Introduction to Games Design (9753.3)
Please note these are the 2020 details for this unit
| 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 2 2021 (Commenced Before 1 Jan 2021) |
This subject provides a foundation in the key concepts of game design. Learners will explore and apply various aspects of game design, including: gameplay mechanics, emergence, choice, immersion, flow, rewards, balance, goals and risk. An analysis and review of key game design literature will provide insight into the history and future of game design.
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 - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
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 - communicate effectively1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - take pride in their professional and personal integrity
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
Prerequisites
NoneCorequisites
None.Incompatible units
NoneEquivalent units
NoneAssumed knowledge
None.| Year | Location | Teaching period | Teaching start date | Delivery mode | Unit convener |
|---|
Not available
Required texts
- 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
Participation requirements
Students should endeavour to maintain at least 80% attendance for all lectures and tutorials. Lectures and tutorials are designed to scaffold student learning and assist students to complete their Assignment tasks. If there is a legitimate reason for an absence, then the lecturer should be emailed as a courtesy to explain the absence.
Additionally, students are expected to engage in an additional 4-7hrs of work per week for the unit, which excludes the lectures and tutorials (approximately 80hrs over a semester).
Required IT skills
This unit assumes IT and media production skills in line with the prerequisite units. Students should be comfortable designing, developing and producing digital media in a range of forms.
Work placement, internships or practicums
Not Applicable
