Module: GDT5006-20 Playful Media

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:

Game engines are increasingly utilised in a variety of applications including art, live entertainment, film, animation, architectural visualisation, scientific research, performance, museum curation and interactive storytelling.The real-time rendering capabilities of a game engine allows instant feedback and engagement for the audience, giving them a more active role in the construction of a media experience.

Playful Media concerns the capabilities of game engines beyond games. In the module you learn about mediums that have adopted and adapted interactive modes of engagement, such as immersive theatre, and the ways in which this affects experience design and audience behaviour. In addition, you investigate key themes in interactive experiences including social and location-based interaction that extends virtual storytelling out into the physical world.

In terms of practice, you apply the skills gained across the course to design an interactive experience that is informed by the principles of game design yet in a different context. Here you explore and experiment with the extended function of games engines, while applying concepts of ‘play’ and ‘gamefulness’ to develop a proof of concept prototype. Projects are undertaken in small teams to diversify ideas and manage scope and complexity, and you are encouraged to consult/co-create with individuals engaged in disciplines outside of games to shape a coherent creative vision.

2. Outline syllabus

• Interaction design

• Playful design and gamefulness

• Current trends in interactive media

• Game engines for visualisation

• Game engines as a medium for creative expression (beyond games) ● Incorporating live data

• Triggering cues using communication protocols e.g. OSC

• Experimenting with hardware

• Motion tracking in performance

• Realtime film making

• VFX

3. Teaching and learning activities

Class Hours

Seminar activities introduce concepts, review exemplar work and facilitate discussion on key principles in playful design. Workshop sessions task you to work in a small team to conduct research into your chosen area of interest, as well as experiment with unfamiliar concepts, technologies, spaces, and materials.

Independent Learning

Continued discussion and experimentation within your team is needed outside of class hours to progress your ideas. Seeking opportunities for collaboration with students studying disciplines outside of gaming is in addition likely to enrich your learning and the novelty of your project. You should also consider attending relevant regional events to build a deeper understanding of playful media, while being prepared to work on location if your concept demands it.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Playful media visualisation.

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Proof of concept. With supporting contextualising materials.

• % Weighting: 80%