CE217-5-SP-CO:
Computer Game Design
2016/17
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
15
21 February 2014
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
CE317
BSC G610 Computer Games,
BSC G612 Computer Games (Including Year Abroad),
BSC I610 Computer Games (Including Placement Year)
Two things are central to the study of computer games: computers and games. The computer part is taught elsewhere; this module concentrates on the games part.
The module begins with an examination of games in general, gradually coming to focus on computer games in particular. This in turn leads to an extended, practical consideration of computer game design.
Upon completion of this module, students should be confidently able to design and specify fun, non-trivial computer games.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:
1. Evaluate the mechanics of a game.
2. Explain gameplay elements in terms of game theory.
3. Describe the relationship of story and computer games.
4. Outline the effect of computer games on wider culture.
5. Create an outline design spec for a computer game of their own devising.
Outline Syllabus
Theories of game
Definition of "game"
History of computer games
Game mechanics
Fun: flow, presence, immersion
Story structure: Aristotle, Syd Field
Game criticism
Sources of uncertainity
Basics of game design
Philosophy of computer game design
Design documentation: pitch, treatment, spec, doc
Narrative, backstory and history
Gameplay
Game theory
Core gameplay
Contextual gameplay
Platforms; Localisation
Game development
Industry overