Syllabus Highlights

CS 276: Game Development - Fall 2025

Author

Lucas P. Cordova, Ph.D.

Published

August 25, 2025

Alternative Formats

Welcome to Game Development! ๐ŸŽฎ

Instructor: Lucas P. Cordova, Ph.D.
Email: LPCordova@willamette.edu
Office: Ford 210

Class Time: MWF 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Ford 301

TA: Teo Mendoza
Email: tjmendoza@willamette.edu

Office Hours:
Mon/Wed: 1:15-2:15 PM
Tue/Thu: 10:00-11:00 AM

Welcome everyone! This is CS 276 where youโ€™ll learn to design and build your own games.

What Youโ€™ll Learn ๐ŸŽฏ

  • Core Game Design Principles
    Genres, mechanics, player motivation, and balance

  • Unity Development with C#
    Scripts, system dynamics, and interactivity

  • Interactive Systems
    Environments, physics, cameras, lighting, sound, UI

  • Software Engineering Practices
    Object-oriented design, modular architecture, design patterns

  • Team Collaboration
    Work as both Developer and Reviewer

Course Structure ๐Ÿ“Š

Grade Distribution

Component Weight
Engagement 25%
Assignments 25%
Course Project 50%

Key Elements

  • In-class activities
  • Design exercises
  • Mini-games
  • Team project
  • Peer reviews

๐Ÿ’ก Note: The course project is the heart of this class!

Your Game Development Journey ๐Ÿš€

Major Milestones

  • Week 3: Game Concept Pitch & Team Formation
  • Week 5: Game Design Document (GDD)
  • Week 7: Milestone 1 - Playable Prototype
  • Week 10: Milestone 2 - Alpha Build
  • Week 13: Milestone 3 - Beta Build
  • Finals Week: Final Release & Documentation

Two Essential Roles ๐Ÿ‘ฅ

๐ŸŽฎ Game Developer

  • Design original game
  • Build through iterations
  • Refine based on feedback
  • Ship final product

๐Ÿ“ Game Reviewer

  • Provide structured feedback
  • Participate in playtesting
  • Write detailed critiques
  • Support peer teams

Both roles are equally important for your learning!

Tools & Requirements ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

Software (All Free!)

  • Unity (Latest LTS version)
  • Visual Studio or VS Code with C#
  • Git/GitHub for version control
  • Discord for team communication

Hardware

  • Laptop capable of running Unity
  • Required for in-class activities
Note

Contact me ASAP if you need hardware accommodations

Important Policies โš ๏ธ

Attendance

  • Required for all classes
  • Engagement activities cannot be made up

Late Work

  • Engagement: No makeups
  • Homework: -25% up to 48 hours late
  • Project Milestones: Must be on time
  • Peer Reviews: No late submissions

๐Ÿ“ง Communicate early if you have issues!

Academic Integrity ๐ŸŽ“

โœ… Allowed

  • Discussing concepts with classmates
  • Working within your project team
  • Using tutorials and documentation (with citation)
  • AI tools for brainstorming (if disclosed)

โŒ Prohibited

  • Copying code or assets without attribution
  • Sharing code outside your team
  • Using solutions from previous semesters
  • Submitting AI-generated content without disclosure

Key Dates ๐Ÿ“…

Date Event
Aug 25 First Day of Classes
Sep 1 Labor Day (No Class)
Sep 12 Game Concept Pitch
Sep 26 Game Design Document Due
Oct 10 Mid-Semester Break
Nov 26-28 Thanksgiving Break
Dec 3 Final Presentations
Dec 4-10 Finals Week - Game Release

Workshop Schedule Overview ๐Ÿ“š

Week Topics Deliverables
1-2 Unity Basics, Game Design Theory Teams Formed
3-5 Design Tools, 3D Environments, C# Concept Pitch, GDD
6-7 Development Tools, Physics Prototype Due
8-10 Level Design, Cameras, Lighting Alpha Build
11-13 Sound, UI, Animation, Testing Beta Build
14-15 Polish, Version Control, Release Final Game

Success Tips ๐Ÿ’ช

  1. Start Early - Game development takes time
  2. Communicate - With your team and instructor
  3. Iterate Often - Games improve through refinement
  4. Play Games - Learn from what works (and doesnโ€™t)
  5. Ask for Help - Use office hours and Discord
  6. Document Everything - Your future self will thank you

Resources & Support ๐Ÿค

Academic Support

  • Office Hours: By appointment or drop-in
  • SOAR Center: Free resources (Putnam 3rd floor)
  • Tutoring Services: Academic Resource Center

Course Materials

  • Canvas: Assignments and grades
  • Instructor Website: Guides and tutorials
  • Discord: Team communication

Letโ€™s Build Something Amazing! ๐ŸŽฎ

Questions?

Email: LPCordova@willamette.edu
Office: Ford 210
Office Hours: MWF 1:15-2:15 PM

Book an appointment

Ready to Start?

  • Join the course Discord
  • Install Unity & VS Code
  • Form your teams
  • Start brainstorming!