Game Development and System Designs (Beginner)

How to Think in Systems, Defining Systems, Parts and Loops  How to Make Your Games and Systems Fun and Interactive  Mental Models, Arousal, Attention, Neurochemical Engagement and Interactive Loops

• What a System Is in Game Design

  Define a system using simple game examples.

• Parts, Connections, and Boundaries

  Identify the parts, connections, and limits of a game system.

• Input, Output, and Feedback Loops

  Describe how input, output, and feedback create system behavior.

• Simple Systems in Games

  Map a basic game feature into its parts and loop.

• Mental Models for Players

  Explain how players form expectations about how a game works.

• Attention and Focus in Interactive Design

  Identify design choices that direct player attention.

• Arousal and Player Engagement

  Describe how challenge and excitement affect player arousal.

• Project: Build a Tiny Interactive Loop

  Create a small game prototype with one clear feedback loop.

• Neurochemical Engagement in Simple Terms

  Explain how reward, curiosity, and surprise support engagement.

• Designing Fun Through Feedback

  Improve a game loop by adding meaningful feedback to player actions.

• Balancing Challenge and Reward

  Adjust a system so it feels neither too easy nor too hard.

• Systems Thinking for Game Features

  Analyze a game feature as a connected set of rules and effects.

• Project: Design a Small Fun Game System

  Design and build a playable system with clear rules, feedback, and player choice.

• Observing Player Behavior

  Record how a player responds to a simple game system.

• Improving Systems Through Iteration

  Revise a game system based on observed player behavior.

• Capstone: Create a Connected Game Experience

  Build a short game experience that uses systems thinking, feedback loops, and player engagement.

Using Claude AI, VS code copilot, Google AI studio

• What AI Tools Do in Game Development

  Explain how Claude AI, VS Code Copilot, and Google AI Studio support game building tasks.

• Setting Up Your Game Development Workspace

  Install and open the software needed to start using AI tools for game development.

• Writing Clear Prompts for Game Ideas

  Create simple prompts that ask an AI tool for game concepts and features.

• Using Claude AI to Plan a Simple Game

  Generate a basic game idea, objective, and player rules with Claude AI.

• Turning Game Ideas into Simple Design Notes

  Organize AI-generated ideas into a short game design outline.

• Using VS Code Copilot for Game Code Support

  Use VS Code Copilot to suggest code for a small game feature.

• Editing and Improving AI-Suggested Code

  Modify AI-generated code so it matches a beginner game project.

• PROJECT: Build a Tiny Text-Based Game with AI Help

  Create a playable text-based game using Claude AI and VS Code Copilot.

• Using Google AI Studio for Creative Game Content

  Generate game names, character ideas, and story elements with Google AI Studio.

• Combining Three AI Tools in One Game Workflow

  Use Claude AI, Copilot, and Google AI Studio together to support one game task.

• Making Small Game Systems with AI Assistance

  Build one simple game system, such as scoring or health, with AI support.

• Checking AI Output for Mistakes and Clarity

  Identify and correct common problems in AI-generated game content and code.

• PROJECT: Create a Mini Game Prototype with AI Tools

  Develop a small playable prototype that includes a game idea, code, and content.

• Planning a Simple Game Build from Start to Finish

  Outline the steps needed to build a beginner game using AI tools.

• Capstone: Build and Present a Beginner Game Using AI Tools

  Complete a finished beginner game project with AI-assisted planning, content, and code.

Typing Lessons for speed prompting, AI Prompting and Game Logic

• Welcome to Game Prototyping and Typing for Speed

  Practice accurate typing to improve prompt input speed.

• Installing and Opening the Core Tools

  Set up the required coding editor and game engine on the computer.

• Understanding What a Game Prototype Is

  Identify the purpose of a game prototype in simple terms.

• Typing Short Commands and Keywords

  Type common coding keywords and short commands correctly.

• Using AI to Ask Clear Questions

  Write one clear AI prompt to get help with a game idea.

• Breaking a Game Idea Into Small Parts

  Split a simple game idea into player, goal, and action.

• First Game Logic: Inputs and Outcomes

  Create a basic rule that connects a player input to a result.

• PROJECT: Build a Mini Choice Game Prototype

  Build a small playable prototype with one choice and one outcome.

• Prompting AI for Game Mechanics Ideas

  Use AI to generate three simple game mechanic ideas.

• Turning Ideas Into Simple Game Rules

  Convert one game idea into a clear rule set.

• Adding Variables for Score or Health

  Create one variable to store a game value.

• Using Conditions to Make Decisions

  Write a basic if-then rule for gameplay behavior.

• Typing Faster With Reusable Prompt Templates

  Use one prompt template to save time while asking AI for help.

• PROJECT: Build a Simple Score Challenge Prototype

  Build a prototype that changes score based on player actions.

• Designing a Small Game Loop

  Describe a start-play-end loop for a simple game.

• Combining Logic With Player Feedback

  Add one message or response that tells the player what happened.

• Polishing the Prototype With AI Support

  Ask AI to suggest one improvement for clarity or playability.

