D sound stereophonic piece (google
• 3D sound settings and “Esquivel See It In Sound” for
applications some good early examples) and
• 2D sound settings and then the same piece in mono
applications sound. Discuss the differences.
When might one be more useful
than the other?

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10 Principles of Sound and Audio for Games

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

4. Sound FX: What is audio compression Have a brief discussion about

and when to use it HMJJIVIRXWSYRHƤPIJSVQEXWPSWW]
Compression, Doppler,
vs lossless audio, and when
priority settings, playback Introduction to the Doppler effect compressed audio might be useful
• The Doppler effect is a pitch-shift in a game.
applied to sound-emitting objects
as they move past a listener.
• It is an important part of making
the illusion of real sound in a game.
• Applying the Doppler effect to
game Assets

Setting sound priorities

Volume rolloff and rolloff settings

5. Audio scripting Using scripts to sequence audio events ,EZIWXYHIRXWƤRMWLXLI

Implementing Simple Sounds
tutorial in the Activities and
Resources document, which will
give them more practice setting
up projects as well as using
scripts to control audio.

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10 Principles of Sound and Audio for Games

10.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

0MWXXLIHMJJIVIRXX]TIWSJEYHMSƤPIW The learner will compare and contrast 1. Remember

used in most game engines. GSQQSREYHMSERHWSYRHƤPIJSVQEXW
10.1 their applications in the game, and the
methods for acquiring the assets.

(IWGVMFILS[WSYRHƤPIWERHQYWMG Learners will summarize the science 2. Understand

are used to enhance game experience of how each sound effect works and
10.2 and provide realism. can recommend use case scenarios for
common sound effects within the game
environment.

Apply audio and audio effects to create Through individual research activities, 5. Evaluate
realistic game environments. learners will identify genres of music and
10.3 will record judgments as to which genre
is most appropriate for a given type of
video game.

Manage priority settings of multiple Learners will implement “audio listeners” 5. Evaluate
sound sources. in a Unity Scene in order to create
10.4 believable audio.

Explain the Doppler effect and describe Through the creation of a game snippet, 3. Apply
how to apply it within the game the learner will integrate the Doppler
10.5 environment. effect in the game environment.

'VIEXIWGVMTXWXSQEREKIEYHMSƤPIW The learner will write scripts to position 3. Apply

within the game environment. sounds within the game environment.
10.6

Manipulate sound to create realistic The learner will demonstrate a basic 3. Apply
effects like rolloff in a game. ability to use Unity’s audio mixers to
10.7 affect how a sound is perceived by a
player.

Manage external sound and music The learner, in writing, will summarize and 4. Analyze
assets that contain intellectual paraphrase the various rules and laws
10.8 property protection agreements. pertaining to the proper use of external
intellectual property within a game

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10 Principles of Sound and Audio for Games

10.D Standards Alignment Guide

10.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.7.1: Assess and employ various technology and processes for producing deliverables that meet
requirements and quality standards.
1.7.14: )\TPEMRXLIYWEKISJEYHMSƤPIJSVQEXWERHƤPIMRXIVSTIVEFMPMX]
1.7.10.2: (IƤRIŰGSHIGűERHHIWGVMFIMXWYWI
1.7.6: Demonstrate a working knowledge of audio capture and editing tools.
2.4.1: Implement environmental designs into 2D and 3D levels.
2.4.4: Create, edit and enhance environments to optimize quality.

10.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1 'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.9 'SQTEVIERHGSRXVEWXƤRHMRKWTVIWIRXIHMREXI\XXSXLSWIJVSQSXLIVWSYVGIW
 MRGPYHMRKXLIMVS[RI\TIVMQIRXW
RSXMRK[LIRXLIƤRHMRKWWYTTSVXSVGSRXVEHMGXTVIZMSYWI\TPEREXMSRWSVEGGSYRXW CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.5 Analyze
the structure of the relationships among concepts in a text, including relationships among key terms (e.g., force, friction, reaction force, energy).

