STUDY PROGRAMME
Media Design and Multimedia Arts

AFAM CODE
ABTEC42

DISCIPLINARY AREA
Interactive systems

DISCIPLINARY FIELD
Computer games

CREDITS
8

APPROACH
Theoretical/project based

This course consists of two modules - Game design and Game development -, to guide the students towards the production of design documents and early prototypes of digital games. Through the analysis of some of the main commercial products from the designing, artistic and cultural points of view, the students will learn the basic principles of game design to be applied to works into which users participate actively. The Game development module introduces the students to the programming environment through the use and understanding of the main features of the Unity 3D tool. Techniques and methods for the creation of a comprehensive product, under close cooperation with the Game design module, will be covered.

The programme grants 8 credits, divided as follows:

• GAME DESIGN 1: 4 CFA

• GAME DEVELOPMENT 1: 4 CFA

Successful students will be able to:

GAME DESIGN 1:

• Critically analyse videogames and understand them in their entertainment elements

• Acquire the necessary procedures to define the main game structure

• Outline actions and behaviours of creatures and sceneries

• Conceive a game design document in consideration of its development needs

GAME DEVELOPMENT 1:

• Use the Unity 3D software program

• Create functional assets to the development of a videogame project

• Create a videogame prototype

GAME DESIGN 1:

• Idea of “flow”

• Definition of “player experience”

• Feedback rules and system

• Dialogue interface

• Control interface

• Character design principles

• Level design principles

GAME DEVELOPMENT 1:

• Introduction to Unity 3D

• UI and audio UI in Unity 3D

• Physics and animation in Unity 3D

• Visual scripting

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

• Graded exercises with a final 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.