STUDY PROGRAMME
Creative Technologies

AFAM CODE
ABTEC42

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Interactive system

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Computer games

CREDITS
8

APPROACH
Theoretical/project based

Starting from the basic elements that define game mechanisms, subsequently translated into metrics to shape characters and environments, this course’s goal is to introduce the students to game design, and to provide them with the necessary tools to carry out their personal projects.

The programme consists of one single module, which grants 8 CFA credits.

Successful students will be able to:

• Identify the main elements of game experience

• Perform a critical analysis of how it works and how the linked elements contribute to its fruition

• Draw up a complete design document

• Idea of “flow”

• Definition of “player experience”

• Feedback rules and system

• Introduction to level design

• Introduction to UX design

This is a theoretical/project based course.

The students will take part in the following activities, which may vary depending on the development of different projects:

• Classroom lectures

• Use of tutorials, videos or other media tools

• Exercises and revisions

• Workshops

• Individual or group projects

• Individual or group study and research

Assessment tools may include:

• Completion of a project

• Oral exam

Further details about the exams will be provided by the professors.

The final grade will result from the weighted average of the programme modules.

• Brathwaite, B., Schreiber, I. (2009) Challenges For Game Designers, Cengage Learning.

• Fullerton, T. (2008) Game Design Workshop. A Playcentric Approach To Creating Innovative Games, Crc Press.

• Roger, S. (2010) Level Up! The Guide To Great Video Game Design, John Wiley & Sons.

• Schell, J. (2008) The Art Of Game Design – A Book Of Lenses, Morgan Kaufmann.

• Thompson, J. (2007) The Computer Game Design Course, Thames & Hudson.

Many of the recommended sources, together with additional material, are also available online on MyNaba, in the Library section.

Books and resources might be requested or suggested by the professors.