General provisions

The course is part of the Game Design and Graphics first-cycle programme, 180 credits, the Game Design and Programming first-cycle programme, 180 credits, the Game Design and Project Leadership first-cycle programme, 180 credits and the Game Design first-cycle programme, 180 credits

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and Mathematics 2a/2b/2c or Mathematics B

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, students with a Pass grade will be able to:

• display a comprehensive practical and theoretical knowledge of narrative structures in games, games mechanisms, players and player types.
• display a basic knowledge of the relationship between business models and game design.
• describe and apply methods of observing and evaluating connections between games mechanisms and games experiences in simple games systems.
• identify and apply simple methods for producing design documentation.
• communicate and visualise basic forms of game design.
• express themselves in speech and writing in bascally correct English both in situational and academic contexts.
• critically analyse the language and composition of texts, both their own and others’, and the role played by language and composition.
• explain and apply methods for producing academic texts.

Content

The course begins by defining what games are, both from a research point of view and as a cultural expression. It continues with the application of basic tools for systems analysis used to break down and analyse games as systems. This method is then used to break down narrative structures and character design.

In workshops and a group project, presented both verbally and in writing, students will be able to apply methods for analysing and producing games designs, documentation, project plans and games systems.

All-embracing design principles such as ‘form follows function’ are introduced as is the application of forms of expression in artistic design. The course introduces the abstract design tool MDA, used to analyse and correlate the connection between mechanisms and how games are experienced. In addition, students will learn about often-used business models used in games development and gain an insight into how these affect game design.

Finally, there will be a review of various forms of documentation within games development – from concept documents via pitch and design documents to post mortems.

Theory learned during the course will be applied in a final project which will lead to a concept document to be presented verbally and reflected upon in writing.

Instruction

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and workshops.

Assessment

Assessment is of verbal and written reports, including some associated with seminars. There will also be a final reflective memorandum.

Uppsala University has a strict attitude towards cheating and plagiarism and disciplinary measures will be taken against students who are suspected of involvement in any kind of cheating/plagiarism. The disciplinary measures take the form of a warning and suspension for a limited period.

NB: Only a completed course may be counted towards a degree.