Fall 2019 Journal

Welcome Adventurers!

Below you will see your Quest Log. All the dates you see below are the "turn in dates," meaning you must have the quests in before you sign into your session on said date for full Experience Points.

Be mindful of naming schemes and where to turn in the quest.

Most quests, journey logs, and raids will be turned in on the "Quest Board" in the GoogleDrive class folder.

Readings:

TC: Technical Communication

AOGD: The Art of Game Design

CGTC: Computer Games and Technical Communication

What are we doing in session?

Avatars & Specializations
What is Technical Writing?
Why Game Design?
Lecture

What quests are due?

Read: TC – Chapter 1: Introduction to Technical Communication (p. 1-17)

Read: AOGD – Preface & Chapter 1: In the Beginning, There is the Designer (p. xxxvii-9)

Read: PDF – Swales – Discourse Communities (p. 215-239)

Do: “Hello, Avatar” (10xp)

Do: Make a name tag using 8.5" x 11"

Extended Quest Explanation:

"Hello, Avatar"

10xp

What is an avatar? How do avatars function? Read this excerpt before starting your quest:
From Hello Avatar: Rise of the Networked Generation
“In contemporary language an avatar is a computer-generated figure controlled by a person via a computer. It is often a graphical representation of a person with which one can interact in real-time. I make the case for an expanded definition of avatar that includes a wider array of media forms and platforms such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), instant messaging (IM) and short message service or text messaging (SMS), and uses of social and locative media. I argue a broader scope of avatar activity in order to understand better how we are engaging current networked media.

I use the term ‘networked media’ to describe technologies that are connected to a distributed transmission network such as the Internet or cell towers. In such a case, ‘networked’ speaks to a technical affordance. However, I also use the term to invoke a cultural sense of connectivity with one another. Network theory outlines a set of behaviors to which a variety of systems—technical, natural, or social—adhere. One of the primary characteristics of a network is its distributed rather than hierarchical structure. As opposed to a regimented order, network connections can happen across nodal points in a multitude of directions. A networked gathering then, as I attribute it, involves both a technical and cultural sense of ‘networked.’ In the cultural dimension of network, the great shift I see is the connection between online and offline experiences.”
(Coleman, 2011, p. 12).
--

You are you create an avatar. This avatar can be drawn, digitally altered, downloaded from an app, or created on a website. The goal is to create an avatar for yourself that can be displayed on a “playful” company website. What can you use to accentuate your personality, interests, or disciplinary identity? Here are some guidelines to follow:

It can’t be just a simple photograph. If you want to use a photo, alter it in some way. You can use any number of programs to add icons, images, or draw on it. There are also apps that allow you to cartoonify your photo.
The image must only have one subject in it (no group pictures).
This avatar should be workplace appropriate.
Your avatar can be changed in a couple weeks.
You can use an app, website, or other means to modify. What about avatarmaker.com; avachara.com; bitmoji.com; placeit.net; doppelme.com; charactercreator.org; or others?

Some Examples:

After you create your avatar, choose a picture of yourself that you like the most (your “best self”) or a professional headshot, and then take a selfie straight on. Upload these images side-by-side in a GoogleDoc. Underneath, include the following:

Your name as you would want it displayed on a professional website.
Why did you choose the avatar that you did? What app, website, or process did you use to do it?
Comparing the two selfies and the avatar, what do these images say about you as a person? As a student? As a professional? Which one would you use and where?
Take the Myers Briggs test*** (click HEREor HERE).
Are you surprised by the classification of the Myers Briggs test? Why is it different? What were your percentages? (screenshot the results)

Answer all of these questions in paragraph form. Each number should get at least a three sentence response. Use this personal writing as a way to reflect on yourself and what versions of yourself you are putting out there. The total composition should be at least 300 words, but you can write as much as you like.

After you answer everything in your GoogleDoc, title it "Last Name - Hello, Avatar" and upload the link to the "Quest Board" in the class folder.

***Even if you already know your Myers Briggs identification, please take the test and record your percentages.

What are we doing in session?

No Class
Your readings will tie Tech Comm and Game Design together

What quests are due?

Read: TC – Chapter 2: Understanding Ethical and Legal Considerations (p. 17-40)

Read: CGTC – Introduction (p. 1-16)

Do: Journey Log 1

Extended Quest Explanation:

Journey Log 1 - Course Understandings

10xp

*Make sure to check the extended explanations of Journey Logs under the "journey log" section of this site.

