COURSE CURRICULUM

In Term One, the focus is on building foundational game design skills and understanding the principles behind expressive gameplay. The "Expressive Game Design" unit allows students to explore basic design tools, concept development, and prototyping. Students create immersive game mechanics aimed at conveying messages beyond commercial entertainment. This includes reflecting on personal gaming experiences and analyzing historical games to identify areas where player connection could be improved, ultimately enhancing the game loop. In "Games Research and Professional Contexts 1," students gain a critical understanding of theoretical research methods and industry practices for evaluating games. They will explore how game design and art practices are analyzed in the professional context of game development.Term Two emphasizes innovation and deeper engagement with game design concepts. "Prototyping Lab: Genre and Affect" encourages students to develop prototypes that subvert genre conventions while eliciting emotional responses from players. In "Games Research and Professional Contexts 2," students delve into key theoretical concepts about player typologies, immersion, and affect, reflecting on scholarly perspectives and professional practices. This unit also features a Creative Start-up component, providing students with the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world business contexts, building confidence and enhancing their CV.Term Three is dedicated to the "Games Design Major Project," where students synthesize the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course. They select a specialist project in game design that aligns with their interests and demonstrates professional-level accomplishment. The project involves research, design, development, and evaluation, and may include collaboration with industry partners. The final project will be accompanied by digital assets and artifacts, showcasing the student's abilities and culminating in a polished piece of work.