Monday Advanced Game Development Lab Spring 2025

2D Adventure Games with Unity Game Engine

In this advanced lab, students will use the industry-standard Unity game engine and C# programming to create 2D adventure games. With Unity, a powerful tool used by professional game developers, students will learn to design and build games that combine action, adventure, and strategy. Along the way, they'll write C# scripts to bring their game mechanics to life, controlling everything from character movement to combat systems. By the end of the course, students will have a fully playable 2D adventure game, showcasing both their creativity and technical skills in game design and programming.

Class Objectives:

1. Students will learn to use the Unity game engine, gaining a strong understanding of its essential tools and workflows for 2D game development.
2. Write C# scripts to implement game mechanics such as character movement, animations, combat systems, and interactions with the environment and enemies.
3. Create immersive 2D game environments inspired by games like Hollow Knight and Children of Morta, focusing on level design, world-building, and layout.
4. Develop and animate characters, both player-controlled and NPCs, using sprite or pixel-based art, and integrate responsive movement and abilities.
5. Develop combat mechanics, including enemy AI, character abilities, health systems, and progression, drawing inspiration from Cuphead's fast-paced action and Hearthstone’s strategic gameplay.
6. Implement narrative elements, quests, and player progression systems to engage the player and drive the game forward, inspired by the storytelling in Children of Morta and Hollow Knight.
7. Add sound effects, background music, and visual effects to create a polished, immersive experience that complements the gameplay.
8. Create a Complete 2D Adventure Game: Each student will design, program, and build a fully playable 2D adventure game, demonstrating their skills in Unity, C# scripting, animation, and game design.

Class Stats:
Digital (Device Time): 95%
Analog (Hands on - for game flow ideas): 5%
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Type of Device Provided: Alienware PC Computer
Application: Unity Game Engine
Coding: C#: must have some coding experience

Details:
Educator: Lily Peterson
Hours: 3-6pm
Dates: 1/27 – 6/16
No Classes: 2/17, 3/31, 4/14, 5/26
Ages: 9+
Available Seats: 4