Create an Adobe Spark page using the guidelines under "Journey Log" on the course site. After doing the headers for your first JL, reflect on the following:

After having several introductory readings and discussing the course structure and topic in class, how would you describe the relationship between technical writing and game design? What is a good definition of technical writing? What are some examples of technical writing in specific games you've played or researched?

In at least 500 words, reflect on these questions and make sure you cite any sources you use by using the URL: i.e. (citation).

What are we doing in session?

Identifying Technical Communication
Analyzing Technical Communication
Lecture Notes
Getting the most out of Acrobat Pro
Download PDF

What quests are due?

Read: TC – Chapter 3: Writing Technical Documents (p. 41-56)

Read: CGTC –Chapter 1 (p. 17-34)

Do: Download and Install Adobe Acrobat Pro

-I recommend downloading the creative cloud: bit.ly/ccdadownload

What are we doing in session?

Explain Raid One
Analyzing Software Technically
Lecture Notes

What quests are due?

Read: TC – Chapter 5: Analyzing Your Audience and Purpose (p. 84-112)

Read: AOGD–Chapters 2 & 3 (p. 9-32)

Read: Stuart A. Selber's introduction to Rhetorics and Technologies (p. 1-7 [ending with "part 2"])

(Full book can be read for free here)

Do: "Final Form" 5 XP

Extended Quest Information

"Final Form"

5XP

For this quest, you are to make a form using a word processor and Acrobat Pro. The form should have at least eight (8) fields to capture information and should be organized in a way that is logical and adheres to the principles discussed in TC Chapters 1-5. You should have a mix of drop-downs, fill-ins, and text.

Your form should collect data that could be put into a spreadsheet so limit the long form answers. For the sake of the class, make sure you have your last name and "Final Form" in the header.

When you are done, save the PDF, put it in the appropriate GoogleDrive folder, and link it to the Quest Board.

What are we doing in session?

Peer Review
Talking about Drafts

What quests are due?

Read: TC – Chapter 9: Designing Print and Online Documents (p. 192-214) (Read section on Headers)

Read: TC – Chapter 11: Designing Print and Online Documents (p. 248-293)

Read: TC – Chapter 12: Creating Graphics (p. 294-334)

Do: Journey Log 2

Do: Draft of Raid 1

Extended Quest Information

Raid 1 Draft

For the draft, make sure to have as much of the Raid 1 graphic done as possible. You do not need to include all the information in the graphic itself, but it should be in a solid layout with the aesthetic you are aiming for.

Bring the graphic to class (digitally) and we will go around and do a peer review.

Journey Log 2

10XP

For Journey Log 2, you are to reflect on the drafting process of Raid 1. You do not need to do a specialization!

Use a Habit of Mind to guide you on your reflection. The main objective here is to think about your drafting process and talk about strategies for writing and designing; what decisions you had to made; what program did you use and why; and what is something surprising about the process?

This reflection should be at least 300 words. Make sure you use images, lists, h2 headings, and other strategies to break of large blocks of text.

What are we doing in session?

Raid 2 Planning (making teams)
Where do you start?
Notes

What quests are due?

Choose 2 Readings:

Fullerton, Chapter 1 - The Role of the Game Designer

Rogers, Level 2 - Ideas

AOGD–Chapters 6 & 7 (counts as 1)

I give you an option because these are all good readings, but they treat game design and talk about game design in very different ways. Fullerton talks about working as a team and how to work together on large projects; Rogers talks about getting started and what to make a game about; Schell discusses themes and ideas to get started. These are all great readings but some of you may need help in one area more than another.

Do: Journey Log 3

Do: Raid 2 Skills

Do: Install Rush from Creative Cloud

Extended Quest Information

Journey Log 3 - Dream Games

For journey log 3, I want you to write about your dream game. If you had the skills and means to make a game, what would that be? How would you go about it? Why that genre? Why that theme?

This will help you on Tuesday and Thursday decide on what to do for a game. Process is important so do a deep dive into what game you would make, how would you make it, and why would you make it!

Raid 2 Skills

Under the course Quest Board, there is a new sheet (Sheet 3) where you can mark what skills you have. We will use this in class to make teams.

What are we doing in session?

Introduction to Simple Modding/Coding with Minecraft

What quests are due?

