COURSE CURRICULUM

The course is divided into three terms, each focusing on different aspects of game design.In Term One, students begin with Expressive Game Design, where they learn to design and prototype game systems focused on user engagement, creating game mechanics that deliver meaningful experiences beyond commercial entertainment. This unit also involves analyzing historical games to identify design flaws and improve the player experience. In Games Research and Professional Contexts 1, students develop skills in theoretical research and industry practices, gaining insights into game evaluation and understanding how game design and art are assessed in development.In Term Two, Prototyping Lab: Genre and Affect gives students the opportunity to create innovative game prototypes, considering how games can subvert genre conventions and evoke emotions or sensations in players. Games Research and Professional Contexts 2 delves into key game-related theories, such as player typologies and experiences of immersion. This unit fosters a dialogue between critical perspectives and professional practice, with a Creative Start-up component that allows students to apply their knowledge in a real-world business context, building their confidence and CV.Term Three focuses on the Games Design Major Project, where students apply all the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course. This capstone project allows students to pursue a specialist game design project, potentially collaborating with industry. It involves research, design, development, and evaluation, culminating in the creation of digital assets and artefacts, demonstrating professional-level achievement in the field.