Opetussuunnitelmat

Objective

The object of the course
Do you want to know what makes games tick? Are you interested in designing an appealing game? Game Design course helps you to understand why people play certain games, and how to design a game with goal-oriented and audience-aware approach.

After completing this course, you will be prepared to work as a game designer in multi-talented game development team.

Course competences
Game Production Competence

The learning objectives of the course
The student who completes the course understands the basic aspects of human psychology from the game design perspective. The student is able to determine the aesthetics, requirements and design decisions required to implement a game as an artefact that creates the experience for the player. The student understands principles of monetization as part of the game design process.

The student learns the importance of documentation and learns how to communicate design principles to development team, publishers and other stakeholders.

Content

In the course you will be focused on the basic concepts related to game design: player experience, game mechanics, aesthetics, game balance, level, design, game concepts, game worlds, different genres, monetization, interface and game controls, gameplay & playstyles, playtesting, technology, designer’s role, stories, narrative and game design documentation.

Oppimateriaali ja suositeltava kirjallisuus

Schell Jesse: The Art of Game Design

Teaching methods

The primary mode of delivery is a combination of in-class activities on campus and on-line lectures. The lectures will be recorded to support opportunities for 24/7 learning. The in-class activities deepen the learning in the forms of tutorials, individual and group works, reflection and guidance. However, if the COVID-19 situation requires the learning will be supported by on-line tutorials.

Employer connections

During the course, there is an option for an excursion to a local game studio. Also, participation on a game developers seminar event is organized.

Exam schedules

Indicate the timing of the actual exam and all retake opportunities. Is the exam a conventional exam, home exam, online exam or classroom exam, etc.

The precise dates of the exams may still be announced in the course opening information.

International connections

During the course international partners are introduced in the form of visiting lectures.

Vaihtoehtoiset suoritustavat

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: JAMK Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of eight credits is approximately 216 hours. The load is distributed between lectures, lecture actives and mandatory course assignments and a course design project.

Content scheduling

You can check the progress and schedule of the implementation if different kinds of phasing is involved (lab exercises, introductions to working life, etc.); indicate when they are scheduled to take place during the course implementation.

Example: Mark here if you have 2 hours per week for the whole group and another two for the splitted group.

Further information

Exchange students: 5

Describe the evaluation methods used, e.g. continuous feedback, self-evaluation, peer evaluation. The assessment of learning is enhancement-led evaluation.

The assessment is based on learning objectives, quality and criteria, and self-evaluation by the student plays an important role in the process.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Arviointikriteerit, tyydyttävä (1-2)

Sufficient (1): You have knowledge in the area of game design. You know the concepts of game design and what they mean. You can work in game development project and be productive in a limited role as a designer.

Satisfactory (2): You understand the concepts of game design and how they are related to game development. You have a comprehension of the different elements of a design process. You understand the role of a game designer in game development process can act productively.

Arviointikriteerit, hyvä (3-4)

Good (3): You understand the concepts of game design and can apply the gained knowledge in a real-life development project. You can apply the skills and knowledge to solve problems. You can point out mechanics and analyze concepts in existing games.

Very good (4): You understand the concepts of game development thoroughly and you will be able to analyze existing games in detail. You can analytically develop processes in the production.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You understand the concepts of game development thoroughly and you will be able to analyze existing games critically. You can analytically discuss about the concepts in game development and present and defend (based on knowledge and evidence) your opinions. You can point out details about mechanics, correlations and balance issues in the design of existing games. You can question the presented information and give valid options. You can evaluate the processes and select the correct ones for the task at hand.

Qualifications

This course is focused for the degree students but it can be included in various study modules (like diplomas or any other life-long-learning modules).

Collaboration Tools -course needs to be passed before attending this course. If you have not passed the course, you need to provide sufficient evidence about the skills required in the course in question.