Gaming Program

There are two primary software tools used to facilitate the building of games.  First is a 3D game engine (allows the world to be viewed on the computer or TV screen) and the second is a level editor (facilitates placement of characters, locations, enemies, and story elements into a virtual world).  While creating the 3D game engine is the work of the software engineering genius, using the level editor is truly where the artistry in game design is most clearly expressed.

Warcraft, a real-time strategy game, is set in a fantasy world of humans, elves, orcs and dwarves, similar to Lord of the Rings. With its 3D engine and toolset, players create custom maps, build armies to compete in battles, and military campaigns. This makes Warcraft an ideal environment for use in the classroom. Using the level editor and developing the skills of a designer, artist, dramatist and computer scientist, students learn the fundamentals of game design and story telling. Students will build and balance a battle that they can take home to show friends and parents.