CS121 : Introduction to Game Design

Fall 2025
Instructor: Jordan Tynes

jtynes@wellesley.edu

Welcome to CS 121!

Each type of engagement is described directly below. Details about each day will be updated frequently.

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    Lectures:
    Unless otherwise announced, this portion of the course will take place in person at our assignment classroom. Please show up a few minutes prior to the start of class (see note about grading/evaluation) and be ready to engage in lecture materials and/or accompanying discussion. Readings may be assigned in preparation for or in conjunction with these lectures.
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    Technical Demonstrations:

    You will learn to use various aspects of the Unity Game Engine throughout the term. Technical instruction will be provided during class and, unless otherwise noted, this portion of the course will be recorded and shared for your reference. Attendance is still required so you may fully leverage lab resources.

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    Optional Activities:

    I plan to organize several activities throughout the semester that will be optional, but strongly encouraged. These could include game nights, Twitch streams, events, etc. These will be announced both in-class and via email. Stay tuned!

Schedule:

Subject to Changes!

Week 1:

Mon. Sept. 1
No Class

Enjoy Labor Day!

Thur. Sept. 4
Welcome to CS121 and Game Design
Assigned Reading:

Chapters 3


Week 2:

Mon. Sept. 8
Intro to Unity
Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Sept. 11
The Magic Circle
Assigned Reading:

Chapters 9


Week 3:

Mon. Sept. 15
Cameras & Colliders
Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Sept. 18
Emergence
Assigned Reading:

Chapters 12


Week 4:

Mon. Sept. 22
Audio, UI, & Effects
Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Sept. 25
Demos & Intro Unit 2
Assigned Reading:

Chapter 13


Week 5:

Tue. Sept. 29
Set Up Two Minute Game
Tech Link:

TBA

Assigned Reading:

Chapter 23

Thur. Oct. 2
Intro to Scripting
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 6:

Mon. Oct. 6
Types of Play
Assigned Reading:

Chapter 24

Thur. Oct. 9
Applied Scripting
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 7:

Mon. Oct. 13
No Class

Enjoy Fall Break!

Thur. Oct. 16
Automation
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 8:

Mon. Oct. 20
Custom UI, Restart Button, Goals, and Key Press
Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Oct. 23
WebGL Build & Lab
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 9:

Mon. Oct. 27
Two Minute Game Demos
Thur. Oct. 30
Narrative and Ideation

Week 10:

Mon. Nov. 3
Meaning from Play
Assigned Reading:

Chapter 25

Thur. Nov. 6
Scripting Movement pt 2
Tech Link:

TBA

Assigned Reading:

Chapter 29


Week 11:

Mon. Nov. 10
Games as Cultural Rhetoric
Assigned Reading:

Chapter 30

Thur. Nov. 13
Movement Audio and Dialog Setup
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 12:

Mon. Nov. 17
Dialog System
Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Nov. 20
Load Level
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 13:

Mon. Nov. 24
Project Check-in
Assigned Reading:

Wide Walls

Thur. Dec. 27
No Class
Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Week 14:

Mon. Dec. 1
Lab Day
Tech Link:

TBA

Thur. Dec. 4
Prototype and Feedback
Tech Link:

TBA


Week 15:

Mon. Dec. 8
Lab Day
Tech Link:

TBA

Thurs. Dec. 11
Playable Media Showcase!
2-4pm