Game Design

60 hours of class, 60 hours of project work outside of class, 30 hours independent study and preparation of a presentation

Familiarity with any modern programming language.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand fundamental game design and be able to apply that knowledge to the creation or critique of simple games.
• Gain a working knowledge of iterative game development.
• Understand and appreciate the importance of narrative, sound, and art in interactive digital storytelling.
• Develop 2d graphical computer games using a modern game engine.

Competencies:

• Students obtain a thorough understanding of how to work with the complexity involved in designing and developing interesting game-oriented applications
• Students obtain experience in developing their own creative ideas, carrying out projects in teams, as well as presenting and discussing their work.

In-depth study of game design including rules, player interaction, and storytelling. Exploration of effective use of sound, art, and game controls in creating meaningful play. Development of fully functioning and engaging games, following standard domain-specific software development processes and using physical prototyping and playtesting. Current, industrytested game engines.

Website (e.g. Moodle), Slides (e.g. Powerpoint), other

• Salen and Zimmerman , "Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals", 2004 The MIT Press, ISBN 0-262-24045-9
• Jesper Juul, “half-real: Video Games between Real Rules and Fictional Worlds”, 2005 The MIT Press, ISBN 0-262-10110-6