Principles of Game Design

Overview

This unit introduces key concepts in game design. It aims to develop a practical understanding of the design process particular to games building on interactive game structures established earlier in the course. It introduces key aspects of the games industry production methodology and creative industries working towards the production of a simple working game prototype.

Unit learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

1. Recognise and reflect on the relationship between game design and its place in culture and society
2. Apply knowledge in the design, development and playtesting of board games using principles of game design
3. Formulate strategies for game design and marketing for specific audiences
4. Integrate and apply knowledge of the game industry to creative practice
5. Apply aspects of narrative, mechanics, aesthetics and technology to the design, development, playtesting and production
6. Communicate effectively in meetings as an individual and via use of a game design document in project teams

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Assessment

Content

• Project management methodologies
• Game design heuristics
• Practical application of game design theory
• Team based communication methods
• Analysis of game design across platforms
• Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Verbal communication
• Graduate Attribute – Communication Skills: Communicating using different media
• Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Collaboration and negotiation
• Graduate Attribute – Teamwork Skills: Teamwork roles and processes
• Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Information literacy
• Graduate Attribute – Digital Literacies: Technical literac