The Comp Sci Gaming class offers a dynamic and engaging experience for aspiring game developers, blending creativity with technical expertise.
Unlike traditional courses with rigid curriculums, this class embraces a flexible approach, empowering students to explore the many facets of game design and tailor their learning to their own interests. Whether it’s coding, asset creation, game mechanics, or narrative design, students have the freedom to dive deep into the elements that resonate most with them, providing a personalized educational journey.
In this class, there is no set structure for each day. Instead, students are encouraged to engage in self-directed research, explore new tools and techniques, and work collaboratively with peers to bring their ideas to life. The focus is on hands-on learning, allowing students to gain practical experience while developing the skills necessary to build a polished game by the end of the year.
Computer Science teacher Albert Ribeiro has a clear vision for his students’ growth.
“My goal is for the students to get exposure to professional-grade programming tools and coding languages, giving them real-world applications they can build upon,” Ribeiro said.
Under his guidance, students learn not only the technical side of game development but also the importance of collaboration and problem solving within a team environment.
The class culminates in the creation of a fully functional game, and students are given ample class time to work in groups to work towards that goal, with duties divided up based on interests. One standout project this year is the recreation of a classic Mario game, a pixelated platformer in development by junior Gabe Russo. Russo, who sought out the class for its unique, self-guided approach to learning, is eager to craft his own gaming experience from the ground up.
“I like being able to design my own game from scratch, like creating all the assets and writing the code myself. You get to see it all come together and see it form into a playable video game. The game design process is quite intricate, and you get a glimpse into how industry professionals do things,” Russo said.
Another project being made in the class is a 3d horror experience that even features Ribeiro himself as an NPC (non-playable character). This was no easy task for students who are learning how to develop games. “My greatest challenge is Unity. Navigating the 3d workspace and trying to turn my dreams into reality. To overcome it, I’m experimenting and researching online to see articles that can help, watching videos too,” said senior Massimo Mastromattei.
This student-driven style, coupled with real-world tools and programs, makes Comp Sci Gaming a one-of-a-kind course for those passionate about the art and science of game development. Whether it’s through refining their coding skills, mastering game mechanics, or learning how to collaborate as a team, students leave the class with a deeper understanding of the gaming industry and the skills to pursue their own projects in the future.