Programmers Don't Touch Grass

This is the official logo of our game, it is displayed during our start screen & kill screen
After numerous character variants designed with Kiana Barnes and Erin Enriquez, Kiana Barnes created this character design.
This is the png of the background used in the game.
This is the bush that Kiana Barnes designed to fit within the game's aesthetic.

Inspiration

Inspired by our collective recognition of the gender disparity in our computer programming class and our shared desire to challenge stereotypes and promote equity in STEM, we embarked on a mission to create a meaningful and entertaining game.

What it does

As a team entirely composed of gender minorities, we felt it was imperative to address the pervasive idea that programmers are typically male and disconnected. Drawing from our own experiences and observations, we aimed to develop a project that not only showcased women in STEM but also subverted conventional norms in a playful and satirical manner.

How we built it

Our journey began with brainstorming sessions focused on ideas aligned with our mission of challenging jokes and fostering diversity. Eventually, we settled on the concept of an endless platform game. Dividing tasks among team members based on individual strengths and interests, we utilized Python and Pygame to bring our vision to life, incorporating fun elemental designs to reinforce the game's playful nature.

Challenges we ran into

One of the primary challenges we encountered was coordinating coding efforts within a large group of collaborators. With diverse experiences and working styles, we invested time in creating schedules and establishing efficient communication channels. However, this challenge also provided invaluable learning opportunities, enhancing our skills in effective communication, collaboration, and project management. Additionally, we embraced the opportunity to learn new tools such as VS Code and Pygame, which facilitated the development process and broadened our technical expertise.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Through the development of "Programmers Don't Touch Grass," we gained a deeper appreciation for the power of representation and storytelling in challenging societal norms. By featuring women in STEM and employing humor to confront stereotypes, we aim to inspire positive change and cultivate a more inclusive environment within the tech industry.

What we learned

Moreover, this project allowed us to learn how to effectively collaborate as a team and create something meaningful that resonates significantly. In summary, our project serves as a testament to the critical importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. By actively challenging stereotypes and amplifying underrepresented voices, we strive to create a future where everyone feels empowered to pursue their passions, irrespective of gender or background.

What's next for Programmers Don't Touch Grass

Diversifying our game, Programmers Don’t Touch Grass will include more representation of character selection to represent all women in STEM. By this, we can not only make the game more inclusive but contribute to the overarching theme of innovation and change. Keeping up with our entirely female character selection we would like to add more features such as introducing new levels, challenges, and characters, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations. We plan to incorporate educational elements into the game to enhance its value as a learning tool. This could include interactive tutorials on coding concepts, real-world examples of women in STEM, and mini-games that teach players about various STEM topics. By combining entertainment with education, we can inspire curiosity and encourage players to explore the world of STEM beyond the game helping change the game industry.