CSCI 370 - Lab 1
Let's Play!

In this lab, you will take a critical eye to a wide variety of recent video games. This will help us build a common vocabulary and experiences as a class, and walk you through the current state of the gaming industry.

Step 1 - Steam and Mobile App Stores

Most games for sale today are distributed digitally, either for mobile devices or in central stores. Download Steam, a store that lets you install your purchased games and play them anywhere, and sign up for an account.

Also, get your hands on either an Android or iOS device, you will need to download two games from either the App Store or Google Play.

Step 2 - Twitch

There are many venues available for gaining an audience for playing a game. While most popular with team games like League of Legends, you can broadcast yourself playing any game at all. Sign up for a twitch.tv channel, a website that will let you stream content related to gaming.

Step 3 - OBS

One more piece. You have a game store, and a channel, you now need software to let you broadcast your screen. Download OBS for your system, which is open, free broadcasting software.

Step 4 - Play Games!

Time to play! Purchase, download and play these 11 games for at least 20 minutes each, so you get a feel for the gameplay and mechanics.

GamePlatformPrice
Crypt of the NecrodancerSteam$15
DOTA 2SteamFREE
Every Day the Same Dream OnlineFREE
HearthstoneOnline/MobileFREE
ICEAndroid iOSFREE
Lovers in a Dangerous SpacetimeSteam$15
PassageOnlineFREE
PolybridgeSteam$12
PortalSteam $10
Risk of RainSteam$10
Year WalkSteam $6

Step 5 - Broadcast

You must broadcast on twitch one of your above 20 minute game run throughs, preferably one you have not played before. As you broadcast, talk through the experience for the audience, be sure not to just have a silent head playing a game.

The following two webpages have great advice and steps to getting your broadcast stream setup with OBS and twitch.tv. Be sure to have the game, and a small video box of yourself playing the game.

Make sure you are archiving your broadcasts. Archives will be saved for 14 days, but only if you have selected that option in your twitch settings.

Email me your twitch link.

For example here is a twitch broadcast of me playing Risk of Rain to test out my software setup.

Step 6 - Analyze

Analyze each game, using this Google form. We will be discussing your answers in class on Jan 26 and looking for commonalities.

Analysis Spreadsheet