10.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the full
range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC04 Information Technology Applications: 9WIMRJSVQEXMSRXIGLRSPSK]XSSPWWTIGMƤGXSXLIGEVIIVGPYWXIVXS
access, manage, integrate, and create information.

10.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy: Apply Technology Effectively
Life and Career Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability: Be Flexible

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10 Principles of Sound and Audio for Games

10.D.5: ISTE Standards

1C: Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their
learning in a variety of ways.
1D: Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose,
use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging
technologies. 2B: Students engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including
social interactions online or when using networked devices.
2C: Students demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing
intellectual property.
4B: Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints
and calculated risks.

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 Critical Thinking in Game Design

11

Basic Interfaces and

the Build Process
11.A Unit Description................................................................................73
11.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................74
11.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................75
11.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................76

11.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study place emphasis on managing the build process
within game creation. Learners will develop skills through a project approach
in a team environment as they create a simple 2D/3D game from an existing
game template.

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11 Basic Interfaces and the Build Process

11.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Managing the build process Work in progress (WIP) Review the Naming Conventions
• It’s important to differentiate Assignment in the Activities
between a working project and a and Resources document with
release candidate. students, and work with them
• Get students into the habit of to determine where in the build
naming their projects in a way that process they are. Have them
indicates which part of the lifecycle name their subsequent releases
of the work they’re in. “Alpha accordingly.
candidate 1.0, Beta 0.4, Release
candidate 0.1,” etc.
Quality assurance
QA is a crucial step in game development,
where projects are checked for bugs.
Development milestones
Most studios use the following project
milestones: prototype, Alpha, Beta, Gold
• Prototype is the rough draft.
• Alpha is a working project
XLEXMWQMWWMRKWMKRMƤGERX
features.
• Beta is feature complete but
has bugs.
• Gold (or “Release” is ready
for publishing.

2. Graphical user interfaces What is a GUI? Have students complete the

• A user interface lets users User Interface Activity in
interact with the system inside a the Activities and Resources
game or a computer. document to get a feel for
• Windows is an example of a GUI. what a UI is and how it can be
• Most games have a GUI, implemented well (or poorly.)
sometimes called a “HUD”
(heads-up display) Have students complete the GUI
Making UI Practice Activity in the Activities
• Buttons and menus
and Resources document to
• 'SQQYRMGEXMRKƥS[
get familiar with Unity’s basic
• User experience
UI components. Ask students
What kind of UI does your game need?
to think about their capstone
• What choices are players
games and about what kinds of
making?
UI components they might need
• How do you make the effect of a
for those games.
choice clear?
• How do you encourage players
to interact with the correct
element?

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11 Basic Interfaces and the Build Process

11.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Select the appropriate assets for The learner will create a Resource List 3. Apply
projects of adequate format, size and that indicates how to acquire digital
11.1 use in a game. assets and all resources related to digital
assets.

Sequence game activities from start The learner will analyze a variety of game 4. Analyze
XSƤRMWLMRVIKEVHXSFSXLKEQITPE] development plans before designing a
11.2 sequence and build process. plan of their own.

Write scripts that enable and disable Within the assigned game project, the 3. Apply
components, script Game Objects, learner will create and write scripts
11.3 move players and camera, pick up that enable/disable components and
SFNIGXWERHTIVJSVQSXLIVWTIGMƤG manipulate and transform game assets.
tasks.

Import and manage game assets, The learner will write code that moves 6. Create
including player game objects, players in the game space and correctly
cameras, lights, and backgrounds. applies and integrates cameras, lighting,
11.4 and background into the assigned game
Set up and load a game and a project.
development project.

9WIFIWXTVEGXMGIWJSVƤPIREQMRK The learner will adhere to the conventions 2. Understand

JSVREQMRKƤPIWXSGSQQYRMGEXITSWMXMSR
11.5 in the development process.

A Use scripts to control player actions. The learner will create and manage game 2. Understand
controllers within the assigned game
11.6 project.

