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Course Catalog
Introduction to Video Game Programming
Can Be Taught:
In Classroom
Online
In ClassroomOnlinewith GML/Game Maker
Available Now!
Grade Level:
9, 10, 11, 12
Prerequisites:
none
Delivery Method:
In Classroom, Online
Duration:
one semester
Sample Lesson:
Course Outline:
Course Description
Start programming right away! Follow along step by step at first, and then use what you have learned to create a barnyard game and a moon command game. Program, debug, playtest, and revise until your games are fully playable.
Basic programming concepts are presented by hands-on building of 2D games using the Game Maker 8.0 engine. This engine uses GML, a scripting language that is easy to understand and builds good techniques that can be transferred to any other programming language such as C++, Python, or Javascript.
This class explores scripting syntax, variables, arrays, conditional statements, and looping statements.
Your experience gained by coding real projects in this course will help you decide whether to pursue a career in game programming.
Click here to see the Video Game Academy course roadmap.
Materials
PDF file reader (Adobe Acrobat reader is free), Game Maker 8.0 (website)
About the Course Author
Ruth taught 3D computer graphics classes in the Media Arts and Animation and the Game Art and Design departments at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Ruth's expertise includes modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, and compositing.
Ruth worked for the IBM Corporation in Poughkeepsie, NY as an Associate Programmer on the Work Load Manager development and testing team.
Her MET was completed at the Entertainment Technology Center, Carnegie Mellon University. She received her BS in Computer Science at SUNY Plattsburgh. She completed an Associate in Specialized Technology degree majoring in Industrial Design Technology from The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.
Ruth has turned her life-long hobby of scaring people into a profession. She helps design, build, and manage a local haunted house at Halloween. She produced The Art Institute's Khymira Experiment and Khymira II as well as the Nightmare in North Versailles. Here in the realm of darkness and shadow, Ruth uses all of her skills in art and technology to weave together characters and storylines that prey upon man's deepest fears. "When in the graveyard—beware of a sinking feeling, for the ground may be trying to claim you."