Junior Game Jam
This is a high level overview of our middle school programming camp inspired by the Global Game Jam.
Day 1: Introduction to Game Design and Concept Development
Objective: Introduce game design basics and start brainstorming game ideas.
Welcome to the game jam! Discuss the rules, teamwork, and expectations.
Introduce key game design concepts: game genres, mechanics, and storytelling.
Form teams and begin brainstorming game ideas (story, gameplay, characters).
Draft a basic Game Design Document (GDD), outlining the game concept, core mechanics, and initial ideas for art and sound.
Day 2: Learning Game Development Tools and Prototyping
Objective: Learn how to use game development software and start building a game prototype.
Introduce beginner-friendly game development tools (e.g., Scratch, GameMaker).
Create simple gameplay elements like movement, object interactions, and basic mechanics.
Start integrating basic art assets (characters, backgrounds) into the game.
Conduct initial playtesting of your prototype and get feedback for improvement.
Day 3: Game Enhancement, Polish, and Sound Design
Objective: Enhance your game with polished mechanics, sound, and graphics.
Refine your game by fixing bugs and improving gameplay features.
Work on level design, user interface, and progressing the game's challenge.
Introduce sound design, adding effects and music to the game.
Playtest the enhanced version of the game with sound and polish, making final tweaks.
Day 4: Finalizing the Game, Presentation, and Showcase
Objective: Finalize the game and prepare for the showcase presentation.
Fix any last-minute bugs and make final refinements to the game.
Prepare a presentation to explain the game’s concept, mechanics, and development process.
Share your game with the group, showcasing gameplay and the design process.
Celebrate everyone's hard work with a fun awards ceremony and peer voting.
Materials Needed:
Computers or tablets with game development software.
Art and sound tools for creating game assets.
Projector for showcasing games.
Key Outcomes:
Completed game prototypes.
Hands-on experience with game development tools.
Collaboration, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Last updated
Was this helpful?