kodu game lab: getting started with the xbox 360 controller

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KODU IN THE CLASSROOM Adapted for the UK from the Kodu Classroom Kit for Educators Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

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Page 1: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

K O D U I N T H E C L A S S R O O MAdapted for the UK from the Kodu Classroom Kit for Educators

Getting Started with theXbox 360 Controller

Page 2: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

Contents

Kodu in the Classroom: Getting Started with Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Controller ���������������������3

Entering the Programme ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3

Exploring the Worlds ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4

All Worlds Start in Play Mode ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4

Viewing the Code ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5

Creating a New World: Terrain and Characters ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

Video Tutorial ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6

Coding in Kodu ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7

Trying Out Code ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

Can’t wait to get started with Kodu? �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8

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Page 3: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

Kodu in the Classroom: GettinG Started with XboX 360 and XboX 360 Controller

note: on Xbox 360, Kodu is an indie game and can be bought for 400 points. it

requires a continuous broadband connection to Xbox liVe. You can also plug a wired

Xbox 360 controller straight into the PC version of Kodu.

entering the Program

1. Kodu can be found under the Microsoft Research grouping on your Programme menu�

2. Once in Kodu, you should choose the “Load World” Once here you can either view existing games or start a new game.

For more detailed inFormation on navigation: http://community.research.microsoft.com/blogs/kodu/archive/2010/01/15/

tutorial-1-basic-navigation.aspx

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Page 4: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

exPloring the Worlds

1. After choosing “Load World”, you can select an Existing World (game) or an “Empty World” to start a new game�

We recommend first exploring the existing games. (Some are full games, others are worlds that have been designed but may not have game play�) By default they are sorted by date� Filters and sorts can be set at the top�

2. By default you can see all worlds� Some are titled as “Tutorials” to help you get started; others are titled “Technique” to demonstrate specific procedures�

The tutorials are highly recommended at this point. If you have just installed Kodu, the tutorials should be at the beginning of the list� You can click on the “Lessons” button at the top of the screen to show only the Kodu worlds tagged as “lessons�”

All Worlds Start in Play Mode

When you load a world, it starts in the play mode, though it may first have instructions to inform you of how different games work�

For more detailed inFormation on the load level menu: http://community.research.microsoft.com/blogs/kodu/archive/2010/01/29/

tutorial-3-load-level-menu.aspx

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Page 5: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

vieWing the Code

1. To see how the world was constructed, click escape to edit�

You will then see a strip of editing tools at the bottom.

2. The Kodu icon lets you add a new character or object by clicking in a space without an object, or edit an existing object, by moving the puck to a space where an object is�

There are 20 types of characters, each with different properties.

3. To view the code, move the puck to an object or character�

The object will glow and then you can right click on it to see a menu of options.

Choosing ‘Program’ will let you see the code.

For more inFormation on the edit menu tools: http://community.research.microsoft.com/blogs/kodu/archive/2010/01/21/

tutorial-2-edit-tools.aspx

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Page 6: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

Creating a neW World: terrain and CharaCterS

To create a new world, you must first have terrain.

Terrain is created by painting with the terrain tools� You can select a colour and a brush type (square, oval, square line, oval line)�

One easy way to make terrain is to increase the brush size (using the right arrow) and just put down a single square�

C The other tools for dealing with terrain let you raise and lower the terrain as well as making the elevations smooth or jagged�

C Any water that is added, must have terrain or land under it� By default, each world starts with “glass walls”, so water stays contained and nothing can fall off the edges�

C After you have created terrain, you can add and program objects and characters as described above�

For details on the diFFerent CharaCters that are available: http://planetkodu.com/tutorials/view/introducing_the_bots

video tutorial

Charlie Love (from Learning and Teaching Scotland,) has produced these excellent

videos to get you started using Kodu:

Kodu Introduction Tutorial 1�1 - http://youtu�be/pucRItZ6vI0

Kodu Introduction Tutorial 1�2 - 1�12 http://youtu�be/bd-lnR5i3ao

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Page 7: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

Coding in Kodu

C All Kodu code statements start with a ‘When’ condition, followed by a ‘Do’ condition to be executed� The choice of tiles at any point is determined by what went before� Conditions are evaluated simultaneously� If there are no tiles in the ‘When’ area, then the action will be done at all times� For example, in Line 4 (above) we see the code which says when the space bar is pressed the character should shoot a randomly coloured blip to the north�

C The ‘Switch to page x’ construct is used for code to be run only after a specific event or condition has been achieved – it is used to create multiple states for a character or object�

C Tiles have ‘Help’ demonstrating how they can be used� (Shown above – press F1 to see the help)�

C Each ‘Help’ screen also provides examples of how to use that particular tile� The example code can be inserted directly by clicking on the image of the A button� You can scroll through examples by clicking on the L in a circle on the left�

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Page 8: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

Trying Out Code

When you are done coding, or want to try out the code you have just written, press the Escape key to return to the Tools menu, then the Escape key again to run the game�

Can’t wait to get started with Kodu?

