Monthly Archives: November 2010

Double Helix

What could be more fun than rhythm platforming on DNA strands? That’s the main premise behind my latest game concept, Double Helix. Double Helix is a run-forever rhythm platform game for iOS devices that combines the principles of real world … Continue reading

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Lessons from the Trenches

Okay, so maybe game design doesn’t have trenches per se, at least not the same as in teaching, but as students, we’re definitely on the frontlines. Just ask any of the guys in my class who have pulled all nighters … Continue reading

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More Handheld Devices in the Classroom

In order to bring effective educational games to the classroom, those classrooms must first have sufficient technology necessary to access those games. Increasingly, schools and colleges are putting handheld devices such as clickers into the hands of students, providing an … Continue reading

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The Making of Factory Frenzy

3am the night before our latest UDK level was due, half the class was still in the classroom. Most would stay overnight, camping out at school from 9am Monday through midnight the next night. Five weeks may sound like a … Continue reading

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Learning to Lego

Very few great games are created by single individuals, so even the most genius game designers must learn to work in a team. Just like public speaking, teamwork is a skill that must be practiced. In our team management class … Continue reading

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7 Ways Games Engage the Brain

How does virtuality differ from reality? In reality, we may or may not remember everything that happens. In the virtual world, we can track, record, and measure every single action, choice, and event and thus reward players appropriately to effectively … Continue reading

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Enemy AI

The first time I heard of a game designer working on enemy AI, I thought, pfft, how hard could it be? Throw some enemies in, make them go places, and have them shoot things. However, in reality, the process is … Continue reading

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The Canadian Game Industry

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada recently released a report of trends in the Canadian game industry and habits of Canadian gamers in 2010. Here are some facts worth noting: Over 95% of Canadian households own a computer, and nearly … Continue reading

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