2D Game Design with Python Pygame Tuesday

Course description:

• Students will learn about the various aspects of 2D game design using a programing language, and how to implement them in Python using the PyGame library.

• Students will learn the components of the PyGame library. Such as: displays and graphical methods. 2. Game design theory, such as the concepts of game loops, state-based games, and Object Oriented Programming. 3. Basic computer art, drawing graphics, and making simple 2D animations. Adding music and sound effects. 4. Simple UI elements, menus, and file I/O.
• Students will learnto how to connect these elements, layout levels using a visual editor, and link together different levels and game states.

Level 1:

• Students will learn basic skills involved in programming a video game using a formal programming language via the PyGame library for python.
• Students will learn how to make their own graphics, draw graphics onto the screen, make graphics larger or smaller, make simple animations, check for inputs, and have interactions between game elements.
• Students will then apply this knowledge in order to recreate the game Space Invaders.

Level 2:

• Students will learn the remaining fundamentals required in order to fully make any sort of game that they desire.
• We will cover the various skills required to make a large scale game, such as going over the theory of state based games, learning how to lay out large levels, make multiple levels, and save and load the user’s progress.
• We will cover proper frame by frame animation, and how to use timers and the modulus operator.
• Students will also learn how to add some polish to their game, and make a title screen, add sound effects, and add UI and menus.
• Students will apply this knowledge toward making an adventure game, which is like a more complex version of the game Adventure for the Atari.

Level 3:

• Students will learn more advanced theory behind designing complex games.
• Students will learn how to add additional controls to the player, and learn to create different states for the player. Students will add simple enemies to the game, and make a simple enemy AI.
• Students will then add other friendly characters, and implement talking to them, as well as being able to program simple cutscenes. They will also learn how to connect multiple levels to transition seamlessly, and make what appears to be a much larger game.
• In the end, students will apply this knowledge in order to create a simple role playing game similar to the old Legend of Zelda games.