Virtual Reality Showcase Sparks Creativity at GCU
In an impressive display of innovation, students showcased their virtual reality (VR) games during the College of Engineering and Technology’s VR Showcase at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Among the attendees was seventh grader Rylee Godinez, who explored the immersive environments provided by the VR technology. While she enjoyed a game inspired by Percy Jackson, she particularly favored another title titled The Lady Who Drowns, which draws on the legend of La Llorona, a figure in Latin American folklore. This game was developed by GCU computer science major Andres Reyes and his team, highlighting the integration of cultural themes into technology.
Bringing Literature to Life Through Gaming
Junior high students experienced interactive VR games crafted by GCU students, which were influenced by the literature that students at Phoenix’s Villa de Paz school are currently studying. One such book is “Summer of the Mariposas,” which reimagines Homer’s “The Odyssey” as a magical journey featuring five sisters. The narrative follows their quest to return a deceased individual to his family in Mexico while they encounter various supernatural beings along the way. Rylee expressed her enthusiasm for horror-themed games at the event, which was primarily organized for Dr. Isac Artzi’s VR class to exhibit their work.
Collaboration Between GCU and Local Schools
The event served as a collaborative effort between GCU and local educational institutions, with Villa de Paz’s Sara Pearson emphasizing the need for tailored curriculum for middle school students. The district has initiated several VR programs, including Dreamscape Learn, but aims to create a more age-appropriate curriculum. This resulted in a partnership with GCU and the K12 Educational Development team, which facilitates connections between K-12 schools and university resources, culminating in a fruitful collaboration with Artzi’s class.
Engaging Game Development Experiences
Senior software engineering students Joshua Alvarez, Fernando Godinez, and Elijah Brandner developed a game titled Medusa’s Maze, drawing inspiration from “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” In this strategic game, players navigate through a maze, collecting pearls while avoiding the mythical Gorgon, Medusa. Despite their lack of prior experience with the game development software Unity, the team found the learning process gratifying as they witnessed the joy their game brought to younger players.
The Journey to Create VR Games
Logan Dornon, a junior computer science major, collaborated with two peers on Apollo’s Quest, a game that invites players to explore Greek mythology through puzzles and challenges. While GCU students had a set list of books to draw from, they were encouraged to infuse their own creativity into the gaming experience. Dornon noted that the path to creating a VR game was not without its hurdles, requiring extensive preparation and problem-solving.
Challenges in Game Development
Gabriel Veltri, another junior computer science major, worked on Mark of Aries, where players train at a camp of demigods and seek vengeance for a fallen parent. During gameplay, he noticed some confusion among middle school students regarding game direction, indicating a need for clearer navigation. Veltri acknowledged that the most significant challenge was mastering Unity software, emphasizing the trial and error process necessary for successful coding.
High School Student Joins the VR Movement
Kyla Tucker, a senior at Paradise Valley High School, took her involvement a step further by interning with GCU students to develop the VR game Patient Zero. This project aims to find the first infected individual in a pandemic scenario, requiring players to gather items that aid in the quest. Despite facing technical difficulties with the VR headset, Tucker expressed her enthusiasm for the experience, as it provided her with invaluable insights into game development and the world of technology.
Future Prospects of the GCU and Villa de Paz Partnership
The VR Showcase marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration, with plans for middle school students to actively participate in the design and development of future projects in the upcoming spring semester. Sara Pearson highlighted the importance of keeping students engaged with learning, particularly in an era where technology constantly evolves. This partnership aims to foster creativity and innovation among students, ensuring that educational experiences remain relevant and stimulating.
