ScratchGrid Worksheets

We have created a set of worksheets to help in the design and development of "small videogames".

We have adopted a specific definition for “small videogames” so as to give them a knowable form. Small videogames have the following attributes:
1.- all gameplay occurs on a single screen;
2.- the game has four screens: a startup, intro, or splash screen; a play screen; and, two outcome screens, for example a “you win” screen and a “you lose” screen;
3.- small videogames are typically one-player games;
4.- small videogames can be created by an individual, novice, creator in a time-frame measured in days.

Small videogames are an extensible framework.

 

The most visible videogames, those in the marketplace for consoles and personal computers, are the product of many hands from multiple disciplines working for several years. The small videogame approach takes an individual through the whole process so she can identify her own strengths and weaknesses, and understand the roles and opportunities for collaboration.

The worksheets are released here as open-source files in .svg, .pdf, and .ai formatted files. A model worked example for the use of the worksheets is included with the materials. The worksheets are packaged as individual pages, and as a multi-page .pdf file. The worked example is packaged as a numbered set of images in .png format and a .sb Scratch project.

Help the Hula Girl save the hapless Pirate from walking the plank!

Images: 

Worked example of ScratchGrid Sketch Pad for sprites, characters, objects, and stories

Worked example of ScratchGrid storyboard panels

Worked example of ScratchGrid suggested minimum screens needed for a complete game

Definition of "small videogames"

Working general definition of games by Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman

Other Files: 

ScratchGrid_v02.zip

ScratchGridWorkedExample.zip