Examination arrangement

Course content

The course is built around two projects where you will design a board game(15%) and a 2D video game (85%). In lectures related to the projects the following themes will be treated:

What defines a game?
Game mechanics
Balancing methods
Game Development Methodology
Game development software, with focus on Unity
Game design documentation
Games in learning
Music in games
Stories and characters
Animation
Players, culture and games as media
A basic instruction in Unity game engine will be given, but it is assumed that students have a basic understanding of programming.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
- Understanding of the game as a formal, rule-based system
- Be able to analyze the mechanics, balance, flow and experience in a game
- Understand game design development and theoretical perspectives on games, players and games as media

Skills:
- Being able to create a simple and engaging games
- Ability to use key components of Unity game engine
- Be able to write game design documentation

General competence:
Understand how games work and are built up. Assess the quality of a game. Decide whether a game is a possible solution to a communication or learning need

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises and two project assignments. The projects are carried out in small groups. The board game project counts 15% of the grade and focuses on mechanics, balancing and winning conditions. 2D video game counts 85% of the grade and should be developed with Unity game engine. A game design document will be developed to document the video game and will be included in the evaluation. In the project includes a oral presentation of the results and an exhibition.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is reserved for students in the study programs Industrial Design with specialization interaction design, Master and
Bachelor in Music Technology and Computer Science with specialization games and interaction design.

Prerequisites by studyprogram:

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 games and interaction design master program


Students with other relevant background can apply the professor in charge of getting take this course.

Course materials

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