Introduction to Game Design (11689.1)

Please note these are the 2023 details for this unit
Home
/
Find your course
/
Introduction to Game Design
Available teaching periods Delivery mode Location
View teaching periods
EFTSL Credit points Faculty
0.125 3 Faculty Of Arts And Design
Discipline Study level HECS Bands
School Of Arts And Communications Level 1 - Undergraduate Introductory Unit Band 2 2021 (Commenced After 1 Jan 2021)
Band 3 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021)
This unit provides an introduction to the world of game design by introducing key concepts of game design such as gameplay mechanics. Through a process of examining historical and contemporary game design and influential gaming literature, students will gain insight into the role of the game designer.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify key concepts related to games storytelling and character development, including the integration of storytelling and gameplay;

2. Apply key concepts of interactive design including emergence, choice, immersion, flow, rewards, balance, goals and risk;
3. Apply principles of gameplay mechanics to an original games project incorporating the use of appropriate design documentation;
4. Analyse and describe historical and future developments in games design using key games literature; and
5. Employ written communication skills in a professional and/or academic context.


Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
1. UC graduates are professional - work collaboratively as part of a team, negotiate, and resolve conflict
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession


Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

9753 Introduction to Games Design

Assumed knowledge

None.
Year Location Teaching period Teaching start date Delivery mode Unit convener
Not available

Required texts

  • Fullerton, T. (2019). Game design workshop: a playcentric approach to creating innovative games. AK Peters/CRC Press.
  • Dunniway, T. & Novak, J. 2008 Games Development Essentials: Gameplay Mechanics, 1st Edition, Cengage Learning, Clifton Park, N.Y.
  • Novak, J. 2012 Games Development Essentials: An Introduction, 3rd Edition, Cengage Learning, Clifton Park, N.Y.
  • Rogers, S. 2010 Level Up: The Guide to Great Video Games Design, John Wiley & Sons, West Sussex
  • Schell, J. 2008 The Art of Games Design: A Book of Lenses,  Morgan Kaufmann Publishers
  • Perry, D. 2009 David Perry on Games Design: A Brainstorming Toolbox, Course Technology, Boston MA
  • Salen, K. & Zimmerman, E. 2003 Rules of Play: Games Design Fundamentals, MIT Press
  • Koster, R. 2004 A Theory of Fun for Games Design, Paraglyph Press, Phoenix, Arizona

Students must apply academic integrity in their learning and research activities at UC. This includes submitting authentic and original work for assessments and properly acknowledging any sources used.

Academic integrity involves the ethical, honest and responsible use, creation and sharing of information. It is critical to the quality of higher education. Our academic integrity values are honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage.

UC students have to complete the Academic Integrity Module annually to learn about academic integrity and to understand the consequences of academic integrity breaches (or academic misconduct).

UC uses various strategies and systems, including detection software, to identify potential breaches of academic integrity. Suspected breaches may be investigated, and action can be taken when misconduct is found to have occurred.

Information is provided in the Academic Integrity Policy, Academic Integrity Procedure, and University of Canberra (Student Conduct) Rules 2023. For further advice, visit Study Skills.

Participation requirements

Students should endeavour to maintain at least 80% attendance for all lectures and tutorials, whether they are virtual or face-to-face. Attendance below 80% may adversely affect your ability to complete the unit at a satisfactory level.

Students who attend campus for class or other purposes must play their part in keeping our campus and community safe by following these basic guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission:

  • Practice good hand hygiene, washing hands regularly.
  • If you do happen to cough or sneeze, please do so into the crook of your elbow, dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands immediately
  • Practice effective physical distancing where required.
  • Follow all directions of teaching and other UC staff regarding safety measures.
  • Stay off campus if you are unwell and get tested according to ACT Government Guidelines,
  • Follow University communications about campus arrangements https://www.canberra.edu.au/coronavirus-advice
  •  

Required IT skills

Students require general computing skills in applications such as word, PowerPoint, and basic internet search capability.

Work placement, internships or practicums

Not Applicable