KV5042 - Games design

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will learn about the design of computer/video games, the needs of and the issues facing the games industry and their impact upon games design. You will analyse a games problem and create a design for their solution using industry standard methods. In particular you will learn about:
• Principles of good, and user-centric game design.
• The elements of game design.
• How games are made in the industry and the makeup of the industry Professional, legal, social and ethical issues faced by the industry in general, and how they affect the game designer.

How will I learn on this module?

Every week on this module there will be one 1-hour lecture and one 2-hour seminar. Lecture material will cover many of the topics outlined above, and the seminar sessions will typically involve embedding the subject matter and practicing particular skills through discussions, team exercises and individual exercises. Students will be expected to increase their skills further through self-directed study and practice.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Students will be supported in their learning primarily through the seminar sessions with practical application of theoretical material and shared learning through discussion. Feedback will be given verbally during seminar sessions and students will also be able to contact staff outside class times if desired. Also, appropriate technology will be used to facilitate extra-curricular discussions (e.g. bulletin boards, social media) of important issues for the games industry. Students will also be encouraged to participate in games industry events and development communities.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
ML01 - analyse and compare common elements of game design: games ideas, gameplay mechanics, game worlds, aesthetic design, questing systems, and games puzzles. (KU1 ,2, 3 and 4)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
ML02 - apply skills related to secondary research at an appropriate level. (IPSA1)
ML03 - effectively communicate information, ideas, arguments, problems and solutions in written forms. (IPSA2)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
ML04 – select and justify a strategy for a gameplay feature by analysing options, appraising and comparing relative qualities, implications, and trade-offs.
ML05- show creativity and imagination in games design

How will I be assessed?

Through the seminar sessions, tutors will be monitoring students progress and will be able to provide verbal formative feedback at all stages. There may also be written formative feedback via email.

Assessment 1: Written assignment 1 - Game analysis: In this assignment you will be asked to write an article of around 1,000 words plus 2-3 images using academic evidence and referencing but for a non-academic audience. 40%

Assessment 2 : Written assignment – Game Design Document – In this document you will create a partial Game Design Document that describes an original game. It will contain sections on your vision, mechanics, aesthetics, technology, and narrative and will typically be around 3,000 words in length. 60%

Pre-requisite(s)

NA

Co-requisite(s)

NA

Module abstract

This module will cover a variety of subjects in the areas of games design and games production. There will also be some learning surrounding particular professional skills in this module. Every week on this module there will be one 1-hour lecture and two hours of practical sessions. There will be two written assignments, a game analysis and development of a Game Design Document. The game analysis is 40% and Game Design Document is 60 % of the module.

Course info

UCAS Code Z068

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Computer Science

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

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Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

 

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The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies. 

 

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