LCCC STUDENTS CREATE AND INSTALL ARCADE GAME

When students sign up for courses in computer games and simulation design, they often picture themselves creating the next massively multi-player online game. Students in Thomas Robertson’s course at Lorain County Community College, however, got a taste of old school game designing.

Under Robertson’s guidance, nearly a dozen students created the software for an arcade game. Robertson pushed them a step further and helped the group build a wooden arcade cabinet and connect the wiring that transformed game from an idea into a quarter-eating machine.

“I’ve built several arcade cabinets in the past and I’ve always wanted to build one with my students,” Robertson explained.

Students worked on the game and cabinet as an extracurricular activity during fall semester and utilized the LCCC Fab Lab to create the arcade cabinet. Taking their knowledge beyond video game creation was challenge for the students, but one that proved worth the effort, George Kvacek, 21 of Lorain, said.

“It was really fun getting to know the insides and out of the arcade cabinet. It was really hard work but I’m thankful I had the opportunity to create it,” Kvacek said.

The project, named Arcain 2011, was unveiled during a ceremony at LCCC on December 8. Kelly Zelesnik, Dean of Engineering and Technologies, praised the students for their unique project.

“I am so proud of these students for taking this project on outside of their regular classroom. The dedication they showed to this project is a testament to the strength of their character,” Zelesnik said.

The game is now available in the Gamers’ Lounge located between College Center and the Advanced Technologies buildings. For a quarter per player, passersby can try their hand at steering their spaceship through the galaxy, while avoiding heavy fire from enemy ships.

After watching students play the first few games, Robertson said he was pleased with the project.

“As a game developer, this is what it’s all about; hearing people throwing their quarters in and laughing and enjoying the game,” he said.

For more information on the Computer Games and Simulation Design major at LCCC, visit www.lorainccc.edu/programs and click on “Computer and Information Technology.”

Arcain 2011 photo:
Left, Matthew Riedel, Brad Pettry, Ian Timm, George Kvacek, Rick Craigo, Thomas Robertson (professor), Rory Szymanel and Mark Kellogg