This module will cover:

2D & 3D mechanic considerations
Game feel & forgiveness mechanics
GUI design
Cutting-edge technologies on the fringe of contemporary games development
Suitable design patterns
Decoupled code architecture
Event-driven gameplay
Performance, Optimisation & Data-orientation
Advanced object-oriented and compositional principles

Assessment Component 1 – Playable prototype mechanics project [Learning Outcomes 1 and 3] 70%

You will create a playable game prototype with at least two mechanics showcasing contemporary engine features. The game will be assessed on the relevant utilisation of programming language constructs in authoring a decoupled set of game mechanics, and the application of learned contemporary engine features to produce the prototype.

Assessment Component 2 – Development Log [Learning Outcomes 2 and 4] 30%

A reflective development log documenting the development journey and skills learned throughout. The development log should also highlight the technical hurdles faced along with the design and research process. It should also have a reflective account of progress.

You will engage via tutor-led lectures, technical workshops and self-directed programming practice. Lecture sessions introduce concepts core to mechanics design and development.

Workshop sessions provide hands-on guidance with implementation, debugging and optimisation, allowing you to apply theoretical concepts directly to practical coding challenges. You are expected to undertake independent development between sessions.

1. Design and develop gameplay mechanics at the cutting-edge of contemporary games development in the creation of fun gameplay experiences.

Application & Problem Solving

2. Understand and research effective methods for improving game feel and bolstering fun gameplay.

Research Skills

3. Demonstrate understanding in how to design and build clean structures suitable for complex gameplay mechanics.

Knowledge & Understanding

4. Communicate the role and intention of gameplay mechanics in contemporary game experiences.

Communication
Reflection

Relevant 2D/3D games engine
Suitable IDE for code editing
Version control software
Digital Academy Forums
Digital Academy Uploads

Nystrom, R (2014) Game Programming Patterns ISBN: 978-0990582908

GameDevGuide (n.d.) [Online] https://www.youtube.com/@GameDevGuide

Ferrone H (2021) Learning C# by Developing Games with Unity 2021 ISBN: 978-1801813945

Coster, S (2020) Forgiveness Mechanics: Reading Minds for Responsive Gameplay [Online] https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1026606/Forgiveness-Mechanics-Reading-Minds-for

Adams, E & Dormans, J (2012) Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design ISBN: 978-0321820273

Swink, S (2008) Game Feel: A Game Designer’s Guide to Virtual Sensation ISBN: 978-0123743282

Schell, J (2019) The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third Edition ISBN: 978-1138632059

The games development sector continues to grow year-on-year, alongside the expectations of players. As a result, the technologies which make up games continues to evolve rapidly. In this module, we peer inside the cutting-edge tech within modern game engines, with a particular focus on developing fun gameplay experiences. We outline the principles needed in the design and implementation of complex mechanics on the bleeding-edge of what is possible in engines. This encompasses a range of topics, from gameplay feel, UI & UX design to data-orientation, optimisation and building readable, decoupled systems.