C If you can’t wait to get started with Kodu why don’t you have a go at Charlie Love’s Kodu Introduction Video tutorials 1-1 to 1-12 at www�youtube�com/consolarium

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Page 9: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

AdviCe On SAfer GAMinG

 For advice on safer gaming, please visit our Play Smart, Play Safe website at www�playsmartplaysafe�eu� Additionally, please note the following console use and healthy gameplay pointers�

COnSOle SeT-UP, USe And CAre

Failure to properly set up, use and care for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system can increase the risk of serious injury or death or damage to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system� Please read the manual and the manuals of any accessories accompanying your console for important safety and health information� Keep all manuals for future reference� For replacement manuals, go to www�xbox�com/support�

Before allowing children to use the Xbox video game and entertainment system:

i� Determine how each child can use the Xbox 360 console (playing games, connecting to Xbox LIVE, replacing batteries, making electrical, AV cable and network connections), and whether they should be supervised during these activities�

ii� If you allow children to use the Xbox 360 console without supervision, be sure to explain all relevant safety and health information and instructions�

The Xbox 360 console will not play copied or ‘pirated’ games or other unauthorized media� Attempting to defeat the Xbox 360 anti-piracy protection system will cause your Xbox 360 console to stop working permanently� It will also void your Limited Warranty and may make your Xbox 360 console ineligible for authorized repairs, even for a fee�

You must accept the terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty and accompanying user manual to use your Xbox 360 console� If you do not accept these terms and conditions, do not set up or use your Xbox 360 console and return it to Microsoft for a refund�

PlAy HeAlTHy

important health Warnings about Playing video games

Photosensitive Seizures

A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed to certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may appear in video games� Even people who have no history of seizures or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause these ‘photosensitive epileptic seizures’ while watching video games�

These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness, altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs, disorientation, confusion or momentary loss of awareness� Seizures may also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury from falling down or striking nearby objects�

Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms� Parents or those supervising should watch for or ask children about the above symptoms (children and teenagers are more likely

than adults to experience these seizures)� The risk of photosensitive epileptic seizures may be reduced by taking the following precautions:

C Sit or stand farther from the TV screen�

C Use a smaller TV screen�

C Play in a well-lit room�

C Do not play when you are drowsy or tired�

If you, your relatives or anyone in your care/supervision have a history of seizures, consult a doctor before playing�

Musculoskeletal disorders

Use of game controllers, keyboards, mice or other electronic input devises may be linked to serious injuries or disorders�

When playing video games, as with many activities, you may experience occasional discomfort in your hands, arms, shoulders, neck or other parts of your body� However, if you experience symptoms such as persistent or recurring discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching, tingling, numbness, burning sensation or stiffness, DO NOT IGNORE THESE WARNING SIGNS� PROMPTLY SEE A QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL, even if the symptoms occur when you are not playing a video game� Symptoms such as these can be associated with painful and sometimes permanently disabling injuries or disorders of the nerves, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and other parts of the body� These musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, vibration syndromes and other conditions�

While researchers are not yet able to answer many questions about MSDs, there is general agreement that many factors may be linked to their occurrence, including medical and physical conditions, stress and how one copes with it, overall health and how a person positions and uses their body during work and other activities (including playing a video game)� Some studies suggest that the amount of time a person performs an activity may also be a factor�

Some guidelines that may help you play more comfortably and possibly reduce your risk of experiencing an MSD can be found in the Healthy Gaming Guide at www�xbox�com� These guidelines address topics such as:

C Positioning yourself to use comfortable, not awkward, postures�

C Keeping your hands, fingers and other body parts relaxed�

C Taking breaks�

C Developing a healthy lifestyle�

If you have any questions about how your own lifestyle, activities or medical or physical condition may be related to MSDs, see a qualified health professional�

Hearing loss

Extended exposure to high volumes when using a headset may result in temporary or permanent hearing loss� Some unapproved third-party headsets may produce higher sound levels than approved Xbox 360 headsets�

Page 10: KODU Game Lab: Getting Started with the Xbox 360 Controller

K O D U I N T H E C L A S S R O O MAdapted for the UK from the Kodu Classroom Kit for Educators

© and ℗ Microsoft UK Limited, 2011. All rights reserved.