Have you ever wanted to make a video game? Come join us!
In Spring 2019, I will be leading a multidisciplinary undergraduate team in the development of an original educational video game in partnership with Minnetrista. We will be working together as an independent game development studio, following industrial best practices to make the best game we can in one semester and three credit-hours. This project is a university-supported Immersive Learning experience funded in part by a gift from the Shafer Foundation.
The game we create will be a collaborative effort with Minnetrista. There are many potential themes that the game can explore, including local cultural history, the legacy of the Ball family, and the sustainability of Minnetrista's Nature Area. This topic is currently under exploration in my Honors Colloquium on Serious Game Design, and the output from that colloquium—together with feedback from Minnetrista—will inform the decisions we make in the Spring. Of course, the skills and passions of the Spring Studio will be a serious consideration as well.
Our meetings will be 9:00–11:00AM MWF in a dedicated studio space. All participants must be available at these times for collaborative work and team meetings.
All majors are welcome to apply to be a part of the game production studio. The application process helps me to craft a team with the right balance of skills and experience to succeed. I am particularly interested in recruiting students with experience in Art, Computer Science, Education, English, History, and Music, but all are welcome—there is a lot of work to be done! Ideal candidates should be in the junior or senior level within their specialization areas. For example, Computer Science majors should have completed CS222.
To apply, fill out the form at the link below. Full consideration will be given to those who apply by Friday, October 26. I expect to be able to review the applications over the weekend and get back to you by Monday, October 29.
Participation in the studio earns credit in CS490 Software Production Studio, which is both a Tier 3 Core Curriculum Class and an elective for Computer Science majors and minors.
Please share this announcement with anyone you know who might be interested, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Paul Gestwicki,
Professor, Computer Science Department