Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The course comprises 4 sets of learning outcomes:

Game design
The student is able to
- describe the roles of design, mechanics and narrative as tools when creating experiences to a player
- categorize different types of of games
- describe the stages of a game design process
- give examples of how game mechanics can be used in non-game applications
- describe the role of playtesting as a part of a quality process.

Game analysis and theory
The student is able to
- categorise and analyse a game product's design, structure and mechanics
- describe the basic theories related to game design and know how to apply them to their own work
- describe general monetisation principles in the games industry

Game concept design
The student is able to
- know how to create a basic game concept or take part in a professional team's efforts in creating a game concept
- know how to verbally describe and present a game concept
- apply games and gamification as building blocks of better user experience in other product categories
- know how to document a game concept design.

Game development workshop
The student is able to
- work as a team member in a project
- search for information independently to solve problems
- act as an active and responsible team member
- support a software team with graphical skills
- test the project using different platforms and tools
- describe the different phases of projects and work for the project goals.

Implementation and methods of teaching

- Lectures, group work and individual assignments.
- Game concept development project

Timing and attendance

The course hour contact days with students and lot of independent group working.
80% attendance required.

Learning material and recommended literature

The Art of Game Design, Jesse Schell 2008, ISBN 978-0123694966

Alternative completion methods

-

Working life cooperation

Possibility of RDI-project assignements

Exam retakes

-

Learning environment

Classroom, moodle, Zoom

Student time use and work load

The course contains contact days with students (33%)
Assignments and group works outside of lectures (67%)

Contents

The course will be implemented by lectures, which will contain theoretical explanations on different aspects of game concept design, incl.
- basic principals of game design, game character design and level design
- Introduction of different platforms and frameworks for game designers
- structure and duties of the game development team.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Module is primary for the Media Content Design students, others are allowed.

Assessment criteria

Students will complete Game design assignment (in groups) which is reviewed, analysed and graded by lecturers.

- Concept
- Production
- Prototype/game demonstration
- Presentation

Assessment scale

1-5