In this module, students will focus on learning the tools and techniques required to make games that are targeted at social networks and mobile platforms. During this process, a design document will be created which forms the basis for the developed game. A complete and polished version of this game will then be created using a scripting language within a commercial game engine. Students will learn the practical techniques necessary to script and create games within these emerging platforms. Topics include:

- Scripting for mobile platforms and social networks
- Mobile platform constraints
- Game mechanics for social and mobile games
- Data and asset handling
- Networking
- GUI design
- Sound and effects
- Design patterns
- Further object-oriented principles
- Events
- Performance and optimisation

1 x 2 hour interactive lecture per week.

Key Information Set data:
16% Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity
84% Guided Independent Learning

Doran, J. (2014) Unity Game Development Blueprints, Packt Publishing
Dunniway, T. (2008) Game Development Essentials: Gameplay Mechanics, Delmar
Gibson, J. (2014) Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development, Addison-Wesley
Felicia, P. (2016) Unity 5 From Zero to Proficiency (Foundations), CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Menard, M. (2011) Game Development with Unity, Delmar Cengage Learning
Murray, J. (2014) C# Game Programming Cookbook for Unity 3D, CRC Press
Nystrom R. (2014) Game Programming Patterns, Genever Benning
Okita, A. (2015) Learning C# Programming with Unity 3D

Mobile Games Engine and Software Development Kit
Data Projector
Student Computers

Students should have studied either Advanced 3D Games Engines and Scripting or Rapid Games Prototyping or equivalent

1. DEMONSTRATE A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNIQUES REQUIRED TO DESIGN AND DEVELOP GAMES TARGETTED AT POPULAR SOCIAL NETWORKS AND MOBILE DEVICES.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. CREATE AND DEFINE FUNCTIONAL PROGRAMMING CONSTRUCTS REQUIRED TO MEET PROGRAM FLOW AND AIMS OF AN ORIGINAL GAME CONCEPT.
[Problem Solving]

3. DETERMINE HOW GAME CHARACTERISTICS, MECHANICS AND PLATFORM CONSTRAINTS SUPPORT THE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF GAMES.
[Enquiry]

4. APPLY ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF GAMES DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION TO PRODUCE FUNCTIONAL GAMES.
[Application]

COURSEWORK weighted at 40%
An iterated design document and production documentation for a chosen game which has been designed to run on a target platform (mobile/PC) and conforms to a set of required criteria.
Learning outcomes 1 and 3

COURSEWORK weighted at 60%
One complete game built to run within the constraints of the chosen target platform, created from the design and production documentation which demonstrates a core understanding of games design and implementation.
Learning Outcomes: 2 and 3

Students are taught indie games design principles and studio-grade development techniques whilst working on the design and development of a single potentially publishable game of their own devising.