Monday Game Development Lab Fall 2024

Building a Stardew Valley Inspired Game with RPG Maker

Step into the enchanting world of Stardew Valley-inspired farming and adventure with our thrilling new course. Tailored for young gamers eager to put their own spin on this beloved game. Explore the fundamentals of game design, character creation, and storytelling as you delve into the essence of beloved classics like Stardew Valley, guided by our instructors. From cultivating crops to forging friendships with quirky characters, we'll be there every step of the way. Join us for a class that's not only educational but also brimming with excitement and fun!

Class Objectives:

1. Understand the fundamentals of game design: Learn the basic principles of game design, including player engagement, mechanics, and pacing. Understand how to create a cohesive experience that captures the essence of Stardew Valley's gameplay.
2. Develop characters with distinct personalities and backgrounds: Explore the art of character development, from creating backstories to designing visual representations. Learn how to craft characters that players will connect with and remember.
3. Build diverse environments that reflect the charm of Stardew Valley: Dive into world-building techniques, from mapping out landscapes to designing buildings and landmarks. Discover how to infuse your environments with the cozy, nostalgic atmosphere of Stardew Valley.
4. Craft engaging narratives and quests for players to explore: Learn the principles of storytelling in games, including plot development, quest design, and player choice. Create compelling narratives and quests that drive player engagement and exploration.
5. Design farm layouts and implement farming mechanics: Master the art of farm design, from planning crop placements to arranging buildings and pathways. Explore how to implement farming mechanics such as planting, watering, and harvesting crops.
6. Populate towns with a variety of NPCs, each with their own stories and interactions: Understand the importance of NPCs in creating a vibrant game world. Learn how to design and implement NPCs with unique personalities, dialogue, and behaviors.
7. Create gameplay systems for relationship-building and community development: Explore gameplay systems that foster relationships between players and NPCs, as well as among NPCs themselves. Develop mechanics for friendship, romance, and community-building that enhance the player experience and immerse them in the world you've created.

Class Stats:
Digital (Device Time): 95%
Analog (Hands on): 5%
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Type of Device Provided: Alienware PC Computer
Application: RPG Maker
Coding: RPG Maker uses a command system and editable parameters, users will be able to rapidly create systems without any sort of coding knowledge. JavaScript can be added for advanced users but is not part of this course.

Details:
Educator: TBD
Times: 3-5:30pm, late stay available till 6pm
Dates: 9/9 - 1/20
No Classes: 10/14, 11/11, 12/30, 1/20
Ages: 9+
Available Seats: 5