Baylor Computer Science Gaming Capstone Team Introduces New Video Game During Demo Event

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WACO, Texas (April 30, 2019) – Seniors in Baylor University’s department of computer science will debut a video game they developed in the program’s gaming capstone course during an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Bennett Auditorium (Room 130) in the Draper Academic Building, 1400 S. Seventh St., on the Baylor campus.

Game demonstrations will take place after the initial presentation, and visitors will have a chance to play the new game. Lunch will be provided.

The department of computer science offers a video game development specialization within the computer science degree program in the School of Engineering and Computer Science. This specialization is designed to provide an understanding of the development and application of interactive digital media technologies. The specialization is offered in cooperation with the department of film and digital media (FDM) and combines media course offerings with technical content to produce graduates with skills that go beyond design and implementation.

This year, students from FDM, art, music and entrepreneurship are working with the computer science students within the gaming capstone course. Graduates of the computer science program who choose the game development specialization are awarded a fully accredited computer science degree with all the associated career and graduate education opportunities.

“I really value the interdisciplinary work that our students do,” said Matthew Fendt, Ph.D., lecturer in computer science, who spearheads the gaming concentration. “If students know how to work on a team and publish a game where they have worked with business, art and music students and have experience with film and digital media students, then they are absolutely prepared for the industry.”

Logan Parmeter, a senior computer science student and member of the capstone team, said art students have helped create art for in-game menus, a bestiary (a collection of actual or mythical animals), cut scenes and other miscellaneous art elements. A music student created the in-game music and an FDM student developed the majority of their 3D assets, including player and enemy models and their accompanying animations.

“Honestly, I don't think the game would be where it is without the help of these students,” Parmeter said. “Due to the limited time we have for this project, it would never be able to look and sound as good as it does without their skills.”

Parmeter described the game as “an action-adventure 2D side scroller with 3D assets and gameplay elements similar to those in Metroid and Castlevania.”

“The two players play as either a vampire or a Doctor Strange-like cloak, and they work together to make their way through the level, fighting off enemies, turning off lights and performing other tasks,” she said.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 17,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) prepares its students to be innovators for worldwide impact by training graduates for professional practice and responsible leadership with a Christian view. Students can choose from majors including bioinformatics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, general engineering and mechanical engineering. ECS also offers graduate programs in all areas of study within the School. We stand out from the crowd through Christian commitment, a strong community, expert accessibility, leading practical experience and teamwork. Visit www.baylor.edu/ecs to learn more and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BaylorECS.