Theory of computer games development 1
- Class 15
- Practice 30
- Independent work 75
Course title
Theory of computer games development 1
Lecture type
Obligatory
Course code
23-11-516
Semester
3
ECTS
4
Lecturers and associates
Course overview
The aim of this module is for students to acquire basic knowledge that is specific to designing computer games. Students will analyze the historical development of computer games and will learn the classification of computer game genres as a basis for independently creating their own computer game ideas. Students will learn the role of a designer, how to generate computer game design ideas. Students will learn how to design interaction in computer games by defining basic mechanics and elements of various types of interaction in computer games. Students will also learn how to balance the mechanics created. Special attention will be paid to the narrative part, which is often more detailed in computer games.
This module builds on the basic knowledge of game design. This module introduces students to key topics in the domain of computer game design. A computer game developer must understand the design aspects of interactivity and gameplay mechanics, control and camera management in order to adequately implement these capabilities/functionalities within a computer game development facility.
Content
Students will learn:
• classification of genres of computer games
• how to develop computer game design ideas
• create a structured premise of a computer game from the initial idea
• design the play mechanics of computer games
• how and why to use the building blocks of a computer game for the purpose of designing a computer game
• about the concept of gameplay and how to build it
• the role of content elements of computer games
• what are the elements of conflict in computer games
• techniques of balancing and testing computer games
• what are the narrative aspects of computer games
• design computer game characters
• design interactivity management controls
• good practices and computer game design templates.
Literature
1. Rogers, S. (2014) Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design. 2nd edn. Wiley.
Professional title obtained: Bachelor in Game Development
Minimal learning outcomes
- Compare different computer games from different historical periods and different genres of computer games.
- Analyze the content elements of a computer game.
- Design characters for computer games.
- Design and analyze a set of mechanics for the complete playability of a particular computer game.
- Design the basics of a computer game world that combines the role of mechanics and characters.
Preferred learning outcomes
- Critically judge the design of computer games from different historical periods and different genres of computer games.
- Analyze and propose the structure of content elements of a computer game.
- Design characters for computer games, and their connection to a specific world of the computer game.
- Design and analyze a set of genre-specific mechanics for the complete playability of a particular computer game.
- Design the basics of a computer game world that combines the role of mechanics and characters into full playability of a computer game.