Lesson 1, and the First Lesson I Learned: Let them talk
The students will have a great deal to say about games and gaming. So from the first day I get them used to the idea that they will have do talk and write by giving them the following assignment:"My Favorite Game" writing assignment
Consider these genres, which are identified by what it take to "win".
- Action: Based mainly on hand/eye coordination and dexterity (Pac-man, Tetris)
- Board/Card/Quiz: Adapted from existing board games, card games, or quiz show games
- Adventure: Requires deep thinking, generally involves puzzles and problem solving, multiple environments
- Role Playing: Focus on fantasy role playing where the player’s avatar performs quests and battles to build skill points and increase power levels
- Simulation: Emulates real-world situations and activities, may or may not have a victory condition
- Strategy: Requires thought and planning to beat the opponent or the computer, Turn based (Chess is one example)
Write about your favorite game:
Paragraph 1: Describe your favorite game. First, identify the genre to which it belongs. Then give the ultimate goal, and what a player must do to achieve that goal. Use complete sentences, and be detailed enough so that someone who is unfamiliar with the game will know what the game is about.
Paragraph 2: Explain why your favorite game is better than Tetris. Include at least 3 reasons for your game's superiority, i.e., three characteristics of your game that Tetris doesn't have, or characteristics that your game does better than Tetris.