Do: Journey Log 4 - Minecrafting it UP

Extended Quest Information

Journey Log 4 - Minecrafting it up

Journey Log 4 is all about Minecraft. There is a simple task in Minecraft based on your specialization. Find your NPC Quest Giver and do as they ask.

I want you to take screenshots and screen record a bit through Camtasia or another screen recording software. Try to find your bearings. We will get into coding next class! The more you experiment and learn, the better.

Think about your specializations. How does this change your experience and what you are doing? (You can now change your specialization, just make it noted in your heading for JL4).

(Download THIS world)

How to Load world:

Click "Play"
Click "Import"
Find file and load.
Click on "View my Worlds"
Find game and click play!

(Note: You can click on "settings" and change the gamemode to "Creative." Or, you can do the /gamemode command in game.)

What are we doing in session?

The Game Design Document
Development Diary Check-In
Code World HERE
Makecode: https://makecode.com/_iiCc670TLTvv

What quests are due?

Do: Watch Bender Waffles

Do: Watch The Last Bacon

Both videos go over The Game Design Document. I highly recommend taking notes of the videos (16 min in total).

Document Template

Do: "Let it Code" Quest

Extended Quest Information

"Let it Code" Quest

10xp

(YouTube Walkthrough) (World HERE)

The coding suite can be accessed in Minecraft: Education Edition by pressing "C" and selecting "MakeCode" (if not already selected). Please do the following:

We went over "Command Blocks" and the "MakeCode" suite in class, but it is up to you to apply it for this adventure!

You must make five (5) mods in total. Command Blocks (because they are more complicated) will be extra credit, but you are expected to make at least five creative mods through MakeCode. Don't just copy the tutorials. Here are some tips:

For Command Blocks:
- You have to use the following command to get command blocks in creative mode: /give @s command_block 1
- Once you have the Command Block, you can place it and access it with the Place Block button.
- For a single command, the default settings are fine.
- For chained commands, make sure the arrow on the command blocks are all facing the same direction (like a chain). Change the settings of the block to "chained," "conditional," and always active.
- Most commands need to be activated using a pressure plate, as demonstrated in class.
- There are many variations of using command blocks so have fun!
For MakeCode
- After you press "C" and go to "MakeCode," you can start a blank canvas or you can click on a tutorial and follow along.
- I recommend playing around in the tutorials a bit more before making your own mods.
- Try to be creative and don't just replicate what you see in the tutorials. How can you change them to make it your own?

To complete the adventure, you need to use Camtasia (or other recording software). First, screenshot your code (either the command window or the MakeCode screen) which will then be inserted into a video for 5 seconds before you show the code in action. Then, show the code in action (proof of it working) by recording you activating the code and watching it play out. If you do not wish to use Camtasia, you can use other softwares (Quicktime, OBS, WindowsGaming). To edit the video together, I highly recommend using Adobe Rush. Either upload the video file to the folder and link it on the Quest Board or link to the video on YouTube to the Quest Board directly. Make sure you put your name and class identification in a title at the start of the video.

(if you are having trouble, email me to set up an appointment or come to my office hours)

What are we doing in session?

Development Diaries
Game tutorials

What quests are due?

Do: Journey Log 5 - Mechanics

Extended Quest Information

Journey Log 5 - Mechanics

10xp

When we thing of how thing work, whether it be games, sites, or machines, we don't always think about the rules that govern the world. Sure, we have a constant reminder of physics, but do we always think of biological processes or the realities of a specific situation or world? Typically not.

For Journey Log 5 think of a software, game, machine, or specific process and analyze the mechanics (how it works). What can and can't you do? What assumptions do these mechanics make of the user and their task? What arguments are being made by the mechanics?

Yes, please reference your specializations for Journey Logs and design the log based on the specialization you choose.

Class is Canceled! Please Read Below!

(this is copied for Oct 17)

Expectations:

Please watch THIS video for InDesign help. The first hour is fantastic and goes through everything you need to know for the quest and raid. Check the extended description for hyperlinked timestamps to go to specific topics.

Also, touch base with your teams. Next week is FALL BREAK so we won't be meeting on Tuesday. It is very important to meet with your Teams. Check with Raid 2's schedule.

Quests

Quest: "Adventuring through InDesign" 15 XP

This is due Thursday, Oct 17. You need to have this for class to participate.

