If you are using Buddypress to create a social game, you'll be given the administrator's password to a blank slate that has many of the same integrated components as this site. Everything you need to do for the purpose of the class project can be done without coding, although if you have knowledge of CSS and PHP you'll be able to manipulate and customize the tools further.

Your blank slate will start with a number of plug-ins that can be customized. Here are resources on each:

BuddyPress: This is the foundation of the site. It allows for all the communal aspects, including registration, friendships, groups and other social dynamics. Here's a guide to working with BuddyPress: http://codex.buddypress.org/getting-started/, although mostly this should work as installed.

Themes: I've already enabled a BuddyPress compatible theme for you. You can customize this further by chosing a different theme, adding widgets to side-bar areas, and changing the header image. All of this is done through the administrative system. You can install other themes directly through the search engine on the "themes" tab: just make sure you pick something that supports BuddyPress.

CubePoints: Cubepoints is the system that points are based on for our class site. You can also use CubePoints as a form of currency: it can be traded between users. Here's the resource center for Cubepoints and Buddyress: http://buddypress.org/community/groups/cubepoints-buddypress-integration/; you can also check out http://cubepoints.com/

Achievements: The achievements system is what I've used for all the badges on this site: you can customize it to reward set behaviors (like posting a set number of forum posts) or moderator recognized awards (like "slaying a boss" bye contributing the best solution, etc). You can learn more about this plug-in here: http://buddypress.org/community/groups/achievements/ – it also includes a second point system that you can use if you want to track two different types of points. (For example, you might use CubePoints as currency and the Acheivements sytem for XP).

I've also included a few other helpful plug-ins for administration, most of which you shouldn't have to worry about. If you need more functionality, you can add plug-ins easily using the search and install process in the GUI. A good place to learn about more of your plug-in options is here: http://buddypress.org/extend/plugins/

If you have specific questions, you can check with me or ask here and in the BuddyPress forums for guidance. Good luck!