Integrate audio, counting points, The learner will integrate audio and 2. Understand
scores, and game controllers into a spawning waves into the assigned game
11.7 simple game. project.

Project manage the build process from The learner will design and write code 3. Apply
WXEVXXSƤRMWLJSVEKEQI required to integrate counting points and
11.8 score displays into the assigned game
project.

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11 Basic Interfaces and the Build Process

11.D Standards Alignment Guide

11.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.5.2: Use physics to create realistic motions with objects and characters.
1.5.3: Explain the use of collision geometry for physics-based interactions and as programming triggers.
1.5.4: Apply and manage the use of Colliders.
1.5.9: Demonstrate the ability to handle object collisions and physics simulations in a realistic manner.
1.6.2: Demonstrate understanding and ability to use game mechanics to improve gameplay.
1.6.3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of balancing layouts.
1.6.4: Demonstrate understanding of pathways, choke points, control points, and spawn points and other
HIWMKRQIXLSHWJSVGVIEXMRKFEPERGIXMQMRKTEGMRKERHƥS[
1.7.15: Describe the basic logic, concepts and key structures behind computer programming languages.
1.7.17: Determine appropriate programming and scripting languages to create desired game mechanics,
control the environment, UI and gameplay.
1.7.18: Create a hypothetical technology pipeline for an interactive application or video game project.
1.8.3: (IƤRIKEQIHIWMKRHSGYQIRXEXMSR
+((
MXWTYVTSWIERHGSQTSRIRXW
1.8.4: Create, iterate and maintain a full set of game design documentation.
1.8.5: Prepare a plan of work based on an approved GDD including deliverables, tasks, resources,
schedule, Gantt and PERT charts.
2.1.6: Demonstrate the use of object preferences and inspector tools.
2.1.7: Accurately transform objects with respect to coordinate systems (translate, rotate and scale).
2.1.8: Describe and change the active status of objects.
2.1.9: Describe and change the enabled status of components.
2 .2.2: Understand and use hierarchical structures for organization.
2.2.3: Create effective naming conventions for objects and assets.
2.2.4: Apply descriptive tags, labels, and use layers for asset management.
2.5.3: (IQSRWXVEXIXLIGVIEXMSRXVERWJSVQEXMSRQSHMƤGEXMSRERHYWISJGEQIVEW
2.6.1: Use various techniques for effectively animating objects and component properties.
2.7.1: Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical concepts, logic and syntax shared by various
programming languages.
2.8.3: Using examples, describe key principles behind graphical user interfaces (GUIs).
2.8.4: (IƤRIYWEFMPMX]EWEUYEPMX]SFNIGXMZIJSVYWIVMRXIVJEGIW
 9-W

2 .8.4: Differentiate between diegetic and non-diegetic user interface elements.

2.8.5: )\TPEMRLS[WTIGMƤG9-GLEVEGXIVMWXMGWGEREJJIGXYWEFMPMX]
2.8.6: (IXIVQMRIXLI9-JYRGXMSREPMX]VIUYMVIHF]EWTIGMƤGTVSNIGXXSMQTVSZISYXGSQIWERHQIIXXLIRIIHWSJYWIVW

3.2.4: Deploy, use and demonstrate a revision control system for a new or existing project.

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11 Basic Interfaces and the Build Process

11.D.2: Common Core Learning Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEXXIRHMRKXSWTIGMEPGEWIWSVI\GITXMSRWHIƤRIHMRXLIXI\X
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.4 (IXIVQMRIXLIQIERMRKSJW]QFSPWOI]XIVQWERHSXLIVHSQEMRWTIGMƤG[SVHWERH
TLVEWIWEWXLI]EVIYWIHMREWTIGMƤGWGMIRXMƤGSVXIGLRMGEPGSRXI\XVIPIZERXXSKVEHIW§µXI\XWERHXSTMGW
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.5 Analyze the structure of the relationships among concepts in a text,
including relationships among key terms (e.g., force, friction, reaction force, energy).
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.10 By the end of grade 10, read and comprehend science/technical texts in the grades
§µXI\XGSQTPI\MX]FERHMRHITIRHIRXP]ERHTVSƤGMIRXP]

11.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the
full range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.

