Module: CCO6100-20 Web Games

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Jake Hobbs

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

1.Brief description of module

Thanks to improvements in the performance of JavaScript as well as the introduction of new web APIs, we are able to create stunning games that run in browser. Deploying games in this way has huge advantages in terms of device compatibility, portability marketing and discoverability, versioning, bug fixing and analytics. The web games industry is poised to grow in scale and commercial potential. Anyone wishing to work within the field of game making or web technologies should therefore consider learning more about the opportunities and development strategies that underpin web games.

This module aims to introduce the key design decisions and technical methods behind making games for the web. You begin by critically analysing a selection of experimental titles before exploring how HTML5 game engines can be deployed to build short-form web games. The Web Games module also includes a creative and technical understanding of game sound (via Web Audio API), how to use the RTC API to implement multiplayer gameplay, and how to integrate realtime databases for enhanced functionality.

2. Outline syllabus: 

Topics covered in Web Games include:

• Critical analysis of existing titles

• Key design decision in web games

• Creating games with a WebGL-based game engine

• Creating multiplayer games using web sockets

• Enhancing game with web APIs (audio, realtime databases, social integration)

• Code debugging

• Playtesting and usability

• Publishing and monetising web games

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

Class Hours

Web Games comprises taught sessions that introduce key development skills and design strategies, and studio sessions where you advance your own titles with support from experienced tutors. Across the module you participate in the analysis of existing games to contextualise ideas, and engage in regular testing and feedback sessions to improve the quality of your work.

Independent Learning

You are expected to advance your work significantly between taught sessions. Time in your study plan should be allocated to developing your games, as well as identifying new design and development techniques that enhance their playability.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description:  Contextualising Statement (1000 words).

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description:  Playable Prototype with 1000 word report

• % Weighting: 80%