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Summary

This module will help to introduce you to the Australian STEM Video Game Challenge (STEM VGC).

a young man sitting on chair wearing headphones and using a laptop

Documents used in this module

These are the documents for the STEM VGC that will help you to be successful.

Make sure you look at each one.

Classification/Technical Guidelines

  • All games must conform to the G rating (Australian Classification Board) and the E rating (Entertainment Software Rating Board).
  • Note the restrictions regarding the depiction of violence, sex, drug use, nudity, and some themes; along with limitations on language.
  • If you use tutorials or AI in your game, make sure that you acknowledge this in your Game Design Document.

Student Work Plan

Use this to help you and your team track roles and progress through the game development process.

Game Design Document Template (GDD)

Each team must prepare and submit a GDD with your game. The GDD template will help you to keep track of the important features of your Game Design Document.

Scoring Rubric

The rubric will show you how your game and GDD are scored and should form the basis of your planning, team organisation and game development.

Before you start

  • Read the documents listed above.
  • Find the registration and submission dates on the website. Record these in your calendar with a reminder one month and one week before submissions close.
  • Form a team and provide details to your mentor for registration. You can develop an entry on your own or as part of a team of up to 4 people. We highly recommend working in a team!
  • If you form a team, make sure that you have someone who can focus on each one of the roles listed in the ‘Student roles within their team’ section on the STEM VGC home page. Team members can have more than one role.
  • View the video showcases of last year’s winning entries on the STEM VGC website.

Tasks

  1. Investigate what makes a good game.

    • Think about two of your favourite games (these could be digital games, board games, or any other type of games).
      • What makes them good?
      • Why do you like playing them?
    •  Now think about a game that you don’t really like.
      • Why don’t you like to play this game?
    • Make a comparison list of these 3 games – the features of the two games that you like and the features of the game that you don’t. Record this list in your GDD. You can use this to help you as you develop your own game.
      You might like to think about aesthetics, gameplay and engagement as you compile your list:
      • Aesthetics refer to the visual and auditory elements that contribute to the game's atmosphere and emotional impact. For example, the aesthetics of a sci-fi adventure game may include sleek, futuristic graphics and detailed environments alongside dynamic sound effects like laser blasts and an intense electronic soundtrack, creating an immersive experience that heightens the excitement and tension.
      • Gameplay refers to the interactive experiences and challenges players encounter as they engage with the game, including how they use mechanics (rules and systems that govern how a game operates and how players interact with it), and respond to the game’s environment. For example, in an action game, gameplay may include mechanics such as exploring detailed environments, completing missions, and interacting with various characters.
      • Engagement is about keeping players interested and excited while playing the game, making sure they enjoy it and want to keep playing. For example, in a maze game, engagement may include progressively challenging mazes that reward players with cues upon solving puzzles and incorporating time-based challenges, hidden secrets, or collectibles to keep players motivated and eager to explore.

  2. Set a date to submit your entry for judging.

    • Choose a submission date that is at least one week early. This will allow time to manage technical issues if they arise when uploading your entry. Put this date in your calendar and set reminders.

  3. Assign team members to Student Work Plan and create deadlines.

    • The Student Work Plan helps you to manage the different aspects of developing a game and producing a GDD. Use it to organise who will complete each task, manage deadlines, and check off progress. It includes all the headings from the GDD and judging rubrics to help you stay on track.
    • Take your time with this! Work backwards from your chosen submission date to ensure you allow your team enough time to complete each task.

  4. Complete a GDD as you work.

    • The GDD template has an extensive set of questions that you should respond to as you design and develop your game. Make sure to answer these questions as you go. The questions are aligned to the scoring rubrics, so the judges will be looking for responses to all questions.