Maker Pen Boot Camp: Game Design

Learn to build your own games, worlds, and fun experiences in Rec Room!

In this introductory course you will learn: 

• How to create with the Maker Pen

• Basic level design foundation

• Storytelling, mood, and environment

• Basic to mid-level circuits

• Create a fun mini game as your final project

Course Layout

A new class will kickoff once every two weeks. The full course lasts 4 weeks.

Two classes total. Class 1 starts Jan 31st, Class 2 starts Feb 14th, up to 36 students in a class. 

Projects: 6 groups of 6 people each.

Things to consider

Two things to consider before signing up for this course; this is intended for players who want to learn how to make games. You will need to be able to dedicate some of your time over the course of the class. It is not especially demanding, but we will not let you complete the course if you do not complete the exercises leading up to the final project.

How to sign up

You can sign up via the Creative Club Discord at https://discord.gg/ebk3cBC6yf  Classes/availability will fill up on a first-come first-served basis. You will be assigned to a class if there are any spaces left and can ask the instructors any questions you might have in the #boot-camp-general channel! Announcements will be made in the #info channel.

The course will consist of three weekly meetings (4 days are mandatory) over a total of 4 weeks. Assignments begin on Monday and are expected to be completed the following Saturday. You will start off learning about basic tools, design concepts, and circuits with several exercises. After the exercises are completed you will be separated into teams of 5 - 6 people to complete 1 final project. Once your team has completed the final project successfully, each member of the team will be given a unique bootcamp version of the upcoming graduation gown avatar item!

Additionally, you must also be respectful to others in the class. Remember, everyone learns differently and at different paces, so keep the ego out of the class. If not, you will be removed from the class.

All classes will be held in ^MakerPenBootCamp: https://rec.net/room/MakerPenBootCamp

Day 1: Overview of Maker Pen and Laying Out the Foundation.

Class 1: Monday, Jan31th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Class 2: Monday, Feb14th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Day 2: Intro to Level Design and Mechanics.

Class 1: Wednesday, Feb 2nd at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Class 2: Wednesday, Feb 16th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Day 3: Be the Narrator - Balance the Ingredients.

Class 1: Friday, Feb 4th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Class 2: Friday, Feb 18th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

WEEK 2 - CIRCUITS V2

Day 1: Target Practice

Class 1: Monday, Feb 7th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Class 2: Monday, Feb 21st at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Day 2: Chase Game

Class 1: Wednesday, Feb9 th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Class 2: Wednesday, Feb 23rd at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Day 3: Cookie Clicker Game

Class 1: Friday, Feb 11th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

Class 2: Friday, Feb 25th at 12:30 PM PT for a max of 2 hours.

PROJECTS:

Project 1: Mini-game

Class 1: Saturday, Feb 12th at 12:30 PM PT.

Class 2: Saturday, Feb 26th at 12:30 PM PT.

Project 2: Mini-game

Class 1: Saturday, Feb 19th. At 12:30 PM PT  Work on projects with your team.

Class 2: Saturday, Mar 5th.  At 12:30 PM PT Work on projects with your team.

Group Projects Due:

Class 1: Feb 21th 4pm PST (Room Name must be posted in your group slack for review)

Class 2: Mar 7th 4pm PST (Room Name must be posted in your group slack for review)

Graduation: TBD