Video Games: Design and Code Your Own Adventure with 17 Projects
What does the 13,000-year-old mancala game have in common with today's Minecraft? They both require logic, critical thinking skills, and creativity! In Video Games: Design and Code Your Own Adventure, readers discover that the video games they play today have their roots in the games kids played in the deserts of Ancient Egypt, and they'll learn how to design their own games from the initial idea to the final blips on the screen.
Activities in Video Games include creating text-based adventure quests, designing board games, and programming using free, kid-friendly software such as MIT's Scratch. For kids who just can't get enough of video games, here's a chance to visit behind the scenes at a game company to explore the entire design process, from idea to market. They'll have so much fun they won't realize they're learning about geometry, statistics, probability, physics, logic, psychology, and neuroscience.
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A Best of the Best selection - 2016 Kansas State Reading Circle
Booklist
“This appealing offering should prove to be a popular addition to STEAM collections.”
Publishers Weekly
“Digital natives with a serious interest in gaming should find Ceceri's handbook an excellent resource.” Read more online.
Cathe Post, Senior Editor, GeekMom.com
“This is an enjoyable journey through the history of video games. It would be great for kids and even grandparents who want to know more about what their kids (and grandkids) are playing!”
Children's Literature
“Part of the Build It Yourself series, Ceceri's book proposes to inspire interest in STEAM and would be a useful addition to a middle school library's resource section on careers in computers and video game design.”
Ithaca's Child
“Video games can be found just about everywhere, from computers to smartphones to Wi-Fi, and it's not just kids who play them. There's a great section on the power of story in video games and, for your next party, a recipe for Tetris treats. Sprinkled through the book are "words to know" and "bonus points" - fun facts about coding and games- and lots of resources for kids who want to go further.”
National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“This book is sure to be a hit! ...Parents and teachers alike who are interested in STEM or STEAM should pick up a copy. I can't wait to see what my Biology class produces.” Read more online.
Teacher Resources
Classroom Guides
For educators! Download a packet of essential questions, mentor texts, and Common Core State Standards to use in classrooms and libraries.
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Detailed Book Description
What does the 13,000-year-old mancala game have in common with today's Minecraft? They both require logic, critical thinking skills, and creativity! In Video Games: Design and Code Your Own Adventure, readers discover that the video games they play today have their roots in the games kids played in the deserts of Ancient Egypt, and they'll learn how to design their own games from the initial idea to the final blips on the screen.
Activities in Video Games include creating text-based adventure quests, designing board games, and programming using free, kid-friendly software such as MIT's Scratch. For kids who just can't get enough of video games, here's a chance to visit behind the scenes at a game company to explore the entire design process, from idea to market. They'll have so much fun they won't realize they're learning about geometry, statistics, probability, physics, logic, psychology, and neuroscience.
| Hardcover, $22.95 9781619302914 |
Paperback, $17.95 9781619303003 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Timeline
Introduction
Everyone Is a Gamer!
Chapter 1
Video Games and Their Roots
Chapter 2
Why Do We Play Games?
Chapter 3
Gamemaking Step by Step
Chapter 4
Coding: How to Write a Game Program
Chapter 5
Make Your Game Come to Life
Chapter 6
So, You Want to Make Video Games
Glossary
Metric Conversions
Resources
Index