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

A series of micro-submissions containing screenshots, videos and brief commentary, which evidence the completion of a set of guided tasks. Each of the micro-submissions will require one or two screenshots and/or short video clips, and one or two short sentences explaining the content of the screenshots/videos.

Assessment Component 2 - A Project Portfolio weighted at 60%:

Using a Mechanics Prototyping game framework (which contains a range of base systems and functionality), students will create:

* A Game-Engine project containing a completed level and gameplay mechanics.
* Video demonstration (max. 10 minutes) showing a full playthrough of the game project.
* Documentation (1000 words) containing details of ongoing development throughout the project, peer testing results given and received and reflective commentary.

* Identifying and analysing game mechanics.
* Developing further game-engine skills.
* Designing and implementing player characters and associated mechanics.
* Designing and implementing enemy characters.
* Designing and implementing game levels.
* Creating informative documentation.
* Developing and delivering testing strategies.
* Digital literacy (including use of forums, recording videos, taking screenshots).
* Providing feedback and reflection.

1. Develop an understanding of core game mechanics in the game development process.

Programme Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Analyse the effective use of mechanics in game prototypes in providing a good player experience.

Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving

3. Apply reasoning and collaborative processes to improve the game experience via testing.

Programme Learning Outcome: Critical reasoning & collaboration

4. Communicate mechanics using game design techniques such as diagrams and videos.

Programme Learning Outcome: Communication

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.

- Games classrooms
- Game Engine software
- Image editing software
- Video recording/editing software
- Digital Academy Forum

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.

Butler, J., Holden, K. and Lidwell, W. (2023) Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition. Rockport Publishers.

Dhule, M. (2023) Exploring Game Mechanics. APress. Available at: https://www.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4842-8873-3

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.

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

In this module, you will identify, design and implement core game mechanics in order to create fun, compelling gameplay experiences, whilst also further enhancing your use of game engines. You will also produce clear documentation that supports your design choices and the testing strategies used to refine your work. By the end of the module, you will have strengthened both your technical abilities and your understanding of how gameplay elements shape the player experience.