This class is going to be fun! Fun is a most crucial element of creation, and the class will reflect that. But a part of fun is challenge. This class will be equally challenging like a real video game is. To survive in this class, you need to not see it as a tired-old class, but a new game for you to conquer, beat, and win! We must gamify the class and this will help assist you in approaching the challenge I and the class throw at you. Remember that these challenges are meant to strengthen you and not bring you down in any way.
Think of the various assignments as levels in a regular 2D platformer 8-bit game. Levels that are going to throw all sorts of baddies, open pits, and power-ups your way. These assignments/levels want to challenge you. They have all sorts of minions at their command like software comprehension, code, animation, writing, creating, design, debugging, and playtesting etc. Yet, with enough determination and insight you will recognize the patterns and amount of effort needed to strategize around and navigate through them triumphantly. This game/class has multiple level/assignments, and each one gets harder and more challenging like in a real game. Though when you get past one and best it, the taste of victory will be sweet. You will then be ready for the next one. Getting better and stronger as you go and becoming a Hero in the process.
The grades you receive should be seen as the Points, Golden Coins, or Brass Rings you collect along the way. You may not collect all the points on a particular level but that's fine! And that is why there are extra-credit assignments and random projects to help "patch" these holes. It is still ok to not get a perfect on a "Level". These extra credit aspects act as those hidden zones filled with Points/Coins as far as the eye can see. You need to be ready for them and know your standing in the class with your point/coin tally. Also, these Extra Credit areas are designed to get you out of the classroom and experience more of the world around you, the school, and to enhance your own game making skills!
The three absences in class are your Standard Video Game "3-Lives". You have three chances to make it through this game without a penalty. I would use these wisely if you hope to finish in good standing. The final grade in the class is your Ranking in this Game. If you find all the coins, secrets, hidden widgets, beat all the enemies, pass all the levels, and make it past the Boss (more on them below) you will come out with a high game ranking and a solid, original project that you can use in your portfolio to help the job search and most importantly entertain and challenge all of your new Players. This will be one that is worthy of your mom taking a picture of it and posting a photo of your work on the fridge.
And finally, there is the ever-present Boss. Think of your kindly instructor (i.e. Me) as your smiling, neighborhood Bowser. Large, aggravating, helpful, challenging, mentoring and someone you can't wait to beat. The Boss is always the Paradox in a game. They are the one you must get past to truly complete the game. Without them and their endless waves of minions you would not be able to prove yourself to yourself and those around you. A sharp sword always needs a heavy anvil to be smithed on. The Boss may be in the way, but the Boss of any game is always the best teacher. Remember this Paradox. The Boss may roar, stomp, throw fireballs at you and challenge you but he does it with a smile of happiness when you send him into the boiling lava below. As only by learning, creating a solid game project, collecting all the Points and Coins, and "beating the Boss", (and you do this by getting an (A) in the class), will you walk away from this class a Hero! Every Hero needs a Baddie to beat and help them rise above to new levels they did not think possible. And gamifying this class will help you to do so and bridge the gap between class and game. Tl:dr - You can do this!
I will challenge you, help you, assist you, say things you may not want to hear and things you want to hear, and push you to your greatest potential. I will be by your side through all of this. I take this material very seriously. Games and created works say a lot about the culture and people who make them. They are a true expression of self, fun, and play. All things needed for a balanced, meaningful, and rich life. I am honored you have taken this class and chosen to play this game. I want you to win. You want to win. So, let's go get this thing started! Now please press "Start!"
GAME ON!