11.D.4: 21st-Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners

11.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS5: Using mathematics and computational thinking

11.D.6: ISTE Standards

5C: Students break problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models
to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-solving.
6B: Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
6C: Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects
such as visualizations, models or simulations.

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 Critical Thinking in Game Design

12

Intermediate Animation and UI

12.A Unit Description................................................................................78
12.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................79
12.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................80
12.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................81

12.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to focus on the creation of
intermediate animations and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that are
adaptable to a variety of platforms and play levels.

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12 Intermediate Animation and UI

12.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Creating intermediate-level Using externally created skins in Unity Have students complete the
Scriptable Objects for UI tutorial
game interfaces
Custom GUI styles in Unity in the Activities and Resources
document, which will show them
how to create UI objects that
respond to script commands.

2. Creating intermediate-level
Intermediate animations Have students complete the
animations in Unity Intermediate Concepts in
Preparing models for animation Animation tutorial in the Activities
and Resources document.
Humanoid avatars This will introduce them to
important tools for animation,
States and blend trees including Cinemachine (controls
the camera for more complex
Avatars cutscenes, etc.,) and Anima2D,
a tool that makes animating
humanoid avatars relatively easy.

3. Project creation Project build Student capstone projects

should be in the late Alpha or
early Beta stages. Have students
complete a GDD Progress Check
in the Activities and Resources
document to determine if they’re
on schedule.

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12 Intermediate Animation and UI

12.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

(IWMKRIRKEKMRKERHIJƤGMIRXYWIV The learner will be able to create UI that 6. Create

interfaces for a variety of devices and clearly communicates game concepts
12.1 platforms. to users and discuss how that interface
would need to be adapted for a different
platform.

Create unique interface skins that are Learners will be able to create unique 6. Create
applicable to multiple devices. skins or graphic user interfaces (GUIs) to
12.2 an interactive application or video game.

Create animator components. Learner will be able to implement 6. Create

animator components such as keyframes
12.3 and timing.

Create animations that use blend trees. The learner will be able to create and 6. Create
manage blend trees and states of
12.4 animated models.

Assemble animator assets that are The learner will be able to download an 3. Apply
part of a project. implement animation assets from the
12.5 Unity Asset Store.

Manage animators with scripts. The learner will be able to play and stop 3. Apply
animations on command through scripts.
12.6

Manipulate humanoid avatars and Within their capstone project, the learner 6. Create
animation properties. will demonstrate their ability to rig and
12.7 animate a humanoid avatar in a game
environment.

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12 Intermediate Animation and UI

12.D Standards Alignment Guide

12.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
1.5.2: Use physics to create realistic motions with objects and characters.
1.5.3: Explain the use of collision geometry for physics-based interactions and as programming triggers.
1.5.4: Apply and manage the use of Colliders.
1.5.9: Demonstrate the ability to handle object collisions and physics simulations in a realistic manner.
1.6.2: Demonstrate understanding and ability to use game mechanics to improve gameplay.
1.6.3: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of balanced layouts.
1.7.15: Describe the basic logic, concepts and key structures behind computer programming languages.
1.7.17: Determine appropriate programming and scripting languages to create desired game mechanics,
control the environment, UI and gameplay.
2.1.6: Demonstrate the use of object preferences and inspector tools.
2.1.7: To reposition objects using the transform (translate, rotate, scale) tools, with respect to
World and Local coordinate systems.
2.1.8: Describe and change the active status of objects.
2.1.9: Describe and change the enabled status of components.
2.2.2: Assess and employ strategies for hierarchical structures, used for organization.
2.2.3: Create an effective naming conventions for objects and assets.
2.2.4: Apply descriptive tags, labels, and use layers for asset management.
2.5.3: (IQSRWXVEXIXLIGVIEXMSRXVERWJSVQEXMSRQSHMƤGEXMSRERHYWISJGEQIVEW
2.6.1: Use various techniques for effectively animating objects and component properties
2.7.1: Demonstrate an understanding of mathematical concepts, logic and syntax shared by various
programming languages.
3.2.4: Assess and execute strategies for a revision control system within a new or existing project.
3.3.7: Demonstrate the use of a debugger to inspect code at run time.

