Portfolio (100%)
An individual portfolio of work comprising:
• A product in response to a client-led brief.
• Evidence of ongoing client engagement (e.g. record of meetings, correspondence, documentation confirming project approval, delivery milestones, target audience and distribution mechanisms).
• Evidence of formative client feedback.
• Evidence of personal reflection on progress against project intentions and for personal development as an emerging artist and/or animator.
• Evidence of summative feedback discussing the suitability of the product for the client.
[Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3]

The requirements of working to a live brief will vary across the sector and will be determined by the purpose, use and style of the product that is demanded by the client as well as any associated time, budgetary and regulatory restrictions. To be successful when working to live briefs demands not only a high level of organisation but also creativity, in order to respond effectively to marketing challenges and target audience expectations and to present innovative product solutions that are suited to the clients ideas, needs and brand values.

In this module you will identify an opportunity to test and expand your learning in a professional context through the completion of a brief to generate a game-related product for a client. This may for example be an animation for a business website or a school requiring an interactive learning resource, or a local health care trust requiring a healthy eating game. You should liaise with the module leader to confirm suitability and practicability of the brief you have identified at an early stage. Should it prove difficult for you to find an appropriate project, your tutor may be able to offer you an in-house or similar brief to fulfil the requirements of the module, but you should bear in mind that the best experiences will be generated by you as they are likely to be more suited to your skills and progression interests.

Working closely with this client will allow you to identify the fundamental purpose of the product they require, the target audience, key messaging, logistical and creative milestones, as well as how the product will reach its intended audience. You are required to have fundamental knowledge of the working practices associated with the genre and also key skills in engaging with diverse business sectors such as key communication skills in taking the brief, negotiating ideas, presenting in a corporate environment.

You will research, develop and design a games product of an appropriate length, with form, structure and production values in accordance with client needs and informed by appropriate theoretical frameworks and contextual understanding. The process will include opportunities for the client to give feedback at various stages.

Following completion of the games product the client will be asked to provide constructive criticism and feedback on their experience of the process, as well as the product itself. You will incorporate this into a wider reflection on what you have learnt as a whole, how this impacts on your own development as an emerging computer games artists and animator and the steps you intend to take to further improve your learning and employment potential. A written report will be the vehicle to evidence this.

You are encouraged to be entrepreneurial in the way you engage with the computer games and other sectors, to demonstrate the diversity of your skills and knowledge and flexibility of approach. It is expected at this level of study that you demonstrate a commitment to independent learning and practical development, taking responsibility for your own time management and ensuring timely product delivery as the development of these skills will support you in the successful implementation of commissions in the future.

• Module introduction including explanation of assessment
• Lectures
• Research activities including an exploration of existing work via streaming services, internet, games
• Theoretical and contextual studies workshops
• Workshops to include technical skills to compliment field, business networking, dealing with clients and how to approach prospective clients
• Presentation workshops
• Reflective practice
• 1:1 tutorials and progress review

Seminar room
Computer access / internet access
Sketchbook.
Drawing Board.
Mix Drawing Materials.
Graphics tablet
Paper, Printers, Scanner.
Computer / internet access
Photoshop
2D Creation Software.
3D Creation Software
Game Engine

Au, W. (2012) Game Design Secrets: John Wiley & Sons
Feiler, J. (2010) Get Rich with Apps! Your Guide to Reaching More Customers and Making Money Now: McGraw-Hill Professional
Luton, W. (2013) Free-to-Play: Making Money From Games You Give Away:
Scarborough, N. & Cornwall, J. (2015) Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management: Pearson
Stevens, C. (2011) Appillionaires: Secrets from Developers Who Struck It Rich on the App Store: John Wiley & Sons
Telfer Monet, A. (2015) The Game Design Series: The Client’s Brief: Kindle Edition

1.UTILISE A RANGE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS WHEN ENGAGING WITH CLIENTS IN ORDER TO OBTAIN WORK, AND TO APPRECIATE THEIR REQUIREMENTS. CONFIDENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY PRESENT SELF AND WORK IN A CORPORATE, REAL LIFE ENVIRONMENT.
[Enquiry; Working with Others]

2.DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO COMPREHEND CLIENT NEEDS, DRAWING ON SUBJECT SPECIFIC AND TRANSFERABLE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN ORDER TO OVERCOME PROBLEMS AND DEVELOP SOLUTIONS IN THE FORM OF CORPORATE ART AND/OR ANIMATION.
[Learning; Problem Solving]

3.EVALUATE OWN STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS THROUGH SELF-REFECTION AND CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK IN ORDER TO PLAN FOR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AS A GAMES ARTIST AND/OR ANIMATOR. [Reflection]