Nowadays, kids are exposed to technology at an incredibly early age. According to a study by YouGov in the United Kingdom, 88% of 12-year-olds are entrusted with their own devices and 85% of children at age 6 have access to a tablet at home (YouGov). In the US, according to MarketingProfs 75% of children 8 and under have access to some type of smart device. In an ever-growing technological world, it is important to make sure that kids are enjoying entertainment that enhances their growth and protects them from inappropriate content (Nanji). I wanted to create a browser game that explains the importance of Security in a colorful, fun environment with a friendly playable character. The game I created is a 2D platformer in which the player learns about the importance of passwords and keeping them secure.

For my creative project thesis, I have designed and developed a video game called Amity Academy. Amity Academy is a strategic resource management simulator that aims to subvert genre expectations and challenge generally accepted definitions of success and leadership both in-game and in the real world. It does so by moving the focus away from amassing large amounts of in-game currencies and becoming politically or militarily dominant towards caring for the denizens of the social unit the player controls. The player acts as an administrator at a school where they must make decisions on how to best run the institution. Although they are allowed to lead the school however they see fit, the emphasis is on prioritizing strong interpersonal and intracommunity relationships and connections and the wellbeing and happiness of those under their ward. Amity Academy is also part of the newly-emerging “wholesome” or “comfy” game genre. Unlike serious strategy games that can be stressful, Amity Academy presents a self-paced, low-stakes situation. This mood is further encouraged by calming environmental noises and music, a gentle color palette, and a charming art style. The game feels domestic and quaint, almost reminiscent of a Jane Wooster Scott or Mary Singleton painting. You can download and play Amity Academy here: https://mvaughn8.itch.io/amity-academy

Party on Wall Street is a web-based video game developed by Maroon and Gold Game Studios. As an educational entrepreneurship video game, Party on Wall Street provides a refreshing and exciting new experience for the tycoons in society who want a little more of that entrepreneurial lifestyle. With proper research on customer demographics, Maroon and Gold Game Studio’s brand identity consists of a modern game with multiple use cases. With strong partnerships with multiple creatives and built from scratch game development, Party on Wall Street implements a fun, high intensity business competitive environment for players and students to engage in. This thesis consists of building an interactive experience through the use of AirConsole, a third party platform that hosts the game and allows players to join it by connecting to the same website on their mobile device. The primary user has access to hosting a game which can be casted to a larger screen, typically a television. When hosting a game, a room code is generated which can be typed in on the mobile device to connect to the game. When all players have joined the game, the host can initiate it. Players go through 6 rounds of pitch style investing presentations and have the opportunity to invest in other products with the ultimate goal of earning the most money. In the end, the game was successfully implemented, extensively user tested, and is under review by the AirConsole game team. Over the last year, the team successfully brought an idea through the entire product development process, learned to build a game in Unity, made practice of extensible testing and validation methods, and leveraged customer research and feedback to design a game that is ultimately both enjoyable and educational.

Party on Wall Street is a web-based video game developed by Maroon and Gold Game Studios. As an educational entrepreneurship video game, Party on Wall Street provides a refreshing and exciting new experience for the tycoons in society who want a little more of that entrepreneurial lifestyle. With proper research on customer demographics, Maroon and Gold Game Studio’s brand identity consists of a modern game with multiple use cases. With strong partnerships with multiple creatives and built from scratch game development, Party on Wall Street implements a fun, high intensity business competitive environment for players and students to engage in. This thesis consists of building an interactive experience through the use of AirConsole, a third party platform that hosts the game and allows players to join it by connecting to the same website on their mobile device. The primary user has access to hosting a game which can be casted to a larger screen, typically a television. When hosting a game, a room code is generated which can be typed in on the mobile device to connect to the game. When all players have joined the game, the host can initiate it. Players go through 6 rounds of pitch style investing presentations and have the opportunity to invest in other products with the ultimate goal of earning the most money. In the end, the game was successfully implemented, extensively user tested, and is under review by the AirConsole game team. Over the last year, the team successfully brought an idea through the entire product development process, learned to build a game in Unity, made practice of extensible testing and validation methods, and leveraged customer research and feedback to design a game that is ultimately both enjoyable and educational.