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Course Description
This class will teach students how to create video games for the
8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System. Students in the class will work
together in small development teams (or alone, if preferred) to create
games, demos, and development tools. One game, demo, or development
tool will be created for mid-semester, and one game will be created for
the end of the semester. We will be developing primarily to target
emulators, though some teams may choose to make a hardware cartridge
(see below). The class is 3 units, offered through
StuCo, and grades given will be
Pass or Fail. The class will be offered Wednesday evenings, from 6:30
to 8:00.
Who Can Sign Up?
Anybody can sign up! It's not just for programmers. Artists, musicians,
and storytellers are also very welcome. There are many parts to making
a game, and just about anybody with skills in some area can contribute
a lot toward a quality product. I'm expecting (and hoping for) a wide
range of backgrounds and talents, and I will be structuring lectures to
take this into account, so that everyone can learn something relevant
to their own background.
What Do I Have To Do To Pass?
As mentioned above, there will be two main projects, the first for
mid-semester, and the second for the end of the semester. If you don't
slack off and you produce both projects with some display of competency,
then you will certainly pass. Not turning in one of the projects is a
sure-fire way not to pass. If, however, you do two mediocre or bad
projects, then it would be a good idea to attend the lectures, participate in class, and say some smart things.
But I Don't Know How To Program. I'm an Artist.
See above! Artists are great. You can create the in-game artwork for
the projects you work on, and you can also contribute by creating concept
box art or marketing posters. Several of the lectures will be geared for the artists.
How Much Work Will This Actually Take?
That's partially up to you. For comparison, the minigame I made for
the Tech Art Gallery, which would be sufficient for a project, took me
a total of about 9 hours to make by myself, including both programming
and artwork. Larger and more exciting projects will generally take more
time, but you will probably be working with other people anyway. Short
answer, it depends entirely upon the scope of your projects.
Will We Make Games For Hardware?
Unfortunately, creating a cartridge that works on an NES is difficult.
Specifically, I don't have the background to teach that sort of process
in great detail. However, I do have a development cartridge made for me
by another student, so that proves that it is possible. If you are an
electrical engineer, creating development cartridges could be something
you may wish to do in order to contribute to your team or the class.
Note that if you develop for hardware, you will need to provide or pay
for your own materials, including host boards, chips, and whatever tools
are necessary for doing the work.
I'm Not In Pittsburgh! Can I Take The Course Online?
Maybe. We'll see about that, but I can't make any guarantees right now.
I've Done ROM Hacks Before. Aren't I Cool?
No. ROM hacks will not be tolerated. All content created in this class
will be original work.
What Makes You Qualified to Teach This Class?
I graduated from CMU with a bachelor's in CS, and I am currently a
masters student in CMU's Entertainment Technology Center. I have worked
for the game companies
Godgames,
Ritual, and
EA.
Specifically relating to NES development, I led an independent study
NES development and research project during my undergrad. Our final
product was the game
Sack of Flour, Heart of Gold,
for the 8-bit NES. It is currently the most
advanced homebrew NES game in the world. Additionally, last year I did
NES hardware development of small games for CMU's Technical Art Gallery.
If you have any more questions, feel free to
contact me.
You should also let me know if you will be attending the class without
registering, so that I know how many to expect, and so that I can let
you know the room number once that has been decided.
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