iOS Project: Transreality Game

University of California, Irvine via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/transreality-gaming

Introduction

### Course Review: iOS Project: Transreality Game on Coursera #### Overview In today's world, where mobile gaming is becoming increasingly popular, the *iOS Project: Transreality Game* course on Coursera stands out as an exceptional opportunity for aspiring game developers. This course invites students to design and produce a networked game that not only entertains but also engages players in a multifaceted way by leveraging phone sensors. The focus on real-world movements, gestures, and the geographical locations of players creates a unique and expansive gaming experience that is both exhilarating and educational. #### Course Structure The course is structured around a comprehensive syllabus, divided into various modules that progressive build your skills and knowledge. Here’s a detailed look at what each module entails: 1. **The Project and the Plan**: Introduction to project requirements and asset sourcing. The first week is crucial for planning and design, establishing the groundwork for your game. 2. **Basic Scaffold Implementation**: This phase involves setting up the basic structure of the game. The peer review process encourages collaboration and feedback, fostering a sense of community. 3. **Gameplay View**: Focused on refining touch interactions and sensor implementation, this module emphasizes the importance of user input and integrates the MotionHUD Cocoapod for detailed performance tracking. 4. **Level Up**: This module helps enhance your game's mechanics, allowing for sound and particle systems to be integrated. Students are encouraged to innovate by possibly adding new levels. 5. **Win / Lose / Achievements / Play Test**: A pivotal week, this module encompasses the creation of a game completion screen and the implementation of achievement systems. Most importantly, students must playtest their games with real users, gaining invaluable feedback that informs further development. 6. **Game Play Clean Up**: This is an opportunity to tidy up the game, ensuring all features and requirements are in place before the final round of coding. 7. **Homestretch**: It's time to polish your game and prepare for a demo. The emphasis here is on creating a captivating game trailer, akin to that of movie trailers, showcasing your game’s unique elements. 8. **Capstone Completion**: The final module celebrates the students' endeavors, providing an opportunity to share and reflect on everyone’s projects. #### Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, participants will have developed a deep understanding of various critical aspects of game development, including: - **User Interface Design**: How to create an intuitive and engaging interface. - **Networking**: Understanding multiplayer dynamics and how to leverage them for enhanced gameplay. - **Sensor Integration**: Utilizing device sensors to create interactive experiences. - **Playtesting**: The importance of user feedback in refining games. #### Why You Should Enroll This course not only equips you with the technical skills required for iOS game development but also emphasizes creativity and innovation. The blend of theoretical knowledge with practical application makes this a comprehensive and impactful learning experience. Whether you aspire to launch your own game or look to enter the gaming industry professionally, the skills acquired in this course are invaluable. Furthermore, the peer review process fosters a collaborative environment where feedback can lead to improvements and encourages networking with fellow developers. #### Conclusion In conclusion, if you have a passion for gaming and a desire to learn about the technical aspects of iOS development, the *iOS Project: Transreality Game* course on Coursera is highly recommended. It balances skill development with the freedom to innovate while ensuring a supportive learning environment. Don't just take my word for it—dive into the exciting world of game development and bring your ideas to life!

Syllabus

The Project and the Plan

In this module we go through the project that you will be working on for this capstone class. We look at the details of what the requirements are and talk a little bit about how to go about finding some of the assets that you might want to use. The first week is all about planning and designing.

Basic Scaffold Implementation

This week we work on scaffolding the project. We set out the design target last week, now we peer review last week's work and start to code. Stay flexible, but let's start building

Gameplay View

This week we nail down the touch interaction and the sensor implementation. We want to keep working on all aspects of your design, but this week you need to turn in the handling of your input, from the user and from the world. Also make sure you use our MotionHUD Cocoapod so we can see what you are doing in the recordings that you turn in

Level Up

Let's take it to the next level! This week, as you continue to improve the stability and overall implementation of your game, we want to make sure that you hit the requirements for sound and particle systems. These are probably pretty easy things to add to your game (depending on your game!) so use the slack to make progress on the other aspects of your game. Maybe add an extra level if your game has levels.

Win / Lose / Achievements / Play Test

This might be a big week. There are 3 things we are doing this week, adding a game completion screen, implementing achievements, and .... drumroll..... letting someone else (a real human) that you know play it. We want to here what you find out. Playtesting is an important part of any game. User testing in general is a very important part of any user interaction design process. Don't procrastinate, this might be more work than you realize. Let's give it a shot!

Game Play Clean Up

It's time to clean up the loose ends. This is your chance to add the preferences screen and to make sure that you have implemented all of the requirements mentioned in the very beginning. This is your last full week to just code, so make it work.

Homestretch

It's show time. The MIT media lab is famous for a motto, "Demo or die!". They mean that if you can't demo your technology then you won't graduate. The stakes aren't *that* high here, but it is time to show us what you have done. Your job this week is to put the final polish on your game and record a game trailer. This is like a movie trailer, but it focusses on showing us that you met the requirements. Hopefully there is a little drama and excitement too. Time to make your work shine!

Capstone Completion

This is the very end! Thanks for joining us on this long journey. You get to see what all your peers produced this week. Maybe one of them will be in the iTunes store soon. On behalf of Sam and I, it's been an honor to be your teachers!