Curricula

Objectives

The object of the course
How to concept a game and how to make Wow-factors to your game? What makes certain games successful and which elements are needed when you plan to develop a game? Can you think outside from your own “bubble”?
Game concept development is a course where you will become acquainted with different phases and tools concerning creative concept development process. You will make a game concept for and during the process you will learn the basic element concerning concepting process, phases and tools from game development view point.

This is a course where you can make “mistakes” and try something extra-ordinary. If you try something and fail a bit, but you can be analytical in reflection and find the phases where something went” wrong”. That’s ok!

Course competencesi

The learning objectives of the course
During this course you will be acquainted with of concept development work, learn to create a concept description and take responsibility in team work and performance. You are able to determine basic aspects, abstracts and tools inside concepting process.

Content

In the course you will be focused on the basic conventions related to game concept development. The game concept development process consists different phases and it starts with observation and game play examples where the group analyze already existing games through MDA (game mechanics, dynamics and aesthetics). The basics terms and framework of a game concept development will be taught as well.
Main core of the course is groupwork where you will participate to development of a concept idea using creative methods, work with your case and at the end evaluate created concept idea.
The core idea is to learn the concepting process but certain type of out-of-the-box thinking is important part of this course. Try to find something new to your own thinking which you are able to implement later in your work career in game industry.

Learning materials and recommended literature

Practical concepting work does not require additional material

Teaching methods

The course will be executed with blended model which contains face-to-face sessions and independent&group work.

During the course methods used are flipped learning, problem-based learning and project-based learning.

Implementation:Lectures, webinars, exercises/learning assignments and workshops.
During the course students will implement a serious game or gamified application concept idea which is related to a need of some target group. It can be related e.g. to learning, health, rehab, marketing etc.
Learning will happen through hands-on concepting work and with co-creation methods The guidance will be given to the group/individual based on the needs go the development process. The assessment is based on the individual learning diary and summary of learning outcomes and the final concept paper and group presentation at the end of the course.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

There is no exam during this course. The assessment is based to the final concept idea, presentation and individual learning diary+summary.

Alternative completion methods

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 three credits is approximately 81 hours. The load is distributed in different ways depending on the course implementation.

Participation to the game concept work and finding own role during the process. Self-reflection and participation to the final boss presenation of the course.

Further information for students

10 avoin amk (sisältyy max-paikkoihin)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Sufficient (1): You will complete all required tasks but show only little understanding of the key topics covered through materials created and reflection. Presentation is not well prepared and does not add much value to peer students. No wow-effect in your concept seed.


Satisfactory (2): You will have some understanding of the key concepts and all tasks completed, primarily in time. There may be some flaws with content and reflection is shallow not
demonstrating a deep understanding of the methods and concepts covered. Game concept is conventional and superficial.
Basic idea can be seen in final presentation.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good (3): You will understand the main concepting processes and methods and the outcome of mandatory tasks is of a reasonable standard. Your game idea is new and fresh and you are able look analytically the process. Pitching is good basic level.

Very good (4): You understand the concepting process thoroughly and been able to use right concepting methods in meaningful way in different phases. Your concept idea is fresh and unique at least from some game dev aspect and you are able to be critical concerning your own concept and workflow.
The pitching of your group is good and comprehensive. Your ability to out-of-the-box thinking has been demonstrably increased.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You understand the concepting process thoroughly and been able to use right concepting methods in meaningful way in different phases. You bring something new to your group and for your peer students. Your concept idea is fresh and unique at least from some game dev aspect and you are able to be critical concerning your own concept and workflow.
The pitching of your group is very good and illustrative and it gives something new to peers. Your ability to out-of-the-box thinking has been demonstrably increased and you are able to implement this superpower to your future game projects.

Prerequisites

Participation to all Game Production courses in curricula before this course are obligatory.