Alec Leyendecker

leyendag@mail.uc.edu
McMicken College of Arts and Science
Chemistry
Creative Arts
January 5, 2015
April 5, 2015

Project Information
I have been playing video games for as long as I can remember. Theyve always been a
part of my life, and Ive always seen them as something positive rather than negative, contrary to
the popular viewpoint. They involve critical thinking skills, strategy, and sometimes teamwork in
order to complete the tasks assigned to the player.
During high school, I took three courses related to computer programming: Intro to Java,
Mobile Apps Development, and Video Game Programming. These courses gave me a basic
understanding of computer programming and how to put together simple and enjoyable games.
For the Video Game Programming course, we used a very simple and free program called Game
Maker. This program waters down the coding process so that beginners have an easier time
putting codes in order and successfully creating games. I loved working with this program
because it is so much fun to watch a game which I created come together and form a cohesive,
enjoyable experience for the player. It is for this reason that for this experiential learning project,
I will be using Game Maker to program a video game.
During my game programming course, we made simple video games with simple goals,
such as platformers and scrolling shooters. The graphics and player engagement were secondary;
what mattered was that the controls and physics of the game were in order. I plan to take my
experience with this program to the next level and try to make a fun, viable game that people can
enjoy in their leisure. Instead of creating a scrolling shooter or platformer like we did in class, I
will attempt to make an overworld adventure-type game with an engaging storyline and fun,
strategic gameplay. It will require the player to think before making decisions, and utilize certain
functions given to them in order to complete tasks. As the game progresses, the tasks will
become increasingly difficult and complicated.

Connection to Learning Outcomes within the Honors Thematic Area

This project will exhibit features of the Creative Arts thematic area. I have always seen
video games as an art form of sorts because it combines visuals and storyline with a meaningful
and challenging gameplay experience. The learning outcomes for this project are as follows:

 Acquires or further develops competencies within a particular creative domain.

Working with Game Maker to create video games will help me develop skills in the area
of game programming and help me better understand how certain processes work. It will also
allow me to experiment with different strategies for such things as character movement, enemy
behavior, and aesthetics.
Demonstrates/takes appropriate risk in successfully completing project (going beyond original parameters of
assignment, introducing new materials and forms, tackling controversial topics, advocating unpopular ideas
or solutions, etc.).

Instead of staying within the realm of basic platformers and scrolling shooters, I will
attempt to create an overworld game. Though overworld games have simple controls and
movement, they have a huge possibility for open-world gameplay and player freedom. Many
overworld games also have incredible and meaningful storylines, which add to the overall
experience and enjoyment.

Connection to Goals and Academic Theories

A. This project relates to my future personal goals because I want to be able to create games
in my leisure. I think that it is a constructive way to spend time and helps my overall
creative and thinking skills. As much as I love to play video games, I have always wanted
to be able to make them because I simply love creating. I have gone through several
creative phases in my life, including drawing, animating, writing, and even weaving at
one point. For this experience, I chose specifically video games because of their unique
interactive features and ever-increasing popularity.
B. One of the articles I chose is from Imagine Games Network, or IGN, called What Makes
the Perfect Video Game? I chose this article because IGN is a major resource for gamers
worldwide and is credited with providing some of the best information about video
games, including ratings and criticisms. I want my game to be the best that it can possibly
be, and I feel this article will be a major help. It discusses many viewpoints from both
community members and staff members about what aspects of a video game make it a
good one. Id like to take these ideas and incorporate them into the game I make.

Initiative, Independence, and/or Creativity

This project demonstrates initiative because I plan on designing and programming the
game mainly by myself. I may sometimes go to others I know that are more experience in the
field, but for the most part this project will be solo. This is unusual for video games, as there is
normally a separate party for each of several different aspect of the game, such as story,

backgrounds, character design, etc. However, I want my video game to be just that: my video
game. Every element will be completely of my original design. I have worked with simpler
games before in my game programming class at St. Xavier, and I have basic programming
knowledge from an Intro to Java course.
Reflection
I will reflect upon this experience by keeping a journal of what I have completed each
time I work on it, and how I feel at that moment about the final product. I will describe in detail
any feelings of excitement, anxiousness, doubt, or otherwise. Because I would like video game
programming to be a bigger part of my life, this will help me determine what I like and dislike
about the process, as well as what I need to improve upon in order to better my skill.
In addition, I will keep a log of all the characters and events that take place and describe
why I decided to include them, and what the deeper meaning is behind the surface level of the
game.

Dissemination
Once the game is complete, I will present the final product to the UCLoL club and make
the game available for download on an internet file hub. The UCLoL club is heavily focused on
the appreciation of video games, which is why the group would be ideal for presenting my
project. I will ask Chris, the president of the club, to reserve some time during one of the
meetings to display my game on the large screen in the Swift 800 room, where I will play it in
front of the group. I will then explain my purpose behind making the game, and why I want
gaming to be a more integral part of my life. Then I will tell them where they can download the
game.

Project Advisors
My project advisors will consist of some of the staff from the St. Xavier High School
computer science department. I have had all three instructors for various classes, so they are
familiar with me and are willing to assist me in this endeavor. Mr. Raymond Heyob has a
Bachelors degree in information systems from the University of Cincinnati and taught my
mobile applications course. Mr. Jack Reynolds has a Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia
University and taught both my intro to java course and my game programming course.
Contact information:

Mr. Raymond Heyob

o Email: rheyob@stxavier.org
Mr. Jack Reynolds
o Email: jreynolds@stxavier.org
o Phone: 513-761-7815