12.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.1 'MXIWTIGMƤGXI\XYEPIZMHIRGIXSWYTTSVXEREP]WMWSJWGMIRGIERHXIGLRMGEPXI\XW
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step
procedure when carrying out experiments,

XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEXXIRHMRKXSWTIGMEPGEWIWSVI\GITXMSRWHIƤRIHMRXLIXI\X
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.4 (IXIVQMRIXLIQIERMRKSJW]QFSPWOI]XIVQWERHSXLIVHSQEMRWTIGMƤG[SVHWERH
TLVEWIWEWXLI]EVIYWIHMREWTIGMƤGWGMIRXMƤGSVXIGLRMGEPGSRXI\XVIPIZERXXSKVEHIW§µXI\XWERHXSTMGW

12.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC01 Academic Foundations: Achieve additional academic knowledge and skills required to pursue the full
range of career and postsecondary education opportunities within a career cluster.
SCC02 communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.

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12 Intermediate Animation and UI

12.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Creativity and Innovation: Think Creatively, Implement Innovations
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and Self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently, Be Self-directed Learners

12.D.5: Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS5: Using mathematics and computational thinking

12.D.6: ISTE Standards

6A: Students choose the appropriate platforms and tools for meeting the desired objectives of their creation or
communication.
5C: Students break problems into component parts, extract key information, and develop descriptive models
to understand complex systems or facilitate problem-solving.
6C: Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects
such as visualizations, models or simulations.

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 Critical Thinking in Game Design

13

Principles of Quality and Functionality

Assurance in Game Development

13.A Unit Description................................................................................83

13.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................84
13.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................85
13.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................86

13.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to introduce learners to quality

ERHJYRGXMSREPMX]EWWYVERGI8LMWYRMX[MPPJSGYWWTIGMƤGEPP]SRXLIXIWXMRK

troubleshooting, and debugging of an interactive application or video game.

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13 Principles of Quality and Functionality Assurance in Game Development

13.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Overview of testing What is QA testing? Have students complete the

QA testing is the process of certifying In-Class Debugging Activity in
that a game is ready for public the Activities and Resources
consumption. document to get some hands
on experience debugging their
QA testers play games trying to break code.
them, to make sure that players don’t
break them accidentally.

Some examples of QA testing include:

• Wall testing, where the tester
tries to run into every wall
• Input testing, where the tester
tries to give the game confusing
or unexpected inputs
Types of bugs
Bugs are generally categorized by
• a. How they appear
• b. How serious they are
“Showstopper” bugs prevent the game
JVSQVYRRMRKERHQYWXFIƤ\IH

“Reproducibility” is a description of the

steps that it takes to encounter the bug.

2. Relationship between QA is the team that tests. Have students write test plans
5YEPMX]GSRXVSPMWXLITVSGIWWSJƤRHMRK for their games and then hand
testing, quality
bugs and, crucially, sending them back to those plans off to other students
assurance, and XLIHIWMKRIVWERHXLIIRKMRIIVWXSƤ\ to test.
quality control Levels of software testing
• Functional
• Acceptance testing: alpha, beta
• Non-functional
• Performance:
load and stress testing
• Usability
• Security
• Portability

3. Testing documentation: Writing a test plan for a game means that Have students write test plans
XLIHIWMKRIVMHIRXMƤIWTSXIRXMEPTVSFPIQ for their games and then hand
Test plan, test cases/
buggy areas and offers suggestions on those plans off to other students
scenarios LS[XSƤRHXLSWIFYKW to test.

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13 Principles of Quality and Functionality Assurance in Game Development

13.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Explain the importance of QA and The learner will be able to describe the 2. Understand
testing. function and process of QA testing.

