Design Documentation

High Concept Documentation

Game Mechanics Design

Game Mechanics Presentation

Game Prototyping

Game Mechanic Creation

Testing & Balancing Games

Iterative Game Development

Using Game Frameworks

Working with Game Genres

Developing scripting for Prototypes

Utilising scripting to create quest and objective systems

Assessment Component 1 – (Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3) 60%

Project containing level, gameplay and mission design for a provided framework, weighted at 60%, consisting of:

Game project files for the provided framework containing a new level, new gameplay and quests.

Assessment Component 2 – (Learning outcomes 2 and 4) 40%

A Portfolio of gameplay and quest design documentation, weighted at 40%, consisting of:

Games design documentation for the new level, gameplay and quests, including diagrams.
video showcase of the level, gameplay and mission. (Max. 2000 Words).

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.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of gameplay features of given genres of games and the use of key mechanics and systems in gameplay.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Research approaches to game mechanics and methods of communication between the game and the player.

Research Skills
Communication

3. Implement approaches for dealing with gameplay and quest design problems in order to create working systems.

Digital Literacy
Application and Problem Solving

4. Utilise cross discipline technologies and develop transferable creative skills.

Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

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.

Adams E, 2012, Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design (Voices That Matter) ISBN 0321820274

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 focuses on working with game prototypes and industry standard documentation. You will develop skills in the field of games design, level design and game engines, resulting in games design documentation, playable projects and demo videos.