Project Introduction
version 1.0
Last updated
version 1.0
Last updated
Ever since the earliest computers were built in the 1940s, people have been creating games to play on computers. In 1958, one of the first true video games — called "Tennis for Two" — was created using an oscilloscope (which is a scientific device with a screen that's normally used to view electrical signals). Special paddle inputs were built to play the game.
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Up until the 1970s, computers were expensive, large-scale machines used primarily by governments, universities, and large corporations — so very few people were actually able to play these early computer games.
Then in the 1970s, the development of microprocessor chips allowed computers to become much smaller, less expensive, and easier to manufacture. As a result, coin-operated video arcade games (such as , etc.) were introduced into amusement arcades, restaurants, and other public places — quickly becoming a popular form of entertainment.
Soon after, the first personal computers (such as the , etc.) and gaming consoles (such as the , etc.) became available to consumers, finally bringing video games into people's homes.
— whether they play casual games or consider themselves serious gamers.
What is it about video games that people like so much?
What makes certain video games appeal to some people but not to others?
How can you use a player-centered design process to create a game that people would want to play?
Copyright © 2016-2021 Michael Frontz and Jim Lyst, Indiana University School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI
This project has been designed to follow the research-based developed by the Buck Institute of Education.
It is recommended that each student also complete one or more in parallel to this project. These research reports should be shared with the class (and beyond). These research reports should focus on topics in computing, such as:
This material is part of the high school computer science curriculum developed for the program, an award-winning community partnership in central Indiana that is broadening student participation in computing and helping students develop the skills essential for success in the 21st century workplace. The iDEW program is managed by the .
This work is licensed under a . You are free to use, share, or adapt this material for noncommercial purposes as long as you provide proper attribution and distribute any copies or adaptations under this same license.