13.1

Explain the importance of The learner will create test documents 3. Apply
documentation during testing stages. and keep track of bugs, both open and
closed, as their game approaches Gold
Status.
13.2

Describe basic troubleshooting The learner will be able to troubleshoot a 5. Evaluate

strategies. bug, reproduce it, identify it in code, and
Ƥ\MX

13.3

Perform successful debugging and Given a program with a bug, the learner 4. Apply
troubleshooting activities within a will identify the defects/inconsistencies
game environment. and enter them appropriately into the bug-
tracking database.
13.4

Locate bugs within a game Given a section of code with at least 5. Evaluate
environment using debugging software 15 bugs, the learner will resolve the
tools. problems, updating their progress in the
bug-tracking database.
13.5

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13 Principles of Quality and Functionality Assurance in Game Development

13.D Standards Alignment Guide

13.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
3.3.1: Graphically describe a multi-step testing methodology.
3.3.2: Use general troubleshooting strategies to identify and resolve application problems.
3.3.4: Develop a troubleshooting log.
3.3.5: (MWGYWWXLIFIRIƤXWSJYWMRKFYKXVEGOMRKWSJX[EVI
3.3.6: 6IWIEVGLERHGSQTEVIXLITVSWERHGSRWSJWIZIVEPWTIGMƤGFYKXVEGOMRKWSJX[EVIWSPYXMSRW
3.3.7: Demonstrate the use of a debugger to inspect code at run time.
3.3.9: Create a cause and effect diagram to account for possible causes of a particular problem.

13.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEREP]^IXLIWTIGMƤGVIWYPXWFEWIHSRI\TPEREXMSRWMRXLIXI\X

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas,

concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of
content. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development,
organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

13.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC03 Problem-Solving And Critical Thinking: Solve problems using critical thinking skills (analyze, synthesize,
and evaluate) independently and in teams. Solve problems using creativity and innovation.
SCC10 Technical Skills: Use the technical knowledge and skills required to pursue the targeted careers for all
pathways in the career cluster, including knowledge of design, operation, and maintenance of technological
systems critical to the career cluster.

13.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Learning and Innovation
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving: Reason Effectively, Making Judgments and Decisions, Solve Problems
Communication and Collaboration: Communicate Clearly, Collaborate with others
Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information, Use and Manage Information
ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy: Apply Technology Effectively
Life and Career Skills
Initiative and self-direction: Manage Goals and Time, Work Independently
Social and Cross-cultural Skills: Interact Effectively with Others
Productivity and Accountability: Manage Projects, Produce Results

13.D.5: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

NGSS: %WOMRKUYIWXMSRW
JSVWGMIRGI
ERHHIƤRMRKTVSFPIQW
 JSVIRKMRIIVMRK

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13 Principles of Quality and Functionality Assurance in Game Development

13.D.6: ISTE Standards

4C:7XYHIRXWHIZIPSTXIWXERHVIƤRITVSXSX]TIWEWTEVXSJEG]GPMGEPHIWMKRTVSGIWW
4D: Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.

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 Critical Thinking in Game Design

14

Principles of Versioning
and Game Release

14.A Unit Description................................................................................88

14.B Unit Outline..........................................................................................89
14.C Learning Objectives and Assessments........................90
14.D Standards Alignment Guide...................................................91

14.A Unit Description

Activities in this unit of study are designed to focus on the deployment of
EGYWXSQKEQISVMRXIVEGXMZIETTPMGEXMSREWEƤREPVIWYPX
 MIƤREPTVSHYGX release) of the course.

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14 Principles of Versioning and Game Release

14.B Unit Outline

Suggested
Lesson Title Lesson Topics
Activities/Resources

1. Version names and • Development stages Double check with students

• Numbering schemes that each project is numbered
numbering systems
• Sequencing according to a clear rubric
• Release candidates to indicate which phase of
development it’s in.

