Screenshot from the Poly Lab game created by Keegan Sommer, CE class of 2020
Learning Outcomes
Congratulations! You’ve been selected to Beta-Test a new game, created by a new game
developer here at Florida Poly! Keegan Sommer graduated from Florida Poly in 2020
with a degree in Computer Engineering. While at Florida Poly he worked in the Office
of Educational Outreach where he created this game for students learning how to design
video games. Now he needs you to test it for him. What is Beta-Testing? I’m glad
you asked! Beta-Testing is an important step in any game’s development, where the
potential players play the game to make sure the game is both functional, and fun
to play. This activity will help you understand the coding and programming portion
of game design.
Materials
Computer, Laptop, tablet or smart device with Internet capabilites
Look at the level provided for you to solve and determine what actions the character
needs to take to get to the goal. In this step, you are creating “Pseudocode”. Pseudocode is what programmers create
before writing the actual code, to ensure they understand what needs to be done.
Assort the provided functions into the order necessary to complete the level. REMEMBER: Code reads DOWN FIRST. Here, you are using a custom block-based coding
language called “Florida Poly Blocks” to write the code that will determine what actions
your character will take.
Hit the “Run Simulation” button and test your code. Now after you’ve spent the time to write your program, you get to run the simulation
and see if you accomplished your goal. You should watch this step carefully, taking
note of where any problems may arise.
If the simulation fails, repeat steps 1 to 3. If and when the simulation fails, don’t be discouraged! Failure is a huge part of
coding and the creative process involved. All it means is that you made a mistake
somewhere, and have to re-work your solution.
If the simulation succeeds, congratulations! You’ve successfully written a code to navigate the level, and must now begin the
process again for the next level.
While you are running your simulations, look for any parts of the game that could
use improving, or that just don’t work. This is the step that was mentioned earlier called “Beta Testing”. If you find anything,
be sure to let one of the creators know!