As a technical exercise, I want everyone to create a "Character Sheet" in InDesign. The core things you need to include are Attributes, Racial Statistics, and Skills in addition to some images/icons (Shown in the PDF example). Anything extra you find on the examples can be ignored or done for bonus points. If you want to find more examples, you can Google "Player Card Sheets" and you will find thousands.

I have attached a PDF that shows examples of each specializations (Warrior, Ranger, Bard, and Wizard/Spellcaster). All the graphics were either found on the Noun Project site or they were photos that I used Image Trace on from Illustrator (use silhouette setting).

We will use these sheets in class on Oct 17 for a class activity on running gaming sessions for playtesting. I have instructions for how to play the game (which we will go over in class). If you have any questions, let me know! This should be fun to do. HAVE FUN WITH IT!

(Note: "Created Examples" are the sheets I made in InDesign. "Official Sheets" are the sheets that came with the game. "Sheets Explained..." is a single sheet annotated with comments to help explain the assignment a bit more.)

Created Examples

Official Sheets

Sheet Explained with comments

Journey Log 6 - InDesign 10XP

For Journey Log 6, you are going to reflect on InDesign--your process of using it and what use you see it for in the future. InDesign is a fantastic and powerful program that you can use for any print media. Use your specializations and make sure you fully explore and reflect on your use of InDesign.

Class is Canceled! Please Read Below!

(this is copied for Oct 17)

Expectations:

Also, touch base with your teams. Next week is FALL BREAK so we won't be meeting on Tuesday. It is very important to meet with your Teams. Check with Raid 2's schedule.

Quests

Quest: "Adventuring through InDesign" 15 XP

This is due Thursday, Oct 17. You need to have this for class to participate.

Created Examples

Official Sheets

Sheet Explained with comments

Journey Log 6 - InDesign 10XP

What are we doing in session?

Good Technical Design
The Schedule

What quests are due?

Do: Work on Game

Extended Quest Information

Finalized schedule:

Thu, Oct 17, 2019	Good Technical Design
Tue, Oct 22, 2019	Game Manuals and Images
Thu, Oct 24, 2019	Running Game Sessions
Tue, Oct 29, 2019	Alpha Test
Thu, Oct 31, 2019	Tutorials that work
Tue, Nov 5, 2019	No Class (TBD)
Thu, Nov 7, 2019	No Class (TBD)
Tue, Nov 12, 2019	Beta Test
Thu, Nov 14, 2019	Final Game Revisions
Tue, Nov 19, 2019	Game is Due

What are we doing in session?

Game Manual Design
How to Use Images

What quests are due?

Do: Game "Pitch"

Extended Quest Information

"Game Pitch"

15xp

Each team has to finalize their "Guild Contract" with the following information:

Company Name
Game Name
Game Genre
Short Description/Elevator Pitch (<100 words)
Full Description (>200 words) explaining the full game and process
Players and Roles
Company/Game Logo
Statement of Progress

The statement of progress explains what has been done so far, what still needs to be done, and what is your biggest needs & accomplishments so far. This should be all agreed upon by the team and submitted as a link to the Quest Board.

What are we doing in session?

Alpha Test
Alpha Test Report

What quests are due?

Do: Alpha Test Questionnaire

Do: Journey Log 7 - Role Reflection

Extended Quest Information

"Alpha Test Questionnaire"

10xp

The Alpha Test will be a full class event. An elected team member will stay with the game and the rest of the collaborators will rotate through the different teams to playtest the games. A report will be written and submitted.

The Questionnaire should gather information that will help you revise and continue developing the game for the next playtesting. This can be digital or printed, but make sure you put a link to the final form in the Quest Board. It could be a GoogleForm, GoogleDoc, or fillable PDF. You will then take the responses and write up a two page report for the next class

--only one form/report needs to be written per team, but everyone should have input--

Journey Log 7 - Role Reflection

10xp

For journey log 7, I want you to reflect on your role in Raid 2. Please discuss your work so far and to come for Raid 2. You should use the Habits of Mind to help guide you. What have you accomplished? How have you meshed with your team? What work still needs to be done and how are you working towards this?

Happy Halloween!

What are we doing in session?

Tutorials that Work!

What quests are due?

Do: Alpha Test Report

Do: Bring in a video of a tutorial that you think is perfection!

