A look at DLSU’s Gamelab

Almost everyone’s enjoyed creating and playing with their own personal avatar in The Sims, but have you ever wondered how the cities and environments in the game are actually made? We’ve all wasted precious hours (and sleep) playing and replaying Flappy Bird, but have you ever stopped to consider who might be behind this diabolical game?

Behind every game is a game development team made up of a combination of programmers and artists. These developers spend several hours creating and designing the games we all love to play. For those who want to take a closer look at the process of creating games,and maybe try out their hand in helping design one, we point you to DLSU’s Gamelab.

What is Gamelab?

The Gamelab is an official laboratory located in GK411 that allows students to design and program their own games for a wide variety of platforms. Everything from the conception of the idea to the actual programming and testing of the game is done by the members of Gamelab, comprised of both students and faculty. The games themselves are usually given to partner companies.

Originally part of another lab, the first members of Gamelab decided to separate when they realized they could keep their focus on games. Their first major project was Plutopia, a game created for an ASEAN competition during the PAASCU season of 2008. The game, which revolved around developing a community, became the starting point of success for the laboratory.

Gamelab is not an officially sanctioned school organization, but rather a laboratory, as explained by Ms. Courtney Ngo, one of the faculty members associated with Gamelab. Contrary to the belief that all students associated with Gamelab come from the College of Computer Studies (CCS), Ms. Ngo explains that even though majority of the programmers are from CCS, several of those assisting in the development of games actually come from a wide variety of colleges and courses. “It’s not just limited to people in CCS. That’s the biggest I think na misconception, na CCS lang siya. But previously, we’ve had members from the Math department… and kahit yung mga Marketing and other business courses.” Currently, around 30 students and five faculty members are affiliated with Gamelab.

Programming process

The first step in the development process involves the collaboration between Gamelab and a company that finances what the lab can come up with for them.  Ms. Ngo cites Microsoft as an example for when they developed apps for Windows Phone. According to Ms. Ngo, the main professor handling Gamelab, Mr. Sol, starts the initiative for the projects by giving the members what’s being asked for by the company. The request from Microsoft in the Windows Phone example’s case was ten games.

Of course, video games are much easier played than made. The projects can require much effort from those involved. Once they have a platform, they form groups. These groups usually consist of “at least one developer, a lead developer, and some sub-developers na usually yung mga lower batches then after that you also need yung mga assets so may mga artists,” she says. The time it takes to finish a project would depend on the scope. Plutopia, for example, took a whole year to finish. While it may seem like a lot of work, the projects can come as an enjoyable experience for the members because once the quota’s been set, it’s up to the members themselves to decide what kind of games they want to develop.

The Oculus Rift

The students of the laboratory already have most of the equipment they need to make games. There are various facilities available to the members of the lab in order to aid development. Some of these are phones they can use to test the apps they made for it, pen tablets for artists, and the standard iOS and Android registrations available in the CCS. The standout gadget though is the Oculus Rift, which they also get to borrow.

The developers at Gamelab can get the chance to work on games for newer technologies like the Oculus Rift, the virtual reality headset that’s been attracting gamers’ attention online. The gadget has a screen over the face of the user and uses motion detection to create a sort of virtual environment. As of right now, the Gamelab is still in the process of pitching games for P&G in order to start development, but one is already available for them to use. Ms. Ngo shares an experience with the Oculus Rift in which she could go up The Wall from Game of Thrones. “Yung environment niya was sa Wall, so you can go up The Wall using the elevator. Ang cool niya because if you look down, may acrophobia ka parin kasi parang ang taas eh, so it was fun,” she recalls.

Joining Gamelab

The Gamelab is open to anyone interested to join. While becoming an active member is easier for those who already have programming experience or for CCS students who have taken the Intelligent Systems (INTESYS) course, as recommended by Ms. Ngo, there are no prerequisites to applying. The lab is open to any student in DLSU. All you need is an interest in making games and the drive to learn how.

The application process is simple. Ms. Ngo explains that applicants can simply get forms from the lab and submit applications anytime. Students can choose whether they want to be a developer or an artist. Afterwards, training is facilitated by Mr. Sol and senior members every week to learn some programming or design skills aspiring members needed for the lab. Eventually, applicants form teams to make games, and if they pass, they become official members.

With a wide variety of equipment, including the famous Oculus Rift, and the unique chance to observe and participate in the development process of games, the Gamelab remains one of the most distinct facilities on campus. For video game fanatics who’ve always wanted to try their hand at programming or for artists interested in helping design or market a game, this room at the corner of the fourth floor of Gokongwei Hall may just be worth checking out.

So if you’re one of those gamers who’s stopped to wonder just how the cities of Grand Theft Auto were created, or how the deadly foliage of Plants Vs. Zombies came to life, look no further. Who knows, you might play a part in the creation of the next San Andreas.