• CAPSTONE: Create a Complete Beginner Game Prototype

  Build and present a complete mini game prototype using typing practice, AI prompting, and game logic.

Introduction to Tokens Tracking and Gamified Economy , Building A Multiplayer Game Using Spreadsheets as The Only Backend

• Getting Started with Google Sheets for Game Systems

  Identify Google Sheets as a tool for tracking game data and managing simple game economies.

• Opening a Spreadsheet and Understanding the Interface

  Open Google Sheets and locate the main parts of the spreadsheet interface.

• Cells, Rows, and Columns

  Enter data into cells and explain the difference between rows and columns.

• Creating a Basic Player Token Table

  Build a simple table that records player names, token counts, and status.

• Using Formulas to Add and Subtract Tokens

  Use basic formulas to calculate token gains and losses automatically.

• Copying Formulas and Filling Down

  Apply the same formula to multiple players using fill down.

• Formatting Data for Readability

  Format headers, numbers, and cells to make a token tracker easier to read.

• Building a Simple Reward and Spending System

  Create a spreadsheet that records rewards, purchases, and updated token balances.

• PROJECT: Build a Token Tracker for a Small Game

  Create a working spreadsheet that tracks players, tokens, rewards, and spending.

• Using Multiple Sheets for Game Data

  Organize game information across separate sheets for players, rewards, and transactions.

• Tracking Transactions with a Simple Log

  Record token activity in a transaction log and update balances from that log.

• Introduction to Tables, Filters, and Sorting

  Sort and filter spreadsheet data to find players and token activity quickly.

• Making Token Rules with Basic Logic

  Use simple logical rules to reward or limit players based on their token balance.

• Creating a Basic Multiplayer Economy Loop

  Design a repeatable system where players earn, spend, and trade tokens in a game economy.

• PROJECT: Build a Multiplayer Economy Backend in Sheets

  Construct a spreadsheet-based backend that manages players, tokens, transactions, and economy rules.

• Automating Game Updates with Spreadsheet Functions

  Use formulas to automatically calculate game updates from stored spreadsheet data.

• Sharing, Protecting, and Collaborating on Game Sheets

  Set sharing and protection options so multiple people can use the spreadsheet safely.

• CAPSTONE: Design a Spreadsheet-Only Multiplayer Game System

  Create a complete spreadsheet-based game system that tracks tokens, players, actions, and economy rules.

HTML, CSS, JS

• HTML5 Environment Setup for Web Game Development

  Configure a modern HTML5 development environment with a code editor, browser, and live-server workflow.

• HTML5 Document Structure and Semantic Layout

  Build a complete HTML5 page using semantic elements to organize game-related content.

• Working with Text, Links, and Media Assets

  Add structured text, navigation links, images, audio, and video to an HTML5 page.

• Forms and User Input for Game Interfaces

  Create interactive HTML forms that collect player data and settings.

• HTML Tables and Data Presentation in Game Contexts

  Construct accessible tables to display scores, stats, and game data.

• Canvas Fundamentals for 2D Game Graphics

  Implement a canvas element and draw basic shapes using the HTML5 canvas API.

• Embedding Audio and Video for Game Experiences

  Integrate controlled media playback into a web page using HTML5 audio and video elements.

• PROJECT: Build a Multi-Section HTML5 Game Landing Page

  Develop a responsive landing page that combines semantic layout, media, forms, and canvas elements.

• CSS Styling Essentials for Game-Themed Interfaces

  Apply CSS rules to create a cohesive visual style for a game interface.

• Responsive Layouts with Flexbox and Grid

  Design responsive page layouts using Flexbox and CSS Grid for different screen sizes.

• CSS Positioning, Layers, and Overlays

  Use positioning and stacking techniques to place HUD elements and overlays accurately.

• JavaScript Basics for Interactive HTML5 Pages

  Write JavaScript that selects DOM elements and responds to user actions.

• DOM Manipulation for Dynamic Game UI

  Update HTML content, attributes, and styles in response to game events.

• Canvas Drawing with JavaScript Animation Loops

  Create animated canvas graphics using JavaScript timing and rendering patterns.

• PROJECT: Build an Interactive HTML5 Mini-Game Prototype

  Create a playable browser-based mini-game with animated canvas, UI controls, and dynamic scoring.

• Capstone: Develop a Complete HTML5 Game Showcase

  Produce a polished HTML5 game showcase that integrates layout, styling, interactivity, and a playable prototype.

Game Genres and The Correct Type to Choose Game Frameworks, Systemic Models of a Game The 4 Principal Loops The 3 Kind of Game Loops; Engines, Economies and Ecologies

• What Games Are: 2D vs 3D Basics

  Identify the difference between 2D and 3D games.

• Game Genres and Player Expectations

  Classify common game genres by their core player experience.

• Choosing the Right Type of Game

  Match a simple game idea to an appropriate genre and format.

• Introduction to Game Engines

  Explain what a game engine does in a beginner-friendly way.

• Installing and Setting Up a Beginner Game Engine

  Install and open a game engine ready for project work.

• Scenes, Objects, and the Game World

  Create a basic game scene with visible objects.

