How do we make text based adventure games?

Project Overview

This project looked at developing procedural programming skills by creating and designing a text based adventure game. This involved Year 12 students learning how to use Python programming to help them create a world of textual adventure that people can play. Each student brainstormed and designed their own cover art allowing them to visualise their game concept. This was then turned into a real game with some developing their own ASCII art! Finally, the games were tested on people of different ages who had to try and survive through the various quests that they experienced within the game.

How was it assessed?

Through a demonstration given to the teacher and fellow classmates
By getting feedback from people of different ages after they had played the game
Through a presentation where the entire project process was described.

What skills were developed?

Students were able to develop their Python programming skills, particularly the procedural part of programming using IF statements, PRINT statements and loops. Students also developed their testing and feedback skills to help improve their game at each stage of development.

Students also developed their ICT skills by using Adobe software to create their cover artwork.

What the teacher says

Game development is a huge industry-but we often forget that gaming and it's origins came from simple programming without the fancy graphics or sounds. As a teacher, this project is a fun way of going back to basics with programming and games design; showing students how easy it is to make an immersive game. The project is also accessible for students of all abilities whether they are expert programmers or complete novices.