Extended Quest Information

"Alpha Test Report"

15xp

Based on the Alpha Test Questionnaire, write up a 500 word report that summarizes the playtest feedback on the form. Make sure to quote responses and explain your interpretation or what you're going to do to fix/replicate that. Make sure you answer the following:

What worked in your game?
What didn't work in your game?
What are you going to do to fix what didn't work?
What other aspects of the game do you intend on having for the Beta Test?
What were you surprised by in the feedback?
What are you least surprised by in the feedback?

This should be a GoogleDoc that everyone worked on to completion. Make sure all names are on the report.

--only one form/report needs to be written per team, but everyone should have input--

(No physical class)

What is expected of you?

Over the next week (Nov 5 & 7), you are expected to get the game to a state that is near completion and do a full playtest before class on Nov 12 when we do the Beta Test.

Alpha 2.0 Playtest
Journey Log 8 - Reflecting on Peer Review and Testing

Extended Quest Information

"Alpha 2.0 Playtest"

20xp

The Alpha 2.0 test should be done during the week of Nov 5 - 7 in or out of the classroom setting. Here are the expectations for the Alpha 2.0 Test:

The playtest should be recorded for the development diary and photos of the playtest should be taken and attached to the Alpha 2.0 report.
The playtest should be a near complete play of the game. This means that all participants should play through the game as intended (multiple rounds and all quests/puzzles).
A questionnaire should be designed and distributed for feedback on the game.
Compile feedback and observations into a two page report.
Submit report with photos to the Quest Board

--only one form/report needs to be written per team, but everyone should have input--

Journey Log 8 - Peer Review and Testing

10xp

For journey log 8, I want you to reflect on the two playtests so far (Alpha & Alpha 2.0). You can talk about your expectations, observations, surprises, and anything about getting ready for the playtest itself. You do not need to do a specialization, but you should have at least 250 words.

What are we doing in session?

Beta Testing

What quests are due?

Do: Beta Test Prep

Do: Journey Log 8 (explained under Nov 7)

Do: Alpha Test 2.0 (explained under Nov 7)

Extended Quest Information

"Beta Test Prep"

The Beta Test is a demonstration of a nearly finished game. This is different than the Alpha test because you will have at least one representative from the team at the front of the room explaining and/or demonstrating the game.

This is your opportunity to target specific parts of the game that you need feedback on.

Make sure the entire presentation and Q&A are recorded for the development diary.

Based on the feedback received, you will write up a two page report on your experience, observations, and the questions you were asked.

What are we doing in session?

Finalize Game

What quests are due?

Do: Beta Test Report

Extended Quest Information

"Beta Test Report"

10xp

This is your opportunity to target specific parts of the game that you need feedback on.

Make sure the entire presentation and Q&A are recorded for the development diary.

Based on the feedback received, you will write up a two page report on your experience, observations, and the questions you were asked. Submit it to the Quest Board

What are we doing in session?

Designing a "Kickstarter" Website
Site Example

What quests are due?

Do: Raid 2 - Finished Game

Do: Journey Log 9

Extended Quest Information

"Finished Game"

By the end of class on Nov 19, the full/complete version of the game is due. A folder with all needed components to play the game should be in a folder in your guild folder labeled "Final Game." If it is a Minecraft Game, please make sure you include the MakeCode file as well.

I will collect physical copies of the games at the end of the Tanked Presentation (Nov 26).

NOTE: If your games are not complete, points will be lost for each day that they are not complete. I will download the folder at the end of class to preserve the documents.

Journey Log 9 - Time Crunch

15 XP

For the final weekly journey log, you are being asked to reflect on the hardest thing, failure. At this point in the semester, we are all feeling the hardships of constant looming deadlines. This time crunch is difficult to deal with, but we all persevere. As "they" say in academia, "Yeah, but it always gets done."

For this journey log, reflect on this moment of the semester. I'm sure there are things you didn't get to finish, things that didn't get turned it, and little failures that you are reckoning with. This is an open and safe space to talk about this.

Don't worry about specializations or word counts. Just write. Images, videos, and links are welcomed.

What are we doing in session?

Tanked Presentation

We will be starting ON TIME. If you are late, you will receive a 0 for the presentation and it can potentially lower the grade of the team if you are not there for your presentation.

Each team will be given 3 minutes to pitch and hand out materials and up to 7 minutes of Q&A with the sharks. We will quickly move to the next team. We have a limited time, so we will move quickly!

What is due? EVERYTHING from Raid 2.