General provisions

The course is part of the Master's Programme in Game Design, 120 Credits.

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree with in-depth subject study in a main field of study specialising in games or gaming and knowledge of English corresponding to English 6.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate application of knowledge in aesthetic theories used to evaluate art and games in academic and commercial contexts,
• Demonstrate application of knowledge in Gestalt theory and artistic and aesthetic expression occurring in games,
• Demonstrate application of knowledge in contextual perception theory in regards to user experience and interaction design,
• Conduct playtesting of digital games for aesthetic evaluation,
• Formulate an academic abstract for publication based on findings from the implementation of theoretical perspectives in empirical studies.

Content

This course investigates the aesthetic properties of digital games. Focus is on the visual aesthetics in relation to the participatory aspects of the game and how the design of these impact the player experience. Theoretical perspectives such as ecological psychology and perception together with theories for aesthetic judgment will be implemented. Students will conduct empirical studies in the visual aspects, or Visuality, of digital games.

Instruction

The course is taught in English.

The course consists of lectures and mandatory seminars and workshops.

Assessment

The course grades are Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail. Students are assessed through assignments, active participation in seminars, and the final written assignment. A Pass requires that all assignments and seminars are approved. To obtain the grade of Pass with Distinction, a student must receive this grade on more than half of the assignments and seminars and also in the final written assignment.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.