Game Implementation and Modding (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

0-5

Content scheduling

During the intensive period, the student will acquaint themselves with the modding process with teacher guidance and by acquainting themselves to the predefined framework.

After the intensive period, the student can create their own timetable for the Final Boss project based on their other engagements.

Objective

The objective of the course (objectives):
Have you ever though how different in-game world spaces are created? Why do different games in the same genre do not feel look and feel like copies, even with similar mechanics? Have you ever wanted to make a coherent game?

Game development is these days done widely by taking advantage of the professional core development tools and ready made game product frameworks. Using such tools and frameworks speeds up development and gives you more focus on developing the in-game world spaces. However, to make the game look and feel exactly the way you want with those tools, you should have a understanding of how to design and implement the different aspects of the game.

Now is your chance to put your artistic and technical skills into use and do coherently implemented games! Let's get the games ready!

Course competences:
- Game Production: Student can produce game world related content for a game project and can work with the tools in meaningful and systematic way. Student can implement game world related assets with a game engine. Student can produce value for a game project while working in an implementation or design related specialist role.
- Learning to Learn: Also takes responsibility for group learning and sharing what has been learned.

The learning objectives of the course (outcomes):
After the course you know the implementation and modding processes. You understand how the combination of different specialty fields content (graphics, audio, narrative, design, code...) is build into one coherent in-game "world" through implementation. You understand how to additively implement a partial or full in-game world space in a predefined (previously created game product) framework. You can implement consistent content from the chosen specialty role perspective and curate it into the finalised in-game world space.

Content

Some of the tools you will gain experience with in this course are the implementation, modding, and finalising processes, the game engine and other core development tools from the implementation perspective. You will hone your game development and core development tools related implementation skills. You will develop skills to design and implement in-game world spaces from ready or self-made chosen specialty role content building blocks into a predefined framework.

Materials

Student chooses relevant sources of additional information, depending on their superpowers and the project content.

Teaching methods

The course will be executed as a two-week intensive period, which is succeeded by individual project work over the summer.

During the course, the students will learn how to create mods or addons to existing games. The students will learn to identify different requirements, compliance, find developer documentation and learn the publishing process of a game mod. The course consists of case study and project-based learning. The course will be implemented by general lectures, learning assignments and practical project work. During the summer period, the student will produce a working version of a brand-new mod or addon, and publish it into the Steam Workshop, ModDB or a similar platform.

Employer connections

During the course the students will familiarize themselves with the inner workings of an existing published game. This will prepare the students for working life, as they learn to examine developer documentation, and produce content for an existing game.

Exam schedules

There will be no exam during this course.

The main basis for assessment is the individual summer project a.k.a. "Final Boss", where students showcase their learning. Completing smaller assignments and course activity as well as self-assessment will also contribute to the grade.

Completion alternatives

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.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Sufficient (1): You know the implementation and modding processes. You understand how the combination of different specialty fields content is build into one coherent in-game "world" through implementation. You understand how to additively implement a partial or full in-game world space in a predefined framework. You can implement consistent and simple content from the chosen specialty role perspective and curate it into the finalised in-game world space. You can be productive in a limited role as an implementer.

Satisfactory (2): You know the implementation and modding processes. You understand how the combination of different specialty fields content is build into one coherent in-game "world" through implementation. You can apply your skills to additively implement a simple partial or full in-game world space in a predefined framework. You can implement consistent content from the chosen specialty role perspective and curate it into the finalised in-game world space.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good (3): You understand the implementation and modding processes. You can describe how and why the combination of different specialty fields content is build into one coherent in-game "world" through implementation. You can apply your skills to additively implement a partial or full in-game world space in a predefined framework. You can implement consistent and content from the chosen specialty role perspective and curate it into the finalised in-game world space. You can be productive in a role as an implementer.

Very Good (4): You can analyse the implementation and modding processes. You can suggest how to change the combination of different specialty fields content being build into one coherent in-game "world" through implementation. You can apply your skills to additively implement a partial or full in-game world space in a predefined framework. You can implement consistent and complex content from the chosen specialty role perspective and curate it into the finalised in-game world space.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): You demonstrate deeper understanding of the implementation and modding processes. You can criticise how to the combination of different specialty fields content being build into one coherent in-game "world" through implementation. You can apply your skills to additively implement a complex partial or full in-game world space in a predefined framework. You can implement consistent and complex content from the chosen specialty role perspective and curate it into the finalised in-game world space. You have done cooperation with other game developer(s) in your project(s).

Qualifications

Sufficient skills in game engine and other core development tools are required. Previous know-how on chosen specialty field is highly recommended.