Retro Game Design

PDF Outline with Possible Worksheet Outlines

This 90-minute meeting allows scouts to design a video game from scratch without using a screen. Scouts will write arrays, create character profiles, pitch a game scenario with a positive impact, and use decision trees to map game logic before beta testing each other’s games.

Items Needed:

Graph paper (1-inch or 1/2-inch squares work best)
Colored pencils or markers
Blank paper and pens
Sticky notes (optional, for decision tree nodes)

Meeting Outline

0–20 mins: Pixel Art Arrays

Scouts learn how computer screens render images using a grid of pixels controlled by code arrays. They assign numbers to colors and write out the array code for each row of a 10×10 grid to design a character sprite.
GSUSA Notes: To earn Digital Game Design requirement, Cadettes design a self-representing avatar. Seniors design their game’s main character.

20–35 mins: Character Select Screen

Scouts map out their avatar’s personality, skills, and mechanics. They write a “Character Select” profile defining the character’s name, appearance notes, personality traits, and special abilities.
GSUSA Notes: To earn Digital Game Design requirement, Cadettes ensure traits reflect their real-life strengths.

35–50 mins: The Scenario Pitch

Scouts establish the core concept, goal, and mechanics of their game. The game scenario must have a positive impact, such as cleaning an ocean, stopping a cyberbully, rescuing endangered animals, or teaching a skill.

50–70 mins: Paper Programming

Scouts map out one specific level or interaction in their game using a flowchart to understand game logic. They build a decision tree with at least one starting point, two choices, and distinct end results for those choices. This will use If/Then logic to build a flowchart using paper or sticky notes.

70–90 mins: Beta Testing

Scouts pair up to “play” each other’s games and provide peer feedback. One scout acts as the “Computer” reading the scenario and decision tree, while the other acts as the “Player” making choices. The testing scout writes down two things the game did well and one specific suggestion to improve the positive impact or decision tree flow.
GSUSA Notes: To earn Digital Game Design requirement, Cadettes focus on testing game mechanics. Seniors focus on peer review and specific suggestions.

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Published on July 13, 2026. Author:

Tia Kennard

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