Course content

The course provides an introduction to game design focusing on the mechanics, balancing and experience of the player. Game development methodology, documentation, and the game engine Unity3D are used in project work. Applications of games in learning, interactive literature, and gamification of applications are discussed. A critical discussion of player culture and ethics is addressed in the context of game genres.

Learning outcome

Knowledge
After completing the course the student will have basic knowledge of:
- Characteristics that distinguish games from other products and services.
- Understanding of games as a rule-based system consisting of mechanics, balancing techniques and winning conditions.
- Analyze the design, feedback, flow, narrative, sound with consideration to the experience the game creates with the player.
- Game design methodology and theoretical perspectives about games, players and games as media.

Skills:
After completing the course, the student will have basic skills in
- Sketching and prototyping games on paper
- Creating a simple and engaging game
- Using key parts of the Unity3D game engine
- Writing game design documentation

General competence:
Analyze how games work and are built up. Being able to evaluate the quality of games. Consider whether games are the right solution to a communication or learning needs.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures
Exercises
A project assignment.

Introductory exercises in board game design focus on mechanics, balancing and winning conditions. A mandatory and graded project is carried out in groups of 2 to 3 people. The project involves the development of a 2D game with the Unity3D game engine. A game design document is written as documentation and included in the evaluation. There will be an oral presentation of the results and an exhibition.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Required previous knowledge

The course is reserved for students in the study programs Industrial Design with specialization interaction design. The course is an elective course for students in Master and Bachelor in Music Technology and Computer Science with specialization games and interaction design. Prerequisites by study program: Industrial design presupposes IT2805 Web technologies and TPD4134 User Interface Design. Music Technology presupposes MUST2060 Sound for multimedia (master students prioritized). Informatics requires admission to interaction design, games- and learning technologies (7098) master program. Total number of students is 25. Registration deadline in stud.web is June 1st.

Course materials

Jesse Schell, "The Art of Game Design" 2.edition
Further texts will be provided during the course.