Here is a guide to the topics you can expect on this module:

Exploration of how good “game-feel” is defined and designed for.

Techniques for crafting visual feedback and technical applications of polish.

Understanding balance and fairness across different gameplay contexts.

Utilising soft and hard playtesting metrics to improve the player experience.

Knowledge of the possibility space and building depth in mechanical systems.

Usability heuristics and engagement models for increased user competence.

Insight into accessibility and player onboarding considerations.

Introduction to gamification frameworks used to positively enhance player engagement.

Awareness of ethical approaches to game design and avoiding dark patterns.

Assessment Component 1 - Continual Assessment weighted at 30% consisting of:

A series of micro-submissions containing screenshots evidencing completion of a set of guided tasks.

Assessment Component 2 - A Development Portfolio weighted at 70% consisting of:

Production Documentation – multimedia documentation containing design overviews and diagrams.
Development – evidence of the game development process.
Critical Reflection (1000 words) - of the development process.

Learning and teaching activities will be delivered through a structured blend of scheduled and independent study designed to support a clear learning journey. Scheduled sessions will typically include lectures that introduce theoretical concepts and provide workshop activities that allow students to research games and engage in facilitated discussions. Independent study will involve recommended reading, tasks, and ongoing development of project work supported by the resources provided. Support sessions will also be provided for lecturer engagement and catch-up opportunities.

1. Demonstrate detailed contemporary knowledge and a systematic understanding of advanced game design theories, user experience concepts, professional production practices, technical skills and competencies, and critical evaluation of their impact on the player experience.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Evaluate the application and outputs of industry-standard game development tools, explaining how these insights inform and enhance your professional development in game design principles.

Digital Literacy

3. Conduct academic research using appropriate advanced game-design methodologies, critically examining the accuracy, relevance and limitations of sources and data.

Research Skills

4. Reflect on the complex game-design knowledge, skills and research findings utilised within the project and communicate the effectiveness of this utilisation to professional, academic and non-specialist audiences.

Reflection
Communication

Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload
Microsoft Office
Capture Editing Software
Unreal Engine

Fullerton, T., 2024. Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. 5th ed. Natick/Boca Raton: A K Peters/CRC Press.

Hodent, C., 2026. The Gamer's Brain: How Neuroscience and UX Can Impact Video Game Design. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Kramarzewski, A. & De Nucci, E., 2018. Practical Game Design. 1st ed. Birmingham: Packt.

Schreiber, I. & Romero, B., 2021. Game Balance. 1st ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

Swink, S., 2009. Game Feel. 1st ed. Burlington: Elsevier.

If you’re passionate about designing games that feel satisfying and intuitive, this module is built for you! This module will challenge you to design, refine, and polish short gameplay experiences to a professional standard. You’ll learn how to analyse game feel, craft satisfying feedback, and explore what makes gameplay feel satisfying and engaging to play. By the end, you’ll have a polished piece that demonstrates your technical ability, design thinking, and readiness for industry production environments.