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Effingham Public Library Hosts Learn Game Design with Mario Maker 2 & Video Game Contest 

Game Design can be a very abstract concept to learn and it doesn't help matters that learning to program and an engine are required to even begin understanding what goes into designing a game.  There is now a non-programming alternative in the form of Super Mario Maker 2 for the Nintendo Switch.  The game is designed to allow anyone to create levels in various themes for Mario games. 

Josh Bycer will lead a class in using Super Mario Maker 2 to design levels and talk about the basics of game design. By using the game, Josh can have a discussion on the often hard-to-explain parts of what goes into making a great level/game.  After the presentation, there will be a game contest using the Library’s Wii gaming console. 

Learn Game Design and the Video Game contest will be on Thursday, February 16, at 5:00 PM in the Library’s Workman Room, which is located in the basement. 

For several years Mr. Bycer has been contributing to the field of game design.  His contributions have ranged from quality assurance for professional game productions to writing articles for sites like Gamastutra and Quarter to Three.  Through his website, Game-Wisdom, his goal is to create a centralized source of critical thinking about the game industry for everyone from enthusiasts, game makers, and casual fans.  

To register or for more information about this free program, go online to effinghamlibrary.org, email info@effinghamlibrary.org or call 217-342-2464 x. 1.