Module: GDT5004-20 Commercial Games

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Coral Manton

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.manton@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Commercial Games focuses on the process of taking an original game to market. The module explores how developers share their projects through existing networks, how to identify and test ideas that have commercial potential, and how to market games in

order to create new income streams and raise studio and independent developer profiles. You are introduced to industry production practices, and benefit from industry insight on how to shape and develop a game that people will want to play.

The module takes the form of a professional games studio where you work in teams to create an original game that seeks to fill a gap in the market. This might be a new take on a classic game style, an original approach to a gaming technology or genre, a game that explores issues within the gaming industry, or a title that taps into under explored or unique game mechanics. You develop your concept through market research, and utilise professional production and project management frameworks to prepare your game for public release.

You are introduced to methods for finding and approaching funding and publishing opportunities. This includes understanding who your target audience is, writing compelling pitches and overall being professional in your correspondence with external support and your potential market. We cover advanced production topics such as QA testing, distribution, marketing, pitching to publishers and collecting community feedback. These are topics that often come up later in the development cycle, however it is sensible to consider them as early as possible and incorporate them into your design and development process.

2. Outline syllabus

• Contemporary game design trends

• Current trends in gaming technology

• Building a development team best utilising individual skills

• Conducting market research

• Evaluating commercial potential

• Sources of funding and pitching for investment

• Engaging gaming communities

• Gathering and responding to community feedback

• Developing a launch plan

• Future development plans

3. Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours

Commercial Games adopts a professional game studio format. You develop your games in teams, leveraging advice and perspectives from peers and tutors on concept, design, production, project management, problem-solving and promotion. Industry insight into the common pitfalls and best practices of developing games for the market is provided throughout the module through project reviews and guest speaker sessions.

Independent Learning

It is critical that your team meet outside of class hours to progress the development of your commercial game. Tasks should be set and delegated in studio sessions and completed within agreed timeframes. Sticking to your production plan is key to success in this project, and you should be aware that poor individual accountability may impact the rest of your development team. Across the module you should look for multiple and varied playtesting opportunities, and importantly, critically reflect on the results to ensure you game is as polished as possible for public consumption.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Launch portfolio. With supporting industry-facing materials.

• % Weighting: 100%