This module assumes a knowledge of games programming and focuses on the development of a game from an indie studio perspective. This will look at the current climate for indie studios, look at possible gaps in the market and then take you through the development of a ‘me too’ title and an original game from initial concept to (simulated) release.

Topics covered:
A look at the indie market as in currently stands.
Analysing the current games market and managing project scope.
Prototyping.
Budgeting and scheduling.
Options available for external funding.
Collaborative tools to enable teams located in different parts of the country to work together.
Pitching practices.
Looking for gaps in the market.
Targeting a demographic.
Marketing and PR for an indie title.
Development frameworks and engines.
Release platforms options.
Initial concept / Finding the hook.
Paper-based design.
Practical level design from a programming perspective.
Creation of Design documentation.
Asset sourcing and creation.
Main principles of 2D and 3D animation
3D Object modelling
Key framing and associated animation techniques
Gameplay programming techniques.
Spicing up simple mechanics.
Game balancing and finding the fun.

BOUSQUET, M. (2013) How to Cheat in 3ds Max 2014: Get Spectacular Results Fast, Focal Press, ISBN-13: 978-0415842747

ERNEST, A. (2013), Fundamentals of Game Design, 3rd Edition, New Riders. ISBN-13: 978-0321929679

GIBSON, J. (2014), Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development: From Concept to Playable Game – with Unity and C#, Addison Wesley. ISBN: 978-0321933164

HILL-WHITTALL, R. (2015), The Indie Game Developer Handbook, Focal Press. ISBN: 978-1138828421

ROGERS, S. (2014) Level Up!: Guide to Great Video Game Design, John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-1118877166

A laboratory with access to the Unity Game Engine and C#, or equivalent development environment
3D software such as Autodesk 3D Studio
2D animation software such as Adobe Flash
Image manipulation software such as Adobe Photoshop

1) CRITICALLY ANALYSE GAMES CURRENTLY IN THE MARKET, AND SELECT SUITABLE GAME MECHANICS TO CREATE NEW GAMES
(Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving)

2) APPLY SUITABLE GAME DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES TO DESIGN, IMPLEMENT AND PROFESSIONALY DOCUMENT INDIE GAMES
(Application, Communication)

3) APPLY GAME INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE TO FORMULATE, PROFESSIONALY DOCUMENT AND IMPLEMENT A PLAN TO RELEASE AND MARKET GAMES ON A GIVEN PLATFORM
(Application, Communication)

4) EXPLAIN AND CRITICALLY EVALUATE APPROACHES TO INDIE GAME DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING, INCLUDING FACTORS WHICH INFLUENCE A GAME’S SUCCESS OR FAILURE.
(Knowledge & Understanding, Reflection)

Development of a "Me Too" title accompanied with design documentation and a marketing plan. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3) 35% weighting

Development of an original title accompanied by design documentation and a marketing plan. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3) 35% weighting

A 2000 word report which critically discusses the success or failure of indie game marketing of your own titles, which demonstrates and reflects on how the assignment work enhances your understanding of the indie marketplace. (Learning Outcomes 3 and 4) 30% weighting

26 hours lectures and 52 hours of practicals over 26 weeks

Using programming knowledge from other modules students will work in teams to propose, design, build and publish a computer game in line with industry business standards.