Module Descriptors
2D GAMES CREATION
GDEV50002
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 5
20 credits
Contact
Leader: Michael Beardwood
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 48
Independent Study Hours: 152
Total Learning Hours: 200
Pattern of Delivery
  • Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence B, Digital Institute London, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence C, South Staffordshire College - Lichfield Site, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence D, Burton and South Derbyshire College, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
  • Occurrence E, Stoke-on-Trent College, UG Semester 1 to UG Semester 2
Sites
  • Burton and South Derbyshire College
  • Digital Institute London
  • South Staffordshire College - Lichfield Site
  • Stoke Campus
  • Stoke-on-Trent College
Assessment
  • PORTFOLIO OF 2D GAME DEVELOPMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
RESOURCES
3D Modelling Software

Game Engine Software

Photo Editing Software

Video Editing/Compositing software

Digital Academy Forum

Digital Academy Upload System

Data Projection Resource

Wacom Tablets
REFERENCE TEXTS
Anderson B, 2016 Learn to Create Pixel Art for your Games Udemy. [online]. Available at: https://www.udemy.com/learn-to-create-pixel-art-for-your-game/

Batchelor J, 2016 Learn Professional Pixel Art & Animation for Games Udemy. [online]. https://www.udemy.com/learn-professional-pixel-art-animation-for-games/

Silber D, 2015, Pixel Art for Game Developers, ISBN-13 978-1482252309

Wright L, 2006, Character Design for Mobile Devices; Mobile games, icons, and pixel art, 978-2940361120

Marcus Romero and Brenden Sewell, 2022, Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine 5, Packt Publishing, ISBN 180181158X

Jesse Schell, 2008, The Art of Game Design: A book of lenses, Morgan Kaufmann, ISBN 9780123694966

Justin Plowman, 2016, 3D Game Design with Unreal Engine 4 and Blender, Packet Publishing, 1785881469
WEB DESCRIPTOR
2D Games Creation looks at both the artistic side of games design as well as the mechanical side. This module looks to create gameplay experiences using 2d art integration into 3d engines, mixing classic art styles with new engine techniques.
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment Component 1 - (Learning Outcome 1,2, 3, 4)

Portfolio of 2D Game Development weighted at 100% consisting of:

Creation of a 2D Unreal Engine game project and the associated design documentation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of 2D Game design and development

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of existing 2D , gameplay and aesthetics.

Analysis

3. Compare and evaluate different approaches of applicable art styles and game engines systems to create interesting game mechanics.

Problem Solving

4. Apply techniques and concepts to create functional and aesthetic designs using a mix of art and engine development

Application

INDICATIVE CONTENT
Pixel Art Setup; Programs, file types, beginning an image.
Pixel Art Concepts Dithering, Anti-Aliasing, Jaggies, Banding, Noise.
Creating a Palette and the Painting Processes
Modular / Tile Sprite Construction
Sprite Engine Testing
Sprite Effects
Character Sprite Creation
Character Sprite Animation
Character Item Sprite Creation
Environment Sprite Lighting
Environment Sprite Assembly
Breaking down 2D specific mechanics
2D Game feel and design philosophy

2.5D game design and application
Engine Integration
LEARNING STRATEGIES
Students will be expected to engage in a variety of learning strategies, including tutor-led formal presentations, workshops and self-directed learning.