by Mario Orozco
Over a dozen students gathered to attend the Computer Science (CS) Club’s second workshop of the year. The workshop showcased, “Godzilla! The First Person Shooter,” a Godzilla-inspired first-person shooter game developed on the Unity engine.
Hosted in the library, the CS Club provided detailed instructions on the development process of their game. The workshop gave students an opportunity to gain insight into the realm of game development and taught the basics of using the Unity engine.
The game was being developed by the attendees, becoming more fleshed out throughout the course of the workshop. What started as a simple blank terrain transformed into a full city filled with buildings and roads. Godzilla also evolved throughout the event, evolving from two stiff arms unable to move to a fully mobile fire-breathing monster in less than an hour.
Without the assistance of an experienced developer’s coaching, creating a game is a time-consuming task that comes with its fair share of difficulties. One of these challenges that hinders the development process is the lack of a large team and resources. CS club Vice President Anthony Cavuoti discussed the goal of the workshop as well as how they planned to assist students in overcoming these hurdles.
“We’re showing people how to use the Unity engine,” Cavuoti said. “We want to show them how to properly utilize assets to create big games without the need for a big development team.”
The use of both the Unity engine and assets – items used in-game, such as 3D models – help remedy the lack of resources and creates a more accessible introduction into the world of video game creation.
Club president Amy Wguyen shared that apart from the development of their game and the workshops they host, the CS club partakes in many activities and events with both their ICPC event, as well as the annual hackathon coming over the horizon.
“Our ICPC event is coming up soon,” Wguyen said. “Last year, our team placed 12th in the region. We also have the hackathon approaching sometime in April.”
Whether you’re experienced with coding or you’re just at the beginning of your journey, the CS club has room for you. The club provides clear instructions that are suited for all levels. If game development and technology interest you, a discord invite can be found on their website csclubhumboldt.org.
“The CS club has workshops that anyone can do, regardless of their experience with coding,” Wguyen said, “Whether you’re very experienced or not, you can come and learn from the workshops.”
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