Game Microbit
Intermediate
30 mins
Teacher/Student led
+85 XP
What you need:
Chromebook/Laptop/PC

Introduction to Game Design

Get started on your game design journey! This lesson will introduce you to the basic elements of game design including setting goals, creating rules, making it challenging, adding rewards, and designing player interaction. This is your first step towards creating your own Microbit games!
Learning Goals Learning Outcomes Teacher Notes

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    1 - Understanding Game Goals

    Every game has a goal. This is what the player is trying to achieve. It could be as simple as 'Survive as long as possible' or as complex as 'Rescue the princess and defeat the dragon'. The goal provides a purpose and a challenge, which is what makes a game engaging and fun.

    Think about your favorite games and what their goals are. Now, consider the game you want to design. What is the goal? Remember, a good game goal should be clear, achievable, and challenging. It should motivate the player to keep playing and strive to win.



    2 - Exploring Game Rules

    Game rules are the constraints that define how to play the game. They determine what actions players can and cannot take. Rules can be simple like 'Avoid obstacles' or complex like 'You lose a life if you touch an enemy, but you gain a life if you collect a power-up'.

    In the context of a Microbit game, rules could involve using the buttons to move a sprite or shaking the device to perform an action. For example, in a simple obstacle-avoidance game, the rule might be 'Press button A to move left, button B to move right, and avoid hitting any obstacles'.

    Understanding and setting game rules is a crucial part of game design as it shapes the player's experience and interaction with the game.


    3 - Making Games Challenging

    A game without a challenge is not fun. The challenge in a game comes from the obstacles that players have to overcome to achieve their goal. The difficulty of the challenges should increase as the game progresses to keep players engaged.

    In the context of Microbit games, challenges can be created by adding more enemies, reducing the time limit, or introducing complex game mechanics. For example, you can create a game where the player has to avoid falling objects. As the game progresses, the objects could fall faster, or there could be more objects to avoid. This increasing difficulty will make the game more engaging and fun.

    Remember, the key is to make the game challenging but not so hard that it becomes frustrating. A good game design balances challenge and playability.


    4 - Designing Player Interaction

    Player interaction is a crucial aspect of game design. It defines how players engage with the game world and other players. This can include actions like moving, shooting, jumping, trading items, or communicating with other players.

    When designing player interaction, consider the controls. Will players use buttons to move a character, or tilt the Microbit to simulate motion? Will they press a button to jump or shoot? Think about how these actions can be implemented using the inputs available on the Microbit, such as the A and B buttons, or the accelerometer for motion detection. Your goal is to create an intuitive and engaging interaction system that enhances the gaming experience.


    5 - Adding Rewards

    Rewards in a game are crucial to keep the player engaged and motivated. They can be in the form of points, unlocking new levels, power-ups, or any other element that players find valuable. The key is to ensure that the rewards are proportional to the difficulty of the challenge.

    For instance, overcoming a simple obstacle might earn the player a few points, while completing a difficult level might unlock a new character or power-up. This balance between challenge and reward is what keeps a game exciting and encourages the player to keep playing.

    In your Microbit game design, think about what rewards you can offer to your players. Can you include points for each successful action? Or maybe a special power-up when they reach a certain score? Remember, the reward should be something that your players will value and strive to achieve.


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