The New Arcade
Instructor: Mark Kleback
mark@kleebtronics.com
School: NYU/ITP
Hours: Thursday 12:10pm - 2:40pm
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Github Repo (Coming Soon)
Course Description
With platforms like Steam and Itch.io making independent games more accessible to the public, we’re starting to see a movement toward physical installations of indie games as well. The New Arcade pays tribute to arcade cabinet designs of the 80’s and 90’s, but infuses them with new interfaces, LED lighting, and digitally fabricated components.
In this class, students will learn how to use the Unity game engine to design a simple arcade game. They’ll learn about aspects that separate an arcade game from other types of games, and interface their game with different kinds of hardware using microcontrollers.
In the second half of the class, they will construct a new arcade experience using digital fabrication tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC machines. The class will culminate in a physical installation that showcases their game in a public gallery.
Syllabus 2015
Syllabus 2016
Objectives
- Build a simple game using Unity
- Prototype a hardware controller for Unity game or other software application using Teensy
- Design an enclosure for the game using Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk Fusion.
- Fabricate the enclosure using a CNC router and/or laser cutter. Finish the exterior of the cabinet using paint or stain.
- Learn about different tools for installation design, including startup scripts, embedded Linux systems, screens, and power management
- Install the finished product in a group show at the end of the semester
Grading
Class Participation 20%
Blog and Documentation 20%
Midterm 30%
Final 30%
Resources
Buy a Teensy 3.2 and USB Micro cable
Download a free (watermarked) version of Unity 3D
Download a free student version of Fusion 360
How to Build an Indie Arcade Cabinet
Syllabus
Week 1 (January 30)
Week 2 (February 6)
Week 3 (February 13)
Week 4 (February 20)
Week 5 (February 27)
Week 6 (March 5)
Week 7 (March 12)
Week 8 (March 26)
Week 9 (April 2)
Week 10 (April 9)
Week 11 (April 16)
Week 12 (April 23)
Week 13 (April 30)
Week 14 (May 7)
Week 1: Introduction to Unity
- Introductions
- Class Overview and Goals
- Introduction to Unity
Resources
Homework
- Complete one 3D Unity tutorial from their website or YouTube
- Using standard assets, recreate a static scene from a film in 3D. Use a FPS Controller to move around, and incorporate 3D game objects, textures, and rigidbodies.
- Export your scene to WebGL and email me a link to your blog for this class
- For the Whole Semester:Research the Golden Age of Video Games and play three different games. Note the layout, game mechanics, and controls. Write a blog post comparing and contrasting the three games, and what you liked and didn't like about each one.
Week 2: Scripting in Unity
Week 3: Alt.Ctrl Games
Week 4: Sprites & Animations
Week 5: UI and Menus
Week 6: Fire the Laser
Week 7: Midterm Presentations
Spring Break - No Class
Week 8: Intro to Autodesk Fusion360
Week 9: Intro to CNC Machine and MasterCAM
Week 10: CNC Joinery
Week 11: Sound Effects and Music
Week 12: Installation and Finishing
Week 13: GAME JAM
Week 14: Presentation of Final Project
Futher Resources
TBD (May 11th?): Public Arcade Showcase Party at Wonderville
- From 5/7 to 5/11 - Transport Games to Wonderville (1186 Broadway)
- 4pm-5pm Guest Crits
- 6pm-10pm General Public
Students
Gilad Dor
Douglas Goldstein
Nicholas Gregg
Nok Jangkamolkulchai
Melissa Margaret Powers
Maya Ling Pruitt
Tina Rungsawang
Patrick C Warren
Nianqi Zhang
Emily Zhao
Heru Zhao