[Yr7-10it] Neverwinter Nights Toolset and Helper Applications.

[Paul Sijpkes]

Thanks Tony,

I'm mainly aiming at engaging kids with programming but I'm also looking at extending into 3D editing later on using Gmax.  I purchased a class set of 25 copies from Singapore for about $300.  Gmax is free to use, but you need NWMax to import and export 3D objects to and from the game. Other very useful apps I have found in the 3D area include NWN Explorer and CtrlView.  
  
It's true the game itself focuses too much on violence, but the Toolset does not need to be used in this way and lends itself very well to narrative and interactive story telling.  I've stipulated with my kids that violence must always be a last resort, even in a game.  It makes the game more challenging and interesting to play, and to build.

I've never had problems with NWN technically and find the forums very helpful.  I've discovered another tool, developed at the University of Alberta, called Scriptease, allowing you to easily build a narrative for your game. This works alongside the Toolset. 

I'll keep you all up to date with my progress next term.  I'm still interested if any others have tried this.   

Cheers,

Paul Sijpkes
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The Knox School
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-----Original Message-----
From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Tony Forster
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:44 PM
To: Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Yr7-10it] (no subject)

> I am offering Programming next term for a year 10 group.
> I'm trying something different and have decided to use the
> Neverwinter Nights toolset (also called the Aurora Toolset).

There is a bit of interest in NWN, partly in the context of making 
educational games rather than learning by making games. I have found it a 
bit unreliable, technology wise. My install CD came with a bad password and 
I had to go to the forums to find out why. I have not been able to install 
on Vista, the forums indicate that it is possible though there are issues. 
Its strong points are a good dialogue editor and 3D. Maybe a bit limiting, 
you will probably only make quests, more room for lateral thought in 
GameMaker, Scratch and Etoys. Licence fees will mount up for a class set.

http://tonyforster.blogspot.com/2008/01/learning-games-with-neverwinter-nights.html
http://tonyforster.blogspot.com/2008/02/playing-saving-adryanee.html
http://del.icio.us/tonyforster/NeverwinterNights 

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