Turning in Project 1 has a few parts. Be sure to do all of them
- The game itself (everything necessary to play it)
- Your individual “reflection” exercise (Assignment 4)
- Your playtest feedback (of other people’s games)
In class, on Friday, September 28th, we’ll play the games. This means you need to have it working, and in the directory before 2:30 on Friday, September 28th.
Handing in the game
Your handing directory is explained in a post. Check to make sure that you can put things in it before Friday. If you have a problem, have the TA fix it before its too late.
If you put things into this handin directory, it will be available on the web. Your handin directory is on the web at:
https://graphics.cs.wisc.edu/Courses/Games12/Proj1/YOURGROUP (where YOURGROUP is the directory name). Note: if you are willing to make this readable to people outside of CS, just remove the .htaccess file from your directory.
The “index” page (index.htm, index.html, …) in this directory should be the entry to your game. It might just have the instructions (with a link to the game), or it can have the game on it. Remember: your game must stand alone (so it needs to have instructions).
Please check to make sure your game is playable when someone goes to this link.
You must have the playable game (with instructions) in place before class time, since we’ll play the games in class. If something comes up during play testing, and you feel compelled to change the game after 2:30 on 9/28, please make sure that there is always some playable version on the web.
Note: if you do not want your game to remain on the web (for example, for future students to see), please let us know. We will remove it AFTER it has been graded.
Playtesting
Critiquing games is a good way to learn about them. Getting a critique is a good way to learn. Watching someone use your program is a good way to learn.
Note: the the critiques here are not to determine your grade, although the fact that you write critiques is a requirement for the grade. Getting practice thinking critically about games is one of the goals here.
During the in-lab class time (on Friday, 9/28), we’ll play test games. The idea is that everyone will play everyone else’s game. There isn’t time for each person to play 14 games, so we’ll each get to play a few.
Each group should log in and set up one computer to play their game. Your game should be self-explaining, so other can just walk up and play. However, we recommend that one person stays to watch others play the game (hint: try just to observe), while the other partner plays other people’s games. Then switch roles after a while.
Each person will be required to give feedback on at least 5 other group’s games – you will be allowed to do this anonymously. For each game you play, take a 3×5 index card (we’ll provide them) – write the name of the group, and your feedback. If you want to be anonymous, do not write your name on the card. When you’re done, take the cards you have filled out, place them in an envelope, and put your name on the envelope. This way the TA can check that you have given feedback to others. He will sort the cards and give them to the groups who wrote the games.
Please be constructive but critical in your feedback. Saying “great game” has little value – but if you can be specific about good points and bad points, you can be helpful. Consider both the game aspects (was it fun?) and the technical aspects (which you should now appreciate since you’ve done it too). Remember: critique the game, not the people who made it. And remember, all the groups were working under the same insane time pressure.
Note: if you don’t get to play enough games during class time (or do not come during class times), you may play the games over the weekend (since they are all on the web!).
Bring your envelope (your name on the envelope) with 5 or more cards (each one has the group name and the feedback) to class on Tuesday, October 2nd. The envelopes are due at the beginning of class.
Please send your group reflection to the TA and professor (a copy to each by email) on Monday, October 3rd. (any time – e.g. not Tuesday). We prefer that the content is in the text of the message, rather than as an attachment.
Individual Reflection Exercise
This is described as Assignment 4, but remember to answer the questions by sending an email to the Professor and TA before 2:30 on October 2nd.
Improvements After the Playtest
Based on the feedback you get at the playtest, you may have lots of ideas for improvements to be made to your game. Or fixed and additions that didn’t quite make it in on the rushed schedule. You are welcome to make changes later – in fact, if you have improved versions, let us know since we’re curious. However, these after-the-playtest additions will not be graded.
And, to honest, the grading expectations are pretty light: if you have a complete playable game that has some flocking going on, you’ll get a good grade. Making a great game is for your own personal satisfaction: if you work this hard, its nice that the result is fun.
