Curricula

Objectives

Upon completion of this course students will be able to
-Understand the unique nature of the game industry
-Identify key factors for game monetization to succeed in developing game business
-Understand the importance of visual design and concept art in game design, and be able to create some content
-Analyze, understand and implement the priciples of game design
-Design a game concept as a member of a multidisciplinary team
-Communicate and pitch game concept for key stakeholders

Content

This course gives an overview on how games are developed. Basic introduction to game design, visual design and concept art is provided, along with simple tools to quickly demonstrate game concepts and ideas. Game mechanics and underlying design principles are explained. Methods to create a simple, viable game concept are introduced. Finally, students are given instructions on how to successfully pitch a video game.

Learning materials and recommended literature

The materials will be provided via Moodle workspace when the course begins.

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures, workshops and course assignments. Some of the assignments are done in teams.

Student workload

Classes take place according to the Summer School 2024 schedule. The workload in the course consists of activities in classroom and tasks, assignments and related asset creation outside classes.

Further information for students

Each student is assessed both individually and as part of the team that is formed during the course. Individual assessment consists of obligatory individual assignments and contribution to the team effort during the course. The individual skill level at the beginning of the course is acknowledged. Each team is also evaluated as a whole.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Sufficient (1): You have knowledge in the area of game design, game industry and game art. You know the concepts 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, game industry and game art 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.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good (3): You understand the concepts of game design, video game industry and game art. You 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, analyze concepts and art in existing games. You can analyze and classify the different mechanics in video game industry.

Very good (4): You understand the concepts of game design, video game industry and game art well and you will be able to analyze existing games in detail. You can analyze current trends in game development, platforms and monetization. You can critically evaluate different mechanics inside game industry. You can analytically develop processes in the production.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You understand the concepts of game development well and you will be able to analyze existing games critically. You can analytically discuss about the concepts in game design, game art and video game industry 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 critically evaluate trends in game development, platforms and monetization. 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.

Prerequisites

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team