Computer Games Design

This module introduces the role of a Games Designer, looking at at the question "what makes a good game" by examining a variety of aspects of games design, from narrative and characterisation to game assets, risk/reward strategies and puzzle design. During the course of the module students produce a Game Design Document.

Aims of Module

To introduce students to the Computer Games Industry and provide them with an understanding of the issues faced by the industry.
To provide students with the ability to critically evaluate the quality of computer games.
To provide students with understanding and experience of the pre-production design phase of Computer Game production, covering practical issues as well as game design issues.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to demonstrate:

The ability to critically evaluate computer games
An understanding of gameplay issues in computer games design
An appreciation of the nature of the computer games industry, and issues faced by the industry
An understanding of core design and implementation issues for computer games software engineering projects
The ability to create a games proposal document encompassing the above issues

Outline Syllabus

Introduction to computer games and the computer games industry, including critical evaluation of games 15%
Gameplay and related issues, such as game balance, narrative, puzzle design, characterisation. 35%
Design and implementation issues, such as game specification, level design, technology requirements etc. 25%
Industry issues, such as management of projects, ethics, professional issues, economic factors etc. 25%