Computer Game Final Project Evaluation - CMPS 80K

A concern frequently voiced by students, and a question often asked by people outside of class is how the final game projects are assessed and graded. Since students in the course have widely varying backgrounds and abilities in using computer software like Game Maker, a very modest game by one group may represent far more effort and learning than a larger game by a more capable group. Additionally, establishing fine shades of grade difference between games in different genres is also quite tricky, and unavoidably subjective.

Grades for complete, functional game projects tend to be generous, and very roughly follow these guidelines:

• Game not submitted: 0%, and an overall grade of Incomplete (I) for the class
• Partially functional game: 0%-85%, depending on how much of the game is functional, how much work has been completed on the game, and the nature of the problems encountered.
• Fully functional game with excessively limited scope:25%-75% A game that is very trivial will receive a lower grade than other games that attempted a broader scope. For example, an insignificant variation on Pong would be considered too limited a game (but a substantial variation on Pong, such as the recent Plasma Pong, would be just fine).
• Fully functional game with reasonable scope but poor gameplay: 85%-90% If a game has a scope that is reasonable for the class, but the execution of the game concept is marred by multiple problems, such as poor collision handling, awkward or poor controls, bad level design, excessive backtracking on player death, or other obvious gameplay problems, will receive a lower grade than games that do not exhibit these problems.
• Fully functional game with competent gameplay: 90%-95% If a game does an effective job at executing its game concept, has only minor gameplay problems, and has competent level design and playability, then the game will generally receive a grade in the A- to A range. One implication of this is that games with more limited scope that are executed well will receive better grades than games that have broader scope but which have gameplay problems.
• Outstanding fully functional game: 95%-100% For a game to receive a high A grade, it must demonstrate exceptional execution of its concept, must possess an engaging game concept, and must exhibit strong gameplay characteristics. The game must have one or more distinctive, original qualities.

Submission of a game manual is a mandatory part of the submission process for your game. Failure to submit a game manual will result in a 10% reduction in grade. Incomplete manuals will also result in loss of points.

Failure to demonstrate your game in class will also result in loss of points. In-class game demonstrations provide the opportunity for students to give and receive feedback on your games, and so this demonstration is an important part of the feedback you will receive on your game.