Students in the Game Design & Simulation program at Lone Star College-Tomball invite the public to test out their original game ideas at the Design Game & Simulation Showcase on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. in N-103, located in the Student Center.
At the showcase, attendees will be able to play dozens of tabletop prototypes that were created during the semester. Players will even have a chance to win a Games Plus! gift card for every game they complete and review.
According to Dep-Wah Davis, professor of Computer Information and program specialist for the Game Design & Simulation program, the goal of the showcase is to allow students to receive feedback on their game designs. The students can then revise their ideas, if needed, and further develop their games. Game testers, in particular, get to have plenty of fun as they help the game designers.
“The showcase is a great place for anyone to have fun! You can go there to have fun with your friends playing any type of game,” said Aaron Stout of Spring, a former student. “And if you love breaking things, it’s encouraged!”
The event will display two types of game prototypes. The first model is based on a class challenge in which students had to create a game board idea using a box of Lego blocks and three cans of Play-Doh clay. The other model is based on an individual game idea. Students were allowed to use any materials they liked as long as they worked within the established guidelines.
After the showcase, guests may stay for two presentations related to game design. Jay Hargett, media specialist for LSC-Tomball, will present “Sound Design” at 6 p.m. Due to the sophistication of the new video game consoles, sound design in games is becomingly increasingly important. Hargett will explain the technical and creative components of this field.
Davis will present “Screening Video Games” at 7 p.m. Because many popular games, such as the Grand Theft Auto series and Playboy: The Mansion, contain violent or sexual content, Davis will teach parents how to investigate the content of games and screen out the ones that are unsuitable for children and adolescents.
A meet-and-greet with the game designers and presenters will follow. For more information on the Game Design & Simulation Showcase or the Game Design & Simulation program at LSC-Tomball, contact Davis at dep-wah.davis@lonestar.edu or (281) 401-1802.
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With more than 69,000 students in credit classes for fall 2010 and a total enrollment of more than 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of five colleges: LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris and LSC-Tomball; six centers; LSC-University Park; LSC-University Center at Montgomery; LSC-University Center at University Park; Lone Star Corporate College; and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.