Module: CCO6003-20 Serious Games

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Coral Manton

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

Please note that in order to take this module you must have studied CCO5100-20 Games Development.

1. Brief description of module

Serious games are games with a purpose. They are used to explore and even help address real-world problems in fields such as education, health, defence, emergency planning, sustainability and business.

A serious game can take a number of forms and focuses including:

• Simulation (exercising skills in decision making and strategy)

• Persuasive (attempting to influence opinions or change behaviour)

• Productivity (gamifying tasks)

• Knowledge (supporting learning through gameplay)

• Well-being (encouraging personal development and lifestyle changes)

This module is a practice-based introduction to serious gaming. You begin by playing and analysing key examples of the form to build an understanding of immersive narratives, player motivations, learning objectives and deployment platforms. This knowledge then informs the creation and testing of original serious games around a given theme.

2. Outline syllabus:

Topics covered in Serious Games include:

• What are games for a purpose?

• A typology of serious games

• Ethical considerations

• Design: identifying the audience

• Design: player motivations

• Design: learning objectives

• Design: formulating game mechanics

• Development: creating a proof of concept

• Development: target platforms

• Testing: identifying appropriate methods and play testers

• Testing: assessing learning and presenting results

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Class Hours

Seminars offer context to serious games and provide an opportunity to test and evaluate key examples. Sessions then shift focus to the design and development of original serious games.

Independent Learning

Successful projects within Serious Games require you to identify development tools and techniques outside of class hours. Tutors support you in shaping the context and design of the game, however successful implementation is your responsibility ultimately.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Pitch (3 minutes).

• % Weighting: 20%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Serious Game. This submission is supported by a 1500 word development document.

• % Weighting: 80%