Introduction to Game Design (11689.2)
Please note these are the 2025 details for this unit
| Available teaching periods | Delivery mode | Location |
|---|---|---|
| View teaching periods | On-Campus |
Bruce, Canberra South Bank, QLD |
| EFTSL | Credit points | Faculty |
| 0.125 | 3 | Faculty Of Arts And Design |
| Discipline | Study level | HECS Bands |
| School Of Design And The Built Environment | 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.
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.
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
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 skills1. 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
NoneCorequisites
None.Incompatible units
NoneEquivalent units
9753 Introduction to Games DesignAssumed knowledge
None.
Availability for enrolment in 2025 is subject to change and may not be confirmed until closer to the teaching start date.
| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 29 July 2024 | On-Campus | Mr Rik Lagarto |
| 2024 | South Bank, QLD | Semester 2 | 29 July 2024 | On-Campus | Dr Ross McLennan |
| 2025 | Bruce, Canberra | Semester 2 | 28 July 2025 | On-Campus | Mr Rik Lagarto |
| 2025 | South Bank, QLD | Semester 2 | 28 July 2025 | On-Campus | Mr Enrique Klein |
The information provided should be used as a guide only. Timetables may not be finalised until week 2 of the teaching period and are subject to change. Search for the unit
timetable.
Required texts
- Fullerton, T. (2019). Game design workshop: a playcentric approach to creating innovative games. AK Peters/CRC Press.
- Rogers, S. 2010 Level Up: The Guide to Great Video Games Design, John Wiley & Sons, West Sussex
- Suter, B. (2019). Games and Rules: Game Mechanics for the "Magic Circle".
- Schell, J. 2008 The Art of Games Design: A Book of Lenses, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers
- 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
Participation requirements
There is a strong correlation between participation and success in higher education. Your participation in the unit learning activities and your engagement with associated online activities will enhance your understanding of this unit's content and therefore the quality of your assessment responses. Lack of participation may result in your inability to satisfactorily pass assessment items.
Required IT skills
Students require general computing skills in applications such as word, PowerPoint, and basic internet search capability.
In-unit costs
There are minor in-unit costs for students associated with acquiring basic game tokens/pieces and printing their paper-based game prototype for playtesting purposes.
Work placement, internships or practicums
Not Applicable
