General provisions

The course is part of the minor field of study Expression in Convergent Media.

Entry requirements

Art in games and games as an art form 5.0 credits (Course Code 5SD509)

Learning outcomes

The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a basic knowledge of and proficiency in 2D graphics for digital games as they are used for both artistic expression and for technical applications in 2D digital game engines.

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

• display a basic technical knowledge of and proficiency in artistic expression using 2D computer graphics in 2D digital game engines.
• display a basic knowledge of and proficiency in the production of interactive 2D graphical elements such as sprites and animations and the application of these in 2D digital game engines.
• display a practical knowledge of and proficiency in artistic expression with the aid of lines, shapes, volumes and colours in 2D games productions.
• show a basic ability to both create and apply user interfaces for digital games such as GUI (graphical user interface) and HUD (head-up display) in 2D digital game engines.
• show an ability to explain their ethical choices and aesthetic results and describe the knowledge and argumentation upon which they are based.

Content

The course begins with an introduction to 2D computer graphics and their application in game engines for game production. The course continues with technical animation exercises for game engines based on

character designs of human and/or anthropomorphic characters intended for application in game production. The course concludes with an introduction to user interfaces for digital games such as GUI and HUD. Components of artistic expression such as lines, shapes, volumes, colours and light are studied throughout the course.

Instruction

Teaching consists of lectures, seminars and workshops.

Assessment

Grades awarded for the course are Pass with distinction, Pass or Fail. Course assessment is by means of technical and artistic reports. To achieve the overall grade Pass with distinction, a Pass with distinction grade is required for the majority of the reports and the final assignment.

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.