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Game Design Resources

Let's see how it's done.

Thanks to the XNA team, we’ve put together how-to videos and step-by-step walk-throughs on building games using XNA. Plus, tips on creating a killer storyboard. Check them out!

Storyboards

Storyboards are a series of illustrations or images displayed in sequence, making it easy to visualize what’s going to happen in a game. Professional game designers use them all the time. And now you can too. Microsoft has lots of great resources for learning about storyboards and the process.

Check out a past Imagine Cup storyboard submission.

Or start your own storyboard using this template.

2-D Tutorials

• Introducing the 2D Tutorial: One step
• Creating the Game Project: Two steps with source code available for download
• Adding Assets: One step with source code available for download
• Drawing the Background: Three steps with source code available for download; additional details for steps 2 & 3
• Creating a Cannon: Three steps with source code available for download; additional details for steps 1 & 2
• Firing Cannonballs: Six steps with source code available for download; additional details for steps 2 & 6
• Adding Enemies: Four steps with source code available for download; additional details for step 3
• Destroying Enemies: One step with source code available for download; additional details for step 1
• Keeping Score: Three steps with source code available for download
• Additional Tutorials:
  • Adding 2-D Particles and Explosions
  • Adding Gravity and Crashing Ships
  • Adding Unlimited Cannonballs
  • Attacking Enemies and Shields

 

3-D Tutorials

• Introducing the 3-D Tutorial: One step
• Creating the Game Project: Two steps with source code available for download
• Adding Assets: Two steps with source code available for download
• Drawing Terrain: Four steps with source code available for download; additional details for steps 1 & 2
• Drawing a Game Object: Four steps with source code available for download; additional details for step 4
• Making a Missile Launcher: Three steps with source code available for download; additional details for step 2
• Firing Missiles: Six steps with source code available for download; additional details for step 3
• Making Sounds: Six steps with source code available for download; additional details for steps 1, 3, & 5