Tech Directions - November 2007 - (Page 19)

Video Game Programmers Learn to “Pitch” By Martin Nikirk nikirmar@wcboe.k12.md.us Eidolon Question: How do new video and computer game ideas reach the stage of production by a company? Answer: Game developers “pitch” new video and computer game ideas to game publishers. And learning how to “pitch” technology products has great educational value for technology education students. In this article, I’ll share my experience with helping my students master the art of the technical product pitch. Sinaria out Maryland at the high school level. I had responsibility for creating our state’s first high school game development and animation pilot program at Washington County Technical High School. The program enrolls 11th- and 12th-grade students. During senior year, students gain real-world experience by pitching computer game ideas to business and industry partners who serve on a pitch panel. (See the box below for definitions of game developers and publishers.) The panel’s final decision determines which games will be built. F Background Maryland has more than 60 different businesses that produce computer and video games or gamerelated products. (Nationally, the computer game industry is a multibillion dollar industry.) To prepare students for this dynamic new industry, computer game development programs are being piloted throughMartin Nikirk is a computer game design and animation pilot teacher, Washington County Technical High School, Hagerstown, MD. Defining the Roles Game developer—A game developer is “anyone who is involved in the process of development of games. This could include anyone in a game company, or it could mean only those who are directly involved in creating the game such as the artists, designers, programmers, and musicians.” (Source: www.gamedev.net/dict/search.asp?Term=developer) Game publisher—“A company that funds and sells games, but usually not directly. Publishers usually sell games through retailers, and often do not develop the games themselves.” (Source: www.gamedev.net/dict/ search.asp?Term=publisher) www.techdirections.com COMMUNICATION 19 http://www.gamedev.net/dict/search.asp?Term=developer http://www.gamedev.net/dict/search.asp?Term=publisher http://www.gamedev.net/dict/search.asp?Term=publisher http://www.techdirections.com

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Tech Directions - November 2007 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Video Game Programmers Learn to “Pitch” Project Teaches Students to Diagnose an Ailing Windows OS See the Math with Your Binoculars! Fire Safety Technician ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo Hands-On Activities More than Fun

Tech Directions - November 2007

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