1. Demonstrate a critical and systematic evaluation of contemporary research at the forefront of games development, identifying emerging technologies, methodologies, and theoretical advancements.

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Conduct an in-depth critical analysis of academic and industry-based research, demonstrating advanced scholarship and contextualising industry practices within an academic and professional framework.

Analysis

3. Apply advanced methodologies and theoretical principles to develop, construct, and critically assess innovative solutions for complex technical and design challenges in games development.

Problem Solving

4. Integrate and critically evaluate research within your own development work, effectively communicating researching findings and insights and contributions to both professional and academic audiences.

Communication

The Assignment criteria is as follows:

Research Presentation 100%

[1,2,3,4]

You will undertake and present a structured research project within your discipline. The project will encompass key research elements, including conducting a literature review, developing a research question, selecting an appropriate methodology, gathering and analysing data, and drawing well-supported conclusions based on your findings. The presentation will assess your ability to synthesise information, critically evaluate evidence, and effectively communicate your research insights.

You will continue your learning of Research Methods for Games; you will continue to develop your understanding of:

Advanced Research Methodologies in Games Development
Literature Review and Synthesis Techniques
Research Ethics and Data Governance
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (Including User Research & Playtesting)
Industry Research Standards and Case Studies
Academic vs. Commercial Research in Games
Experimental Design
Project Management in Research and Academic Writing
Communicating Research for Game Developers

In this module you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake rigorous research within the field of games development. You will learn how to critically evaluate academic and industry research, develop structured research proposals, and apply appropriate methodologies for studying game technologies, design innovations, and player experiences. The module will cover essential topics such as literature reviews, research ethics, qualitative and quantitative methods, user testing, game analytics, and reporting research findings to both academic and industry audiences. By the end of the module, you will have the capability to conduct independent research that contributes to advancements in games development.

Asynchronous hybrid expected 10 hours of pre-recorded content

Due to the industry practice focus of the course, online sources are often more applicable; they will be suggested by supervisors during study.

Graham, N (2023). Project Management for Dummies

Drachen, A., Mirza-Babaei, P., & Nacke, L. (2018) Games User Research.

Lankoski, P., & Bjork, S. (2015). Game research methods: An overview. Morrisville, NC: Lulu.com.

Research, Literature and access:

Reference to the Module welcome page for study guidance.

Access to University of Staffordshire library.

Access to internet sources through University of Staffordshire library.

Provision as appropriate of case materials by tutor and / or external organisations.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module.

Details will be supplied on the Module Welcome page.



Software:

Digital Academy Portal; Forum, Uploads & Blackboard.

Image creation and manipulation; Adobe suite; Photoshop, Substance; Painter & Designer.

3D modelling packages ; Pixologic ZBrush, 3D Coat, Autodesk; 3DS Max, Maya & Fusion 360. 3D Coat

Games Engines; Unreal Engine 5, Unity

Data collection and analysis tools; IBM SPSS

Project management packages; Jira \ Confluence

MS Planner

Github Desktop P4V