Digital Fabrication for Arcade Cabinet Design 2015

Digital Fabrication for Arcade Cabinet Design

Instructor: Mark Kleback
mark@kleebtronics.com
School: NYU/ITP
Hours: Wednesday 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Office Hours: Monday 1:30-3:30 or by appointment

Students

Course Description

In the past five years, we've seen a strong influx in the indie game community here in NYC. Babycastles gallery, the NYU Game Center, and the Death By Audio Arcade are all showcasing games in public spaces. Many of these galleries are starting to display custom arcade cabinets that are impressive manifestations of these games.

In this class, students will use Unity to create a simple multiplayer game that can run on a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. They will learn to use scripts that will launch this game on startup, and interface with hardware like buttons and joysticks using microcontrollers.

In the second half of the class, they will learn how to construct an arcade cabinet with digital fabrication tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC cutters. The class will culminate in a finished arcade cabinet that displays the game and can run uninterrupted for months in a public venue.

Objectives

Build a simple multiplayer game using Unity
Prototype a hardware controller for Unity game or other software application
Using Vectorworks, design an enclosure for the game. Incorporate a finished design for the controller
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

Download a free (watermarked) version of Unity 3D
Download a free student version of Vectorworks
How to Build an Indie Arcade Cabinet
An Arcade Cabinet Made From Felted Wool

Syllabus

Week 1 (January 28)
Week 2 (February 4)
Week 3 (February 11)
Week 4 (February 18)
Week 5 (February 25)
Week 6 (March 4)
Week 7 (March 11)
Week 8 (March 25)
Week 9 (April 1)
Week 10 (April 8)
Week 11 (April 15)
Week 12 (April 22)
Week 13 (April 29)
Week 14 (May 6)

Week 1: Introduction to Unity

Introductions
Class Overview and Goals

Resources

Homework

Play one or more indie games talked about in class. Try to find one with unique inputs and game play. Be prepared to talk about game mechanics next week.
Find a Unity tutorial online for 2D game design.
Using the game we created in class, or a brand new game, try to figure out how to create multiple objects out of a single prefab. As an extra challenge, try to implement a scoreboard.

Week 2: Game Mechanics

Present games from last week
Instantiate function
GUI Skin
Using the Asset Store
Sprite Sheets
Pixel Editor

Resources

Homework

Use Photoshop or a similar design program to build assets for a game. You may use the same game as last week, or build a new one. Create original assets for your players, enemies, bullets, balls, backgrounds etc.
Write a blog post about the game you'd like to create. Include pictures of your assets, the style of game play, and examples of similar game mechanics used in existing games. Email me a link to your blog post before next week's class.

Week 3: Hardware Controllers

Present games from last week
Introduction to Hardware - Examples
I-Pac
Ultimarc UltraStick
Interfacing with Arduino via Serial
Raspberry Pi - all in one
Unity - creating bullets, particle systems, and triggers

Resources

Ultimarc - online store for arcade hardware
8 Bit and Up - NYC-based store for buttons and joysticks
Tinkersphere - 304 East 5th Street - P-Comp accessories
Sparkfun
Adafruit
NYU Computer Store - Your last resort for sensors
Arduino Mouse and Keyboard libraries

Homework

Incorporate a hardware controller into your game/application. This can be a proof of concept on a breadboard. Playing the game should feel as natural and intuitive as if you were using a mouse or keyboard. Post a video to your blog of the working prototype, with an explanation as to why you chose this particular interface.
If you haven't already, incorporate your sprites into your game using animations when necessary.

Week 4: 2D Design in Vectorworks

Present hardware controllers
Introduction to controller design
Look at examples of various controllers
Introduction to Vectorworks - drawing shapes
Dimensioning, using calipers
Unity - Multiple scenes

Resources

Homework

Order the parts for your hardware prototype
Draw a design for your controller in Vectorworks using three views. Use exact measurements and notate all dimensions. Be sure to include all buttons or sensors that will be used for the game. Post the finished drawing to your blog with a description as to why you chose this size and shape.
Create a menu screen for your game

Week 5: Field Trip to Waka Waka

Homework

Write a blog post about one of the games at this event - what you liked about it, what you didn't like about it. If possible, try to talk to the developer and ask about how they made the game, the cabinet, and the difficulties they ran into during the build process.

