Module Descriptors
GAMES BUSINESS AND LEGAL ISSUES
GAME60231
Key Facts
School of Computing and Digital Technologies
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Alan O'Dea
Email: Alan.ODea@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • COURSEWORK weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
2 hours per week lectures / labs
(1:n) (1:40) 1
1 hour lecturer followed by 1 hour tutorial
Module Texts
Salisbury A. Premier Press, 2003, Game Development Business and Legal Guide
Michael D. Charles River Media, 2003, The Indie Game Development Survival Guide
Hodgson D. Prima Games, 2006, Paid to Play: An Insider S Guide to Video Game Careers
Module Resources
Microsoft Office
Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Indicative Content
This module explores the necessary steps for starting out in the games industry, as an indie developer, free lancing gun for hire small business or a good old fashioned contracted worker.
Students will explore topics such as:-
- Contracts and legal issues
- Self Employment
- Starting a small business
- Working as an independent developer
- Creating a business plan
- Applying for jobs nationally and internationally
Module Additional Assessment Details
Written assignment and associated practical work 100% assessing learning outcomes 1 to 3.
The assignment will consist of two parts.
a) Evaluating your current skills and devising a personal development plan with a career in the games industry in mind
b) Designing the business plan to start up an independent games developer.