Assessment Component 1 - Continual Assessment weighted at 40% consisting of:

A series of micro-submissions containing screenshots and videos evidencing completion of a set of guided tasks.

Assessment Component 2 - A Portfolio weighted at 60%:

Students will be provided with a game framework project, which contains many of the game’s core systems. Using this framework, students will produce the following:

* Game-Engine project containing a completed level and mechanics.
* Video demonstration (max 10 minutes) showing a full playthrough of the game project.
* Documentation (1000 words) containing design planning, level diagrams and reflective commentary.

* Introduction to Games Engines and their application within the game development process.
* Introduction to game creation using a games engine.
* Introduction to scripting.
* Creating game design documentation.
* Level creation and decoration.

1. Identify features of game engines and their application in the game development process.

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Discuss design techniques and analytical skills in the creation of levels and mechanics.

Programme Learning Outcome: Critical reasoning & collaboration, Communication

3. Recognise game elements to effectively reproduce them into a game engine.

Programme Learning Outcome: Digital Literacy

4. Apply game design and development techniques to create and modify game systems.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & Problem Solving

Learning and teaching activities will be delivered through a structured blend of scheduled and independent study designed to support a coherent learning journey. Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures that introduce core concepts and workshops/tutorials that allow students to apply techniques, engage in facilitated discussions, and undertake activities focused on problem solving and peer learning. Independent study will involve research tasks, design tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by the resources provided.

3D Modelling Software
Game Engine Software
Photo Editing Software
Video Editing/Compositing software
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload System
Data Projection Resource

Beardwood, M. (2024) Fundamental Level Design and Analysis: A to B. 1st edn. Milton: Taylor & Francis Group. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003408840.

Romero, M. and Sewell, B. (2022) Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5: Unleash the true power of Blueprints to create impressive games and applications in UE5. Third edition. Birmingham: Packt Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.0000/9781801818698.

Jill Butler, Kritina Holden and William Lidwell (2023) Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition. Rockport Publishers.

Rogers, S. (2024) Level up! the Guide to Great Video Game Design. 3rd ed. Newark: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.

Schell, J. (2014) The art of game design: a book of lenses. Second edition. CRC Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/9780080919171.

This module introduces you to games design through the analysis, design and implementation of game levels and mechanics.

Using a games engine, you will learn how to create various gameplay using scripting, and embedding this in a level of your own design.