Need suggestions for starting Game Design "club" for ITT Tech
by Phil Luhn · in General Discussion · 04/06/2005 (10:33 am) · 5 replies
I teach part-time at an ITT Tech in my area. Although this specific location does not have a game design program, many of the students in the multimedia program are interested in game design. As a game enthusiest myself, I feel it would be good to start a Game Design "club" or some sort of group to give these students more contact with game design.
My question is, does anyone know of any organizations I should look into joining for the sake of this group? I know about IGDA and SGDA and I'm not so sure if joining would benefit much. Also, any further ideas on what activities could take place? I'm in the Chicago area, so obviously visiting area game companies is an option. Perhaps we could even utilize the Torque engine for some hands-on experience?
What does everyone think?
My question is, does anyone know of any organizations I should look into joining for the sake of this group? I know about IGDA and SGDA and I'm not so sure if joining would benefit much. Also, any further ideas on what activities could take place? I'm in the Chicago area, so obviously visiting area game companies is an option. Perhaps we could even utilize the Torque engine for some hands-on experience?
What does everyone think?
#2
I think I'd probably use either Torque or UT2004. As much as I'd love to use Torque, pricewise and for ease of use I think it'd be easier to do a mod for UT2004. I'll definately still show them Torque as an option, though.
04/07/2005 (6:24 am)
Thanks for the comments. My plan is to have them work on a multiplayer-type game. Most of them are into FPS which will make it easy. We do have access to the required Adobe products as well as Max.I think I'd probably use either Torque or UT2004. As much as I'd love to use Torque, pricewise and for ease of use I think it'd be easier to do a mod for UT2004. I'll definately still show them Torque as an option, though.
#3
Also, you should try to find out their strengths, like C++, Visual Basic, Java, etc. or if its in graphics,
Adobe Photoshop, Max, TrueSpace, etc.
I know that money is an evil topic to talk about, just when you're getting started, but it is difficult doing anything on an empty stomach, when you're worried about the mortgage, and the boyfriend (girlfriend) won't pay attention to your needs.
Just because you won't get many members is not a reason to say that there aren't any talented people in the Chicago area. People have other things to do beside program. But good luck!
Another idea is to charge a small membership fee (like $1.00 a month) to lease a room at the college where members can come in, get togheter and chat about their latest ideas, and some of the more experienced programmers can show some of the least experienced programmers some things!
04/19/2005 (12:50 pm)
As Will mentioned, you should find out what type of genre they're interested in. Y'know RTS, FPS, etc.Also, you should try to find out their strengths, like C++, Visual Basic, Java, etc. or if its in graphics,
Adobe Photoshop, Max, TrueSpace, etc.
I know that money is an evil topic to talk about, just when you're getting started, but it is difficult doing anything on an empty stomach, when you're worried about the mortgage, and the boyfriend (girlfriend) won't pay attention to your needs.
Just because you won't get many members is not a reason to say that there aren't any talented people in the Chicago area. People have other things to do beside program. But good luck!
Another idea is to charge a small membership fee (like $1.00 a month) to lease a room at the college where members can come in, get togheter and chat about their latest ideas, and some of the more experienced programmers can show some of the least experienced programmers some things!
#4
As for money, I express to the students that this project is a labor of love. If the game gets done, I will do what I can to get Garage Games interested. But my extracurricular activity is to teach students how and not to fill them with wild hope of being super rich. Addtionally I think it more rewarding educationally and would be great for a Up an comming graphic students' resume.
04/19/2005 (12:59 pm)
I too teach at a Graphic Design Degree School, Spencerian college, Lexington Ky. What I have been doing is letting the students design a game of my choosing ( everyone needs direction). It is quite rewarding but the progress is slow. Maybe we can collaborate, I would love to have another who is versed in Torque. As you might suspect my vote for the engine is with Torque, cause well, we have the source. Feel free to email me if you like.As for money, I express to the students that this project is a labor of love. If the game gets done, I will do what I can to get Garage Games interested. But my extracurricular activity is to teach students how and not to fill them with wild hope of being super rich. Addtionally I think it more rewarding educationally and would be great for a Up an comming graphic students' resume.
#5
Just my 2 cents.
07/06/2005 (11:41 am)
I was involved in a fledgling game development club at SOU. Interest and attendance was very high at first, however these began steadily dropping until only 2 or 3 people would show up for meetings. I think that having an actual project for members to work on/learn from is essential. Our club never had a concrete project, so meetings tended to turn into nothing but discussion of what cool games were out at the moment or what ideas for a game people had. (Everyone has an idea)Just my 2 cents.
Torque Owner Will Harrison
Also, what genre do you think the students would like more? RTS? FPS? 2D (T2D)?
And... what kinds of programs are they using in class? Max, Maya, Photoshop? That will also determine the kind of game that is possible.
Anyway, great idea.