Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Study Of Early Stage Game Design And Prototyping, Brien Colwell, Richard C. Davis, James A. Landay

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Computer games and simulations can be valuable teaching and communication tools, and they are a powerful form of self-expression. Unfortunately, creating games requires programming, and programming requires time and skill. Some tools facilitate game creation to motivate novice programmers, but programming is still necessary. Other systems require less programming, but they are narrowly focused. To enable faster, simpler, and more expressive tools for professionals and amateurs, we have explored the processes and tools used in the early stages of game and simulation design. Interviews with educators clarified the uses of simulations in the classroom, while interviews with professional game designers …