• Player Control in 2D and 3D

  Build simple movement for a player character.

• PROJECT: Build a Tiny 2D Prototype

  Create a playable 2D prototype with a goal, a player, and one challenge.

• What Systemic Design Means in Games

  Describe how game systems interact to shape gameplay.

• The Four Principal Loops

  Identify the four principal loops in a game system.

• The Gameplay Loop

  Map a simple action cycle from player input to game response.

• The Core Game Engine Loop

  Explain how the engine repeatedly updates the game each frame.

• The Economy Loop

  Design a basic earn-spend-reward loop for a game.

• The Ecology Loop

  Describe how game elements influence one another over time.

• PROJECT: Design a Small Game System

  Build a simple game prototype that includes gameplay, engine, economy, and ecology loops.

• 2D and 3D Production Pipelines

  Compare the basic workflow for creating 2D and 3D game assets.

• Adding Assets, Sounds, and Feedback

  Integrate simple visuals and audio into a game prototype.

• Balancing a Game for Fun and Clarity

  Adjust one game mechanic to improve player experience.

• CAPSTONE: Create and Present a Complete Mini Game

  Produce a small 2D or 3D game that demonstrates an appropriate genre choice and clear game loops.

Understanding the scene tree, nodes and instancing  Navigating the 2D/3D workspace and input mapping Tiling, Tile sets and Building Maps (2D and 3D)  Isometric maps, RPG Maps and Top down maps

• Welcome to Godot and the Game Development Workflow

  Identify the Godot editor, the project structure, and the main areas used to build a game.

• Installing Godot and Creating Your First Project

  Install Godot and create a new empty project with the correct folder structure.

• Understanding Scenes, Nodes, and the Scene Tree

  Explain how scenes, nodes, and the scene tree work together in Godot.

• Building Your First Scene from Basic Nodes

  Create a simple scene by adding and arranging nodes in the scene tree.

• Saving, Running, and Instancing Scenes

  Save a scene, run it, and instance it into another scene.

• Navigating the 2D Workspace

  Use the 2D editor to move, zoom, select, and position objects accurately.

• Introduction to 3D Workspace Basics

  Use the 3D editor to view, navigate, and place objects in 3D space.

• Setting Up Input Actions

  Create custom input actions for keyboard, mouse, or controller controls.

• PROJECT: Small Interactive Godot Scene

  Build a simple interactive scene that combines nodes, instancing, and input actions.

• Understanding Tiles, Tile Sets, and Tile Maps

  Create a tile set and paint a basic map using a TileMap node.

• Editing Collision and Navigation in Tile Sets

  Add collision shapes and basic movement boundaries to tiles.

• Building a Top-Down 2D Level

  Design a simple top-down map using tiles, walls, and open spaces.

• Creating an Isometric Map

  Construct an isometric map layout using the correct tile orientation and placement.

• Designing an RPG-Style Map

  Build a small RPG-style environment with paths, rooms, and points of interest.

• Using Tile Maps in 3D Projects

  Apply tile-based thinking to build a simple 3D environment layout.

• PROJECT: Complete Playable Map Demo

  Create a playable map demo with a clear layout, movement controls, and one finished level style.

• Capstone: Mini Godot Game Prototype

  Combine scenes, nodes, input mapping, and tile-based level design into a small playable prototype.

Effective Game Prototyping and Playtesting 15  Building Games for Handheld Devices  Teamwork (Working as a Team to Develop Game Projects)

• What Game Developers and Systems Developers Do

  Identify the main responsibilities of game developers and systems developers.

• Understanding Game Teams and Project Roles

  Describe the common roles on a small game development team.

• Setting Up a Beginner Game Development Workspace

  Install and open the core tools needed for the course.

• Introduction to Game Engines and Project Files

  Create a new game project and save it correctly.

• Building a First Simple Prototype

  Create a basic playable prototype with one movement mechanic.

• Adding Rules, Feedback, and Win Conditions

  Implement a simple game rule and show player feedback.

• Playtesting Basics and Observing Player Behavior

  Record player observations during a short playtest session.

• PROJECT: Make and Test a Mini Game Prototype

  Build a small playable game and collect feedback from at least one tester.

• Understanding Handheld Device Constraints

  List the basic design limits of handheld devices.

• Designing for Small Screens and Touch Input

  Adapt a game interface for small screens and touch controls.

• Optimizing a Game for Mobile Performance

  Apply one performance improvement to a handheld game project.

• Working in a Game Development Team

  Use a simple workflow to share tasks with teammates.

• Using Version Control for Team Projects

  Commit and share project changes with a team repository.

• PROJECT: Team Build for a Handheld Game

  Collaborate to create a small handheld-friendly game prototype.

• Creating a Developer Profile on Hitmarker and Game Job Sites

  Create a professional profile on at least one game job platform.

• Writing a Beginner Game Developer Portfolio Summary

  Write a short profile summary that highlights skills and projects.

• Preparing Work Samples and Project Links

  Organize playable projects and links for a job application profile.

• Capstone: Presenting Your Playable Game and Job Profile

  Present a finished game prototype and a ready-to-share developer profile.