Design, Build, Play (HNRC 281)

Dr. Mike Sell

What do games and stories have in common? 

Videogame designer Sid Meier defines a good game as “a series of interesting decisions.” When we play games, we take chances, explore options, make big moves, pay the price, and win the prize. That’s what makes games fun! And that’s true of stories, too. The best stories are about characters who have to make tough decisions, decisions that involve the heart and the mind and the soul, decisions that change not just the lives of the characters but even the worlds they live in. 

Using Twine, a software program that combines game design and storytelling, we’ll create storytelling games—what are called ludonarratives—that enable our readers to make interesting, consequential decisions for characters (and make different decisions when they play it a second time!). To accomplish this goal, we’ll learn the principles of good game design, memorable storytelling, and decision-making. And we’ll apply these principles in a “game jam” format to see what we can accomplish using a small-team, collaborative model for the conceptualization, construction, and testing of our ludonarratives. 

Dr. Rick Adkins

Unlock your inner innovator this summer! Dive into the world of creative engineering as you brainstorm, design, and prototype your very own invention to solve real-world challenges. You’ll utilize STEAMSHOP, IUP’s state-of-the-art makerspace, while gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and technologies needed to bring your ideas to life—including digital design software, 3D printing, rapid-prototyping tools, electronics, and programming.  

By the end of the program, you won’t just take home an amazing prototype—you’ll walk away with new superpowers as a Maker and budding Entrepreneur, ready to turn ideas into reality. Whether you’re dreaming of shaping the future or just love building cool stuff, this summer program is your launchpad to innovation!