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Tetris Game Maker |
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Other game makers |
ExamplesType the word(s) to match a picture Type the word(s) to match a voice recording Type the word(s) to match a text clue (i.e. Jumbled words, translation)
Type the word(s) to complete the sentence |
What is a Tetris Game?
Languages Online Tetris is played like other versions of the game. Different shaped blocks fall from the top of the screen. The blocks can be moved to the left or right and can be rotated to form completed rows. When a row is complete it dissappears from screen and points are added to your score. If rows are not completed they remain on screen. These unfinished rows build up, making it harder and harder to manouver the falling blocks into place. The game ends when the blocks build up to the top of the play space. In this version of tetris the game pauses after every fourth block has fallen. To continue you must type in the correct word in response to a clue and click 'check'. If the answer is correct the game continues. If the answer is not correct then a 'bomb' falls through the game space removing any blocks in it's way. Using the Tetris Game Maker you create the lanmguages task for students to complete. The clue can be either text, pictures or voice recordings, and you must also enter the correct answer word. You can make games in any language. Any script (for example Arabic or Japanese) that can be typed on your computer can be used. BenefitsWhen your students make their own multimedia language games, they are practising important skills:
Using the Tetris Game Maker games can be made in any language. Any script (for example Arabic or Japanese) that can be typed on your computer can be used. When complete, the game is saved on your computer in the location you specify. From here you can copy the game to a disc, memory stick or onto another computer or network to share with others. back to top... |
![]() The simple step by step design of Game Makers are easy to follow. ![]() Created with the Tetris Game Maker the player must type in the correct answer based on the clue. |
Suggested tasks
When making your game you can select from four different clue options. They all require the player to type in a word or phrase:
![]() 1. Type in the correct word to match the picture Some suggestions about how this task may be used:
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![]() 2. Type in the correct word to match the sound Some suggestions about how this task may be used:
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![]() 3. Type in the correct word from the jumbled letters OR translate a word Some suggestions about how this task may be used:
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![]() 4. Complete the sentence by typing in the correct word to match the pictures Some suggestions about how this task may be used:
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Saving and playing your game
All finished games are saved as a web page with a 'data' folder containing all the resources included in your game. If you like, the Game Maker can package the game folder into a 'zip' file. The two options are described below:
Option 1 | Option 2 |
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As a web page This is the default setting. If unsure, use this option. This saves your game and all resources in a new folder with the name and in the location you specify. When copying this game make sure you copy the whole game folder. To play game: Open the game folder and click on the web icon. Pros
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As a zip file
This option packages all the games resources into a standard zipped folder. To play game:The files must be 'extracted' first. Operation is then the same as option one. Pros
* Learning Management Systems vary in their operation; in many games can be added by uploading the zipped game folder as a 'resource', and then specifying the webpage inside the zipped folder as the file to open. For example, if including the above zipped game in a Learning Management system the file name for students to view would be 'My Game.html'. |
Correcting a mistake in a game
The Game Maker allows you to open and make changes to the content of a Tetris game.When you load a game into the Tetris Maker, you can make the following changes:
- Change the text in the game's name
- Change the text in the name of the person who made the game
- Change the clue used in any task
- Change the answer of any task
Translating a game into another language
Games in one language can easily be translated into another language using the Game Maker.
For example, to translate a French game with pictures into Italian, load the French game into the Game Maker, change the text to Italian and then save the changes as a new game.
Teachers: Checking the content of students' games
Playing Tetris games created by student's is a time consuming way to check the content.
A quicker way of checking the contents of a student's game is to load it into the Tetris Game Maker. To do this, select the 'Change existing game' option and navigate to the game you want to check. Once opened, you can view the information that the student entered simply by clicking through each step of the Game Maker.
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Installation and operation
IntallationThe Tetris Game Maker requires the following:
- Windows 2000, XP or Vista (all require '.net framework 2.0'. This is standard on 'Vista', and common on the other operating systems. If it is not installed on the computer, a prompt will appear allowing the download and installation of the file. It is free.)
- a sound card
- screen resolution of at least 800 x 600
- 256 colours or greater
Installation of software in school systems is often restricted. This may mean that only your IT technician is able to install software. Check with your IT support if you are unsure.
Game Makers must be installed on individual computers. They cannot be run over a network.
Operation
When making a game you can include the following files:
- Images: BMPs, GIFs, JPEGs, WMFs and PNGs. All images are converted to JPEGs in finished games. Images bigger than the spave provided are automatically resized to fit.
- Sounds: WAVs or MP3s. Sounds are all converted to MP3s in the finished game. (Note: The Game Maker includes a built in sound recorder that allows you to record and save your own voice recordings).
Finsihed games need and web browser and Flash Player 8 or better to run.
When completed the following files are packaged together:
- A html file
- An swf file (the game template)
- MP3 files (all sounds are converted to MP3)
- an XML file (containing all the data entered by the user)
- JPEGs files (all pictures are converted to JPEGs)
Some schools' IT systems prevent students from saving these files. If you have problems it's worth Check with your IT support that students are permited to save these files in their folders on the server. If not, it may be possible to create a new folder without these restrictions where students can save their games.
The default save path for completed games is the users 'My Document' folder. Voice recordings are temporarily saved in the users 'temp' folder. To change these default paths see the Technical Notes page
Version history
Version 1.7 (released 2nd April 2012)- bug that prevented sound recording on XP fixed
- Windows 7 version
- Game can no longer be saved as EXE files
- XML files now saved as UTF-8 making games compatible with more web server
- Bug that stopped games being saved as exe files on some systems fixed
- Improved save process allows easier navigation to common locations
- No file name required when saving new sound recording
- Panel with accented characters added
- Games can now be saved as a HTML file, exe file (Self executing zip) or standard zip file
- Shortcut to audio control panels now works in Vista
- Games can now include a variety of clue types
- Path notation in XML corrected enabling completed games to be played on Macs
- Images can now be BMPs, GIFs, JPEGs, WMFs or PNGs
- A short cut to the 'Playback Volume' and 'Record level' panels included
- Instructions on the keys needed to play the game included
Further Information and help
Each step of the Game Maker has a detailed 'Help' page. Click on the 'Help' button in the top right hand corner to view the page.
For futher assistance contact the Languages Online Team (languages.online@edumail.vic.gov.au)
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