What makes characters tick? That is the subject of this week's symposium as we delve deeply into everything from Back Story to Psychology and Physiology. Until a character is fully realized (i.e., 'fleshed out') to its creator, it cannot be optimally transmitted to the audience.
Exam #1 is next week:
Next week there will be the first course exam (30 points) on the terms, concepts, and principles from the material presented in Lessons 1 and 2 on Game Prototyping (plus the odd review question from Survey of the Game Industry that you should know). Be sure to study the Lesson Review Sheets handed out in class and make sure you've read all the Required Reading material found in each week's assignment links on the web site.
The link below is the homework assignment due at the beginning of the next class session.
These links feature the supplemental material that you are responsible for knowing before the second exam (that takes place at the beginning of Week 8). Be sure to click on every link in this section!
These links feature the supplemental material that you are responsible for knowing before the first exam (that takes place at the beginning of Week 4). Be sure to click on every link in this section!
None.
These supplemental links are worth pursuing only if you wish to really learn the subject matter of game design in the broadest possible sense. This material will not be directly included in the exams, but if you're serious about being a game designer and delving deeply into the subject of game design art, craft, and science, here's some more lessons from others who have also "been there."
Article: Building Character: An Analysis of Character Creation by Steve Meretzky
For both the writer and artist, industry sage Steve Meretzky takes you step-by-step through the process of character creation in games.
Article: Building Character by Toby Gard
This is another fine article on the subject of building characters for games. Note his discussion of the "halo effect." That might be an interesting consideration for your future game projects!
Bibliography: General Course References