Week 6: Fire the Laser

Exporting dxf files to Illustrator
Running a job on the laser
Materials and settings
Creating Dovetail joints
3D Design in Vectorworks - Building a box
Layering
T-joints for screws

Resources

Homework

Cut out a prototype for your hardware controller using the laser cutter. Be sure to measure the exact dimensions of your buttons/sensors using a caliper before cutting the holes. Make sure you test it with the game to make sure it works. Post documentation of this prototype to your blog.

Week 7: Midterm Presentations

Present game and controller
Displays

Resources

Homework

Over spring break, acquire a screen or monitor for your cabinet. It can be an old television, a cheap monitor from Craigslist, or one of those $200 HDMI screens from Adafruit. Test your game on the monitor and make sure you like it, because from here on out, this is the screen size you'll be designing around.
Research arcade cabinet designs. Choose a unique cabinet, and write a blog about why this was a good or bad design choice. Try to point out technical details about hardware and shape, as well as graphic design and color. What is your overall impression?

Spring Break - No Class

Week 8: Introduction to CNC and MasterCAM

Introduction to MasterCAM
Import dxf file, don't try to draw anything
Clockwise vs Counterclockwise
Pocketing vs Cutting
CNC Demonstration

Resources

Homework

Do the MasterCAM Tutorial and get acquainted with how the CNC router works. If you're feeling ambitious, try making a marquee for your game.

Week 9: Computers and Embedded Linux Systems

CNC Progress Report
Installation Design - which Computer is best?
OS X vs Windows vs Linux
Chromebox
Shell Scripts and Automator
Scheduling and BIOS
AutoHotKey Scripts
Embedded Linux - using Raspberry Pi or UDOO
CNC Joinery in Vectorworks
Mechanical Joinery

Resources

Homework

Cut out and assemble the pieces for your cabinet. Use the MDF provided, or purchase lumber from Prince Lumber. During the cutting and assembly, take pictures and post the progress to your blog. From this point forward, there should be a blog documenting your progress each week.

Week 10: Analog Fabrication & Flair

Cabinet Progress Report
Unity - Adding sound and music to your game
Wood Working - Build a Box
Drilling holes on the drill press
Console template
The hand router
Paint and Wood Stain
Stencils
Screen Printing
Large Format Decals
LED Strips
Backlit Marquee
Wheels!

Resources

Homework

Order LEDs and hardware this week!
Buy paint/stain at Blick or other local hardware store
Continue working on cabinets. After assembly, paint or stain exterior and add hardware for controller. Post an update to your blog with this week's progress. Address any problems you may have run into.

Week 11: GAME JAM

Cabinet Progress Report
Introduce guest experts
GAME JAM - Work on games in your groups with expert advisor

Resources

Local Multiplayer Game Jam - April 24-26

Homework

Get your game to a playable state for next week. With cabinet construction finishing up, expect to begin showcasing your game and cabinet in the lounge.

Week 12: Installation

Cabinet progress report
Unity - combining multiple projects
Porting game to installation computer
Individual group meetings

Resources

Homework

Mount the screen and computer in your cabinet and connect the control interface. By next week, there should be a playable version of your game inside the cabinet.

Week 13: Robustness and Error Handling

Cabinet Progress Report
Unity - High Scores and Player Preferences
Reset Buttons
On/Off switches

Resources

Homework

Next week will be a trial run for the show! Plan to have your cabinets set up and ready for guests to play

Week 14: Presentation of Final Cabinet

Students

Danqing Wang
Erin Finnegan
Kat Sullivan
Louis Minsky
Manxue Wang
Paul Hiam
Tanya Campbell
Xi Liu
Yiyan Liang
Zhuoying (Joy) Li