Main Idea/Theme/Objective:
As of right now, I am still having trouble figuring out what the main point of my game will be. I've had some ideas in the past, but none of them seem to fit with the time constraints. I was looking forward to developing one of my already-existing game ideas rather than adding yet another idea to the pile. However, due to the specific conditions of this project, it might be smarter to come up with a new idea that is more suited to the task at hand.
Software for Creating Game Art:
I've been looking for software that will allow me to create some very decent-looking game art. In the past, I've used two different Adobe products--Photoshop and Illustrator. Both are great programs, and highly capable of creating some amazing art, especially for people who know how to use the program. There are also many, MANY tutorials and other resources available online for using these programs.
Unfortunately, there are a few problems with using a product like Photoshop or Illustrator. One of my goals for this project is to test out tools that can be used in a classroom. One issue with using an Adobe product in a classroom is that not all school sites and classrooms have computers capable of running the software; many schools have moved away from desktop computers and are now primarily using Chromebooks instead. Although there are potential ways to use a server to run a program like Photoshop on a Chromebook, this would involve many additional steps, including getting the school's IT department involved, consequently adding many potential setbacks and roadblocks on our path to making a game. As many working in a large organization have already experienced (especially those working in schools), even one small roadblock can delay or derail a really great project.
Another problem with using a product like Photoshop or Illustrator would be the need to pay for licenses for the software. Fortunately, there are actually two great software applications out there that are free. The first is GIMP, or the GNU Image Manipulation Program. GIMP is free and open source, meaning that the program is created, developed, and maintained by several--or many--programmers and other contributors, often who are working for free. Open source programs typically benefit from many different individuals working together on a product, and the open availability allows for new and different features to be thought up every day, free of the requirements or goals of any company. Inkscape is another very powerful free and open source computer application. With Inkscape, one can create vector-based illustrations (images that are defined through the use of math equations rather than a certain number of pixels). Vector art is typically scalable, meaning that one can enlarge or shrink the images without any loss of image quality. This kind of image can be great for games that are going to be played on different sized screens, such as different smart phones, because the images can grow or shrink with the size of the screen. Unfortunately, not all programs support true vector art, so some of the benefits of this software might be lost if one needs to convert these vector images to pixel-based images.
Both of these programs can be wonderful tools in the hands of a trained illustrator or designer. However, much like Photoshop or Illustrator, GIMP and Inkscape could have potentially steep learning curves. For a teacher trying to get students to develop a game within a short time period, these programs might be too robust. Also, these two programs would still need to be installed on a computer other than a Chromebook, which may or may not be difficult to do depending on your school's computer policy. In my experience, most school computers are locked down pretty tightly, and getting new software installed can be a bit of a challenge.
One last alternative would be to use Google Drawings. If your school already uses Google Apps for Education, then your students should already be familiar with many Google Products, and they may take to Google Drawings rather quickly. For such a simple program, there is a lot that one can do with Google Drawings. For students just starting out with game making, using a simple program like this might be the best way to go. However, from what I can tell, Google Drawings was designed more for creating diagrams and flow charts. It lacks many advanced features, and this can be extremely frustrating for someone like myself who is familiar with more extensive art programs like Photoshop.
A Note on Pre-Made Game Art:
One alternative to creating my own game art would be to use pre-made art that is royalty-free or that I can use under a specific license, such as one of the Creative Commons licenses. Such assets can be found at sites like OpenGameArt.org. One benefit to using pre-made art is that it allows me to take the time and energy that I would have spent on creating the art and instead allocate those resources towards a different part of the game. This can potentially save me a lot of time and frustration.
However, there are also several drawbacks to using someone else's art. The first is that one has to make sure that the art is actually legally available for use. With the open nature of the internet, it can be difficult to verify where exactly the art originally came from. There is a possibility that one might end up using art for a game only to have to remove it later if it turns out that the original creator did not authorize the sharing of the art assets.
Another drawback to using pre-made assets is that the art will be less personal and the game will be less unique. One of the reasons that I wanted to make a video game was to have the opportunity to create something original, and this includes making original art. Since I actually enjoy drawing and art, I think making the art for the game could be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the entire process. I also enjoy making music. However, I am not as familiar with the process. This might be an area where I decide to use something pre-made.
One last drawback to using someone else's art is that one is then limited to what is available. Even though there is a substantial, almost infinite amount of art out there on the internet, it can potentially take far longer to find exactly what one is looking for than to simply make it oneself. It is likely that one would end up settling for art that is easily available and then fitting the game to the art rather than the other way around. Though having some constraints is good for fostering creativity and creative solutions, there is also a difference between being resourceful and compromising one's overall vision. However, I can see how using pre-made assets might be essential for individuals who find the task of creating art to be far more daunting or who simply prefer the art and style of other individuals over what they themselves are capable of creating.
Summary:
Though there are many more powerful image manipulation programs out there, Google Drawings might be the best choice for a teacher who is helping students to get started in game making. It's an almost painfully simple program to use, but it might be ideal in a time crunch, and it won't require getting in touch with your IT department to license and install any software.
Should your students choose to continue making games beyond your class assignment, there are great free image manipulation programs out there like GIMP and Inkscape, and even computer applications available for purchase, such as Photoshop and Illustrator. With so many great products out there now, there is a whole world available for students to explore. After they complete their first game, the sky's the limit when it comes to what they can create next.