Frequently Asked Questions
I like to play video games, do you think game design is the right class for me?
That depends. If you want to take the game design classes because you want to play games, it's not going to be the right class for you. Game design is a hands-on project-based arts class where students design games, not play them. Designing and playing are two very different activities. If you often notice the inconsistencies and little glitches while playing games and wonder about how you would have created the games you play differently, this might very well be the right place for you.
That depends. If you want to take the game design classes because you want to play games, it's not going to be the right class for you. Game design is a hands-on project-based arts class where students design games, not play them. Designing and playing are two very different activities. If you often notice the inconsistencies and little glitches while playing games and wonder about how you would have created the games you play differently, this might very well be the right place for you.
What skills do I need to already have to take the game design classes?
None whatsoever. If you have an interest in digital art and explored some of the techniques used already, you have a leg up on your understanding of what we will do. But, all students begin in the same class (Computer Modeling & Animation) regardless of previous knowledge or skill to learn the tools as though they have never touched them before. Once students finish the intro class, they will continue using the skills they developed in Game Art & Design.
None whatsoever. If you have an interest in digital art and explored some of the techniques used already, you have a leg up on your understanding of what we will do. But, all students begin in the same class (Computer Modeling & Animation) regardless of previous knowledge or skill to learn the tools as though they have never touched them before. Once students finish the intro class, they will continue using the skills they developed in Game Art & Design.
I've heard your class is hard. But come on, how hard can it really be?
Creating games can be a challenging and complex process that requires a combination of technical, artistic, and creative skills. Game development also involves a lot of problem-solving and debugging, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. It requires a great deal of attention to detail, as even small errors can have significant impacts on gameplay and performance.
Creating games can be a challenging and complex process that requires a combination of technical, artistic, and creative skills. Game development also involves a lot of problem-solving and debugging, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. It requires a great deal of attention to detail, as even small errors can have significant impacts on gameplay and performance.
Will we play games in game design?
Yes...and no. Games are played as a method for learning about mechanics and different design techniques, not for the sake of playing games or just having fun. You will not be playing the latest titles or probably even any of the games you are used to playing. We use tabletop games more often than video games for learning design techniques and mechanics.
Yes...and no. Games are played as a method for learning about mechanics and different design techniques, not for the sake of playing games or just having fun. You will not be playing the latest titles or probably even any of the games you are used to playing. We use tabletop games more often than video games for learning design techniques and mechanics.
Do I need to have a gaming PC at home to take this class?
No, you do not need a super high-end computer of your own. It is beneficial to have a computer with internet access at home because all content and assignments are delivered digitally for this class. However, as we learned from the covid closures, having an appropriate computer can definitely be of benefit for keeping up-to-date with assignments.
No, you do not need a super high-end computer of your own. It is beneficial to have a computer with internet access at home because all content and assignments are delivered digitally for this class. However, as we learned from the covid closures, having an appropriate computer can definitely be of benefit for keeping up-to-date with assignments.
I want to purchase a new computer for myself/my student, what should I buy?
The main components to worry about in a computer are: the processor, the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and the graphics card. Students work with industry standard software in my classes and some of the applications have some pretty steep system requirements. A computer that will work for completing assignments in a typical high school class simply lacks the power to run the applications used for working with video and 3D modeling applications. I always tell students if you plan on installing the software we use at home, make sure you look at the software's recommended system requirements online to ensure you have a computer that meets the necessary software specs. It is also important to realize that one of our major applications, Autodesk 3ds Max, is only available for the Windows PC. If you are in the market for a new computer and want to make sure it runs the software we use, look in the Common Technical Questions section near the bottom of the Policies page for information on hardware.
The main components to worry about in a computer are: the processor, the amount of RAM, the size of the hard drive, and the graphics card. Students work with industry standard software in my classes and some of the applications have some pretty steep system requirements. A computer that will work for completing assignments in a typical high school class simply lacks the power to run the applications used for working with video and 3D modeling applications. I always tell students if you plan on installing the software we use at home, make sure you look at the software's recommended system requirements online to ensure you have a computer that meets the necessary software specs. It is also important to realize that one of our major applications, Autodesk 3ds Max, is only available for the Windows PC. If you are in the market for a new computer and want to make sure it runs the software we use, look in the Common Technical Questions section near the bottom of the Policies page for information on hardware.
What software will we use in game design?
That depends on the class you are currently in. However, the main software learned includes several applications in the Adobe CC Suite, Autodesk 3ds Max, and the Unreal or Unity game engine.
That depends on the class you are currently in. However, the main software learned includes several applications in the Adobe CC Suite, Autodesk 3ds Max, and the Unreal or Unity game engine.
Do I need to buy the software we use in class for use at home?
No. I never give homework that requires access to the software we use in class. In Computer Modeling & Animation, you will learn no less than four different applications, which is a lot. If you have a computer with appropriate hardware, you can access the software from home for free. Look in the Common Technical Questions section at the bottom of the Policies page for information on hardware and software. If you feel that you need more time to work on assignments than we have during class, I recommend attending office hours.
No. I never give homework that requires access to the software we use in class. In Computer Modeling & Animation, you will learn no less than four different applications, which is a lot. If you have a computer with appropriate hardware, you can access the software from home for free. Look in the Common Technical Questions section at the bottom of the Policies page for information on hardware and software. If you feel that you need more time to work on assignments than we have during class, I recommend attending office hours.
Parent Question: What is the best way to keep up with my student's grades in your class?
My classroom is extremely transparent for parents. While looking in PowerSchool will show you the overall grade for your student as it will be reported on both progress reports and report cards, it does not provide an accurate picture of what your student has been doing in class. By creating a Canvas parent account, you can see a detailed breakdown of why your student has the grades you see in PowerSchool. This can often answer a very common parent question: "how is my student doing in your class?" before you even think about emailing me. Remember, CHCCS requires teachers to enter a minimum grade of a 50 in PowerSchool, even when a student has not submitted any work at all. I will never alter the earned grades in Canvas, so you can see exactly what your student is or is not doing and get a clearer picture as to why your student currently has the grade he/she/they have in my class.
My classroom is extremely transparent for parents. While looking in PowerSchool will show you the overall grade for your student as it will be reported on both progress reports and report cards, it does not provide an accurate picture of what your student has been doing in class. By creating a Canvas parent account, you can see a detailed breakdown of why your student has the grades you see in PowerSchool. This can often answer a very common parent question: "how is my student doing in your class?" before you even think about emailing me. Remember, CHCCS requires teachers to enter a minimum grade of a 50 in PowerSchool, even when a student has not submitted any work at all. I will never alter the earned grades in Canvas, so you can see exactly what your student is or is not doing and get a clearer picture as to why your student currently has the grade he/she/they have in my class.
Last Updated: 04/23/2023