Synopsis for Campus Shootings: A Look Into the Use of Serious Games in Game Design Capstones

This past academic year the capstone class in Tomball’s game design class has been working on an emergency response simulation for the campus. The idea was originated three years ago as a service learning project that would encompass several divisions and community partners. However, overtime the scope has tightened to focus specifically on the response to a campus shooter. This session will discuss the issues that have arisen and demonstrate the digital prototype that was created this year.

The simulation was initially to include fire, tornado, snake bites (we are in a rural area) scenarios in addition to the campus shooter. With the increased concern regarding campus violence, the students decided to focus on the campus shooter scenario.

The students’ original reaction to the project is that they want to work on something “fun.” I think challenge them to make the simulation fun and remind them that every game has a learning aspect even it is only improvement in hand/eye coordination.

There have been several issues that have arisen during the execution of this project. The minor ones included students who didn’t pull their weight within the project. The major ones involved lack of support for technological issues. All of these have served as a learning experience for the students.

We have had community partners visit the class. These have included a former FBI/INTERPOL agent, campus police chief (a retired veteran and founder of San Antonio’s SWAT team), facilities manager, and a certified EMT. We have also gotten attention that has led to interest in the completed project from Homeland Security and the FBI.

This session will outline the various problems we have encountered, how we combated them, and where the project will go from here.