Week Four – Game Jam

PICTURES COMING SOON

Game Jam

To collaboratively create a video game while in a group of peers while using the skills picked up in the last 3 weeks of camp. 30-hour Game Jam at local shop Gamer’s Anonymous for the Girl Scouts of America to test the format among an age group of 10 to 14 year olds for STEM. The girls were split into 3 teams of three and given the resources and a theme of “Summer Vacation.” Each team was responsible for their game design, writing, art and programming which required group work and communication. We held several check in presentations during each day as well as final presentation at the end to show off each team’s game. This format was also used to create board games in the same similar style.

Objective:

To collaboratively create a video game while in a group of peers while using the skills picked up in the last 3 weeks of camp.

Purpose:

The purpose is to enhance their group skills while also building leadership and collaboration skills in a field that is misinterpreted as a “male only” career. The completion of a large project should help boost their confidence and help to become empowered women in the future.

Procedure:

We will spend Monday at Gamer’s Anonymous to play games and get ideas while planning the outline of each game. We will put them in groups of 3 to complete a game. We will also rearrange the classroom to be more conducive to each team member having at least one mac computer and desk space to work. They will be allowed to choose their software to build their game, what type of art and music to create ect… We will only facilitate if they appear unorganized or off track.

Play Games / Ice Breakers: We will use Ice Breaker Games and play different types of games together to show help with communication within a group environment as well as ice breakers to encourage physical activity and exercise. We will also have a Wii or Wii-U set up to play a little in the afternoon and try different video games for inspiration. All of monday we will spend at gamer’s anonymous for that as well.

Discussions about what is a game: What is a rule? Are characters important? Multiplayer vs. Single player? Favorite games and why? Differences between different games? What is important for you in a game? Do you ever feel limited? What is a boss level and it’s significance?



Materials:

  • AA Batteries
  • Wii or Wii U
  • Snacks
  • Documents
  • Composition books