Module: GDT5005-20 Tangible Games

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Newman

Module Tutor Contact Details: j.newman@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Tangible Games is about exploring the combination of the digital and physical to offer  tactile, novel, and playful experiences. It focuses on the experimental side of game  hardware, with a particular focus on physical computing, custom interfaces, materials,  and social interaction. The module takes a lighthearted approach, encouraging the  creation of tangible experiences that are novel, surprising and critically, fun. The  module nevertheless has a more serious objective - to acknowledge the breadth and  diversity of computer-mediated games.  

You begin the module by critically engaging the ‘maker movement’, and reviewing  examples of commercial and non-commercial games that exist at the intersection of  the digital and physical - including Nintendo's series of playful controllers. Once you  have built an understanding of the motivations and character of tangible games, we  turn to technologies of techniques for developing experiences that make use of  custom inputs, outputs and game mechanics. This includes most notably  programming with microcontrollers, developing key skills in electronic engineering,  and prototyping using, for example, 3D printing and laser cutters. 

2. Outline syllabus

• Experimental game controllers 

• Physical gaming and playful design 

• Approaches to social gaming 

• Programming for microprocessors and single board computers (e.g. Arduino  and Raspberry Pi) 

• Essentials of electronic engineering 

• Inputs and outputs 

• Connecting devices and the Internet of Things 

• Interaction and trigger responses 

• Accounting for accessibility 

• Testing and debugging

3. Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours

You participate in practice-led research: experimenting with new devices, imagining  alternative methods of interaction, and designing through play with materials, places  and people. Tutors provide context to the subject of tangible games, while facilitating  playtesting and discussion on examples developed by leftfield indie game designers.  In workshops you develop a tangible game with guidance from tutors on designing for  unfamiliar technologies and approaches to gameplay. 

Independent Learning 

Experimental games - particularly those that involve custom hardware - require a lot  of time for development, iteration, troubleshooting and testing. Design and technical  challenges are inevitable, so it is important you are patient and ready to put in plenty  

of effort into shaping your projects outside of class. This includes gaining familiarity  with tools and programming languages, but also allowing room to discover the many  creative opportunities that tangible games afford.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Tangible game. With supporting documentation.

• % Weighting: 100%