Module Descriptors
ADVANCED GAMES ENVIRONMENT DESIGN AND RESEARCH
GAME70254
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 7
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Jamie Tranter
Email: jamie.tranter@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- PORTFOLIO weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Resources
Z-Brush
Maya
3dsmax
Adobe Photoshop
UDK
Blackboard virtual learning environment
Maya
3dsmax
Adobe Photoshop
UDK
Blackboard virtual learning environment
Module Learning Strategies
6 hours per week lectures / labs
2 * 2 hour session
2 * 1 hour online feedback
Directed reading and learning, class attendance.
Information gathering (Internet, books, technical articles, patents, company catalogues and literature, etc)
Discussions with experts in industry and University.
Problem analysis and solution (analytical, experimental and/or numerical).
Use of existing software packages (technical, business, math, word-processing, database, project scheduling).
Experimental work (industrial, academic, including computer simulations).
Report writing.
Preparation of oral presentation.
Presentation and defence of work at seminars.
Attendance at lectures and seminars
2 * 2 hour session
2 * 1 hour online feedback
Directed reading and learning, class attendance.
Information gathering (Internet, books, technical articles, patents, company catalogues and literature, etc)
Discussions with experts in industry and University.
Problem analysis and solution (analytical, experimental and/or numerical).
Use of existing software packages (technical, business, math, word-processing, database, project scheduling).
Experimental work (industrial, academic, including computer simulations).
Report writing.
Preparation of oral presentation.
Presentation and defence of work at seminars.
Attendance at lectures and seminars
Module Indicative Content
Advanced topics in environment design and asset production.
Exposure to the topics of environment design, environment construction, level flow, level logic and balancing, simulation, AI and strategy, procedural design level profiling and deployment.
Asset production techniques such as environment sculpting, modular texturing, lighting and environmental effects.
Application of a broad range of advanced research techniques to analyse complex problems in production.
Generation of solutions to a broad range of complex problems in environment creation, level testing, environment optimisation.
Lectures to familiarise students with Masters Investigations, Career Planning, Management of time and preparation for Vivas.
Setting up and maintaining an individual personal development record (PDR).
Reflection on personal development in both an academic and a broader context.
Refine skills in project planning, organisation of study materials, presentation and dissemination of research, research proposal specification, techniques of research report writing.
Methods and skills of literature research, gathering of data from a range of sources, selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g. library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources).
Techniques required to analyse data and to present the results in a suitable format.
Research proposal specification, regulations and supervisor's role. A student will demonstrate a wide range of professional and IT skills such as producing technical documents, research papers and outline project proposals and plans.
Exposure to the topics of environment design, environment construction, level flow, level logic and balancing, simulation, AI and strategy, procedural design level profiling and deployment.
Asset production techniques such as environment sculpting, modular texturing, lighting and environmental effects.
Application of a broad range of advanced research techniques to analyse complex problems in production.
Generation of solutions to a broad range of complex problems in environment creation, level testing, environment optimisation.
Lectures to familiarise students with Masters Investigations, Career Planning, Management of time and preparation for Vivas.
Setting up and maintaining an individual personal development record (PDR).
Reflection on personal development in both an academic and a broader context.
Refine skills in project planning, organisation of study materials, presentation and dissemination of research, research proposal specification, techniques of research report writing.
Methods and skills of literature research, gathering of data from a range of sources, selecting and using appropriate technologies available (e.g. library, digital library, Internet facilities and other sources).
Techniques required to analyse data and to present the results in a suitable format.
Research proposal specification, regulations and supervisor's role. A student will demonstrate a wide range of professional and IT skills such as producing technical documents, research papers and outline project proposals and plans.
Module Texts
Ahearn, L. (2008) 3D Game Environments: Create Professional 3D Game Worlds, Focal Press
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success, Palgrave MacMillan
Dawson, C. (2013) Introduction to Research Methods: 4th edition, How To Books
Marshall & Rossman (1999) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage, Third Edition
McKinley, M. (2012) Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props, John Wiley & Sons
Oliver, P. (1997) Research, Teach Yourself Books, NTC Publishing Group
Punch, K. (2006) Developing Effective Research Proposals, SAGE Publications
Sharp & Howard, (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project (2 ed), Aldershot Gower
Cottrell, S. (2003) Skills for Success, Palgrave MacMillan
Dawson, C. (2013) Introduction to Research Methods: 4th edition, How To Books
Marshall & Rossman (1999) Designing Qualitative Research, Sage, Third Edition
McKinley, M. (2012) Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props, John Wiley & Sons
Oliver, P. (1997) Research, Teach Yourself Books, NTC Publishing Group
Punch, K. (2006) Developing Effective Research Proposals, SAGE Publications
Sharp & Howard, (1996) The Management of a Student Research Project (2 ed), Aldershot Gower
Module Additional Assessment Details
Coursework: 100%
A series of game ready environment assets ( such as game prototype or environment modelling) and advanced design documentation.
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3 and 4
A series of game ready environment assets ( such as game prototype or environment modelling) and advanced design documentation.
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3 and 4
Web Descriptor
Students will develop skills in either 3D Environment Art or Games Environment Design. You'll go on to produce portfolio ready pieces using a variety of games development software.