This is an example program for the NGV Learn workshop: Digital Creatives: Creative Control – Design and build your own working classic video game controller. More info here: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/MoMA-EDUCATION-POSTER.pdf
Japan is known for its rich history in arcade culture and video games. This program uses Space Invaders (1978), developed by Tomohiro Nishikado, as inspiration and enables students to discover the creativity in early games culture prior to today’s world of virtual and augmented reality, touch screens, smartphones and control pads. Combining simple coding and traditional materials, students design their own, fully functional video game controllers to move a character around on the screen, or even play a game of Space Invaders. This workshop, facilitated by an NGV educator, introduces students to block coding in Scratch and Makey Makey inventor kits. A detailed online resource enables students and teachers to continue developing their skills in the classroom.
