Module: GDT6001-20 Game Studio Pre-Production

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor:  James Newman

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

1. Brief description and aims of module:  

The final stages of BA (Hons) Games Development takes the form of a simulated

games studio. Here you work in teams to create a game with a commercial level of

polish that both reflects the skills you have developed across the course and acts as a

focal point for your portfolio. At large, the ‘Games Studio’ modules help prepare you

for the next stage of your career journey by engaging the production methodologies,

roles and quality expectations of a professional games company. There are two

components: Games Studio Pre-Production, which deals with planning and shaping a

concept, and Games Studio, where your team realises that concept to a commercial

standard.

This module gives you practical experience and dedicated time to produce the quality

of pre-production and planning materials required to realise a larger scale game. Pre-

production topics include but are not limited to: role setting, concept definition, market

research, concept artwork, storyboarding, level design, technical prototyping, player

experience testing, audio sketching, narrative development, project management and

production scheduling.

In teams you develop a collection of pre-production materials for later use in realising

your game concept. Through doing so you refine skills in co-creation and production

management that you have developed across the course, and gain a deeper

understanding of how the various elements of the game development life cycle

influence each other and fit together. Such skills will be valuable during your career -

whether you work in small or large teams, in established companies or your own

company.

2.Outline syllabus:

● Trends in the game market

● Defining your concept

● Pitching your concept

● Pre-production pipeline for games

● Utilising the skills of your team (e.g. in narrative, artwork, sound design,

● programming)

● Project management

● Communication strategies

● The game design document

● Player testing

● Audience analysis and evaluation

● Intellectual property rights

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Games Studio adapts a professional studio model where you develop a game

concept and folio of pre production materials in teams. Workshops offer time for

project management and pre-production activities, with tutors providing guidance and

mentorship to help you define objectives, monitor progress and evaluate ideas.

Independent Learning

It is critical that your team meet outside of class hours regularly to progress the

development of your project. Constructive and consistent methods of working in this

module increase the likelihood that you’ll generate compelling outcomes in Games

Studio. As such your team must be self-accountable, adaptable, open with feedback,

and comfortable working autonomously.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Pitch.

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Pre-production portfolio.

• % Weighting: 80%