2. Purpose of game • 7MKRMƼGERGIMRKEQIHIZIPSTQIRX Have students complete

• 7MKRMƼGERGIMRXIGLRMGEPWYTTSVX the :IVWMSRMRK7MKRMƼGERGI
versions
• 7MKRMƼGERGIMRQEVOIXMRK Narrative research paper in
the Activities and Resources
document, to give them a clear
understanding of why versioning
is so important.

3. Managing release 4VITEVMRKJSVSƾGMEPVIPIEWI Have students submit their Final

Release Candidate as described
candidates
Distribution in the Activities and Resources
• Options document. This represents the
• Process end of their game development
• 7LEVI[EVI*SV4VSƤX NSYVRI]

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14 Principles of Versioning and Game Release

14.C Learning Objectives and Assessments

Learning Objective Demonstration of Learning Bloom’s Domain

Explain the concepts and rationale The learner will be able to compare and 2. Understand
14.1 behind versioning schemes and contrast the various types of versioning.
procedures.

Describe how versions are used by The learner will summarize major 1. Remember
14.2 different groups in the development concepts related to game versioning in
process. writing.

Create a versioning system for a game The learner will summarize, in writing, the 2. Understand
development project. WMKRMƤGERGIERHMQTSVXERGISJZIVWMSRMRK
14.3
to members of a design team, a technical
support team, and a product marketing team.

Use numbering systems to version The learner will number their release 3. Apply
complex development projects candidates using a clear methodology
14.4
that helps them keep track of which
version of their project they’re working on.

Describe the factors that constitute a The learner will understand the steps they 2. Understand
release candidate. RIIHXSGSQTPIXIXSHIPMZIVEƤREPVIPIEWI
14.5
candidate.

Demonstrate understanding of the The learner will be able to explain how 2. Understand
utility of versioning. versions are used by different processes
14.6
in the lifecycle of a game.

Describe the various distribution 8LIPIEVRIV[MPPFIEFPIXSHIƤRIXLI 1. Remember

options for release candidates. following terms:
• Pre-Alpha
• Alpha
14.7 • Beta
• Release candidate
• Versioning numbers
• Commercial distribution
• Shareware

Complete the lifecycle of a game 8LIPIEVRIV[MPPHIPMZIVEƤREPVIPIEWI 6. Create

project. candidate, demonstrating a clear
understanding of the game design and
14.8 development process.

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14 Principles of Versioning and Game Release

14.D Standards Alignment Guide

14.D.1: Professional Standards for Interactive Application and Video Game Creation
3 .2.1: Explain the stages of game deployment (pre-Alpha, Alpha, Beta stages, release candidate, “going gold,” etc.).
3.2.2: Explain how software versioning is used and why.
3.2.3: 'SQTEVIVIZMWMSRGSRXVSPWSJX[EVISTXMSRWERHHMWGYWWTVSWERHGSRWJVSQWIZIVEPWTIGMƤGI\EQTPIW

3.2.4: Deploy, use and demonstrate a revision control system for a new or existing project.

14.D.2: Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.3 Follow precisely a complex multi-step procedure when carrying out experiments,
XEOMRKQIEWYVIQIRXWSVTIVJSVQMRKXIGLRMGEPXEWOWEXXIRHMRKXSWTIGMEPGEWIWSVI\GITXMSRWHIƤRIHMRXLIXI\X

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.2 Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the text’s explanation
or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the text.

14.D.3: Stem Career Clusters (SCC)

SCC02 Communications: Use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing and
interpreting information and ideas including technical terminology and information.
SCC04 Information Technology Applications: 9WIMRJSVQEXMSRXIGLRSPSK]XSSPWWTIGMƤGXSXLIGEVIIVGPYWXIVXS
access, manage, integrate, and create information.

14.D.4: 21st Century Skills

Information, Media and Technology Skills
Information Literacy: Access and Evaluate Information
ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy: Apply Technology Effectively
Life and Career Skills
Flexibility and Adaptability: Be Flexible

14.D.5: ISTE Standards

6D: Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.
7B: Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community
members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints.

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