Game Art & Design (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Objective

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
-Communicate game design decisions 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.

Materials

Learning material is shared during the course by the lecturer. Recommendation for additional reading: Jesse Schell: The Art of Game Design - A Book of Lenses, Third Edition (2019)

Teaching methods

The course follows face-to-face learning methods where students participate in lectures, workshops, and other study activities organized in the classroom. Furthermore, a student also completes individual assignments, some of which are done in teams.

Employer connections

This course is ideally suited for students seeking careers in game production, business management, marketing, advertising, media development, and teaching.

Exam schedules

Agreed in the beginning of course.

Student workload

Classes take place according to the Summer School 2025 schedule. The workload in the course consists of activities in classroom and tasks, assignments and related asset creation outside classes.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Evaluation of students' output during the course.

Qualifications

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Further information

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.