Module Descriptors
EXPERIMENTAL GAMEPLAY DESIGN
GDEV60049
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 6
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Oliver Rippon
Email: oliver.rippon@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 72
Independent Study Hours: 228
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTATION - 1800 WORDS weighted at 30% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 3,4
- GAMEPLAY PROTOTYPE DESIGN weighted at 70% - Learning outcome(s) assessed: 1,2
Module Details
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Gameplay programming
Experimental gameplay design
Systems design
Emergent Gameplay
Game flow
Game Juice
Technical Design
Development integration techniques
Gamification
Project management techniques
Research techniques
Experimental gameplay design
Systems design
Emergent Gameplay
Game flow
Game Juice
Technical Design
Development integration techniques
Gamification
Project management techniques
Research techniques
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Assessment 1 – Development Documentation [Learning Outcomes 3 and 4] 30%
Development updates tracking project management and iteration, technical breakdowns of the mechanics designed and developed, and a demonstrated understanding of the techniques implemented.
Assessment 2 – Gameplay Prototype Project [Learning Outcomes 1 and 2] 70%
A completed gameplay prototype that demonstrates the core mechanics outlined in a provided industry aligned design brief, effectively implementing gameplay programming techniques, and strong design language.
Development updates tracking project management and iteration, technical breakdowns of the mechanics designed and developed, and a demonstrated understanding of the techniques implemented.
Assessment 2 – Gameplay Prototype Project [Learning Outcomes 1 and 2] 70%
A completed gameplay prototype that demonstrates the core mechanics outlined in a provided industry aligned design brief, effectively implementing gameplay programming techniques, and strong design language.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
The module will be delivered over a mix of independent learning and scheduled sessions. Scheduled sessions will use a mix of lectures, workshops, and tutorials to introduce new topics, re-evaluate prior knowledge, and explore applications of smaller techniques. Self-guided study will involve recommended reading, research tasks, and the further development of taught content to contribute towards the practical assessment.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Develop complex mechanics following industry-aligned gameplay briefs.
Knowledge and Understanding
2. Explore emergent technologies using familiar software and have a strong understanding of the wider industry trends and requirements.
Application and Problem Solving
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship
3. Research and utilise effective methods to develop unique applications of complex systems.
Research Skills
4. Communicate, iterate, and critically reflect on the planned structures and intention of mechanics throughout development.
Communication
Reflection
Knowledge and Understanding
2. Explore emergent technologies using familiar software and have a strong understanding of the wider industry trends and requirements.
Application and Problem Solving
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship
3. Research and utilise effective methods to develop unique applications of complex systems.
Research Skills
4. Communicate, iterate, and critically reflect on the planned structures and intention of mechanics throughout development.
Communication
Reflection
RESOURCES
Visual Studio
VLE
Modern Game Engine
Office 365
Staffordshire University Library
Internet Access
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload
Game Lab
VLE
Modern Game Engine
Office 365
Staffordshire University Library
Internet Access
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload
Game Lab
TEXTS
Nystrom, R (2014) Game Programming Patterns ISBN: 978-0990582908
Adams, E & Dormans, J (2012) Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design ISBN: 978-0321820273
Schell, J (2019) The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third Edition ISBN: 978-1138632059
Dillon, R. (2020) The Digital Gaming Handbook, First Edition ISBN: 978-1000093445
Adams, E & Dormans, J (2012) Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design ISBN: 978-0321820273
Schell, J (2019) The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third Edition ISBN: 978-1138632059
Dillon, R. (2020) The Digital Gaming Handbook, First Edition ISBN: 978-1000093445
WEB DESCRIPTOR
Using briefs provided by industry professionals, you’ll be tasked with exploring and implementing unique gameplay mechanics in a complete demo of gameplay programming and technical design. This may include exploring topics such as rhythm games, vehicle systems, or external APIs to develop experimental and innovative gameplay prototypes.