In a classroom at Velocity Jr., the future of fun is taking shape for video enthusiasts.
Based on the imaginations of UCS students, the video games of the future will include a pet adventure where dogs and cats escape from a pen, a rockin' rabbit saves the world from destruction, or scientists try to get away from dinosaurs that have reappeared.
These and more adventures were developed during a week-long video design course at Velocity Jr., where students are learning how to imagine and build their own video games.
"We have learned that you have to continually build on your game and take it in different directions," said Browning Elementary sixth grade student Patrick Pek.
Offered by Computer Explorers, the course introduced students to the theory behind gaming and shows what it takes to move an idea from a storyboard to the computer screen.
It also gave students an opportunity to explore computer programming and the logic needed to develop software.
Pek's video project - called Animal Ventures - is a five-level game that requires a dog and cat to first escape from their pen. The animals then have to cross a busy street, similar to Frogger. The game ends with the pair evading animal control officers armed with nets.
"We sort of a have a thing for animals so we came up with the idea," Pek said.
The students use Stagecast Creator software to design and program their ideas. Their finished product will be something they will be able to test on their friends and family.
For Browning sixth-grader Ireland Majewski, who is planning a career in video design, the course gave her insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes in game development.
"I think we found out that it's easier to play the games than create them," she said.
The design course is one of the first camps offered this summer through Velocity Jr., a partnership of Utica Community Schools, the City of Sterling Heights and Macomb Community College.
The partnership is a complement to the economic development efforts housed at the Velocity Collaboration Center in Sterling Heights, a new center for business incubation and economic development, targeting defense, homeland security and advanced manufacturing.
