Teaching computer game development with Unity engine: a case study

Abstract

Computer game development is a popular and engaging topic that can motivate students to learn various aspects of software engineering, such as design, programming, testing, and teamwork. However, there is a lack of research on how to effectively teach this topic in the context of secondary education. In this paper, we present our experience of designing and delivering a course on computer game development for master’s students in the specialty 014.09 Secondary education (Informatics) at the Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University. We describe the objectives, content, software tools, and teaching methods of the course, as well as the challenges and outcomes of its implementation. We also evaluate the course using a framework proposed by Ritzhaupt based on student feedback and learning outcomes. Our results show that the course was successful in achieving its goals and enhancing students’ knowledge and skills in game development. We also identify some areas for improvement and provide recommendations for future iterations of the course. We conclude that Unity Engine is a suitable platform for teaching game development in secondary education, as it offers a low barrier to entry, a rich set of features, a cross-platform compatibility, and a wide adoption in the game industry. We also argue that a team-based approach is beneficial for fostering collaboration and creativity among students.