Assessment Component 1 – Game Prototype 70% [Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3]

* A group developed game prototype with a complete game loop. The game will demonstrate a good understanding of both technical and design considerations using the SOLID programming principles and well-designed game mechanics.
* Group work and project management will be reviewed to assess the planning and collaborative work of the team.

Assessment Component 2 – Presentation 30% [Learning outcomes 2 and 4]

* A group presentation that compares the completed work against industry output. The presentation will include evidence of research into game and system design. This research will identify the theoretical underpinnings of the design choices made, as well as the role and integration of project management techniques used during development.

- Game prototyping techniques
- Graphics and sound manipulation
- Scripting game engine features, entity events and interactions
- Use of SOLID programming principles
- Game Design techniques
- Debugging techniques
- Project management techniques
- Research Skills

1. Identify different project management methodologies in relation to creating prototypical gameplay experiences.

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & understanding

2. Work in a group to interpret technical design choices in development in accordance with the basic theories and concepts of games prototyping.

Programme Learning Outcome: Critical reasoning & collaboration, Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

3. Apply the underlying principles of games prototyping methods to produce early-stage game prototypes following SOLID principles.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application & problem-solving

4. Discuss a research-driven evaluation of completed work, identifying methods and techniques used in developing a game prototype.

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills

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 that allow students to apply techniques, engage in facilitated discussions, and undertake activities focused on problem solving and peer learning. Independent study will involve, recommended reading, research tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by the resources provided.

* Games Engine
* Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
* Appropriate workstation device (Games lab PC)
* Version Control
* Digital Academy Forum

Unity. (2025). Level up your code with design patterns and SOLID E-book | Unity. [online] Available at: https://unity.com/resources/design-patterns-solid-ebook.

Gibson, J (2022) Introduction to Game Design, Prototyping, and Development 3rd ed. ISBN: 978-0136619949

Buttfield-Addison (2018) Unity Game Development Cookbook: Essentials for Every Game ISBN: 978-1491999158

Games from Scratch with Unity 2021 2nd ed. ISBN: 978-1801071482

You will be taught from scratch how to design, develop and enhance your own early-stage game prototype using prototyping techniques and scripting in an industry-standard game engine. This will include how to manage your time effectively, write optimal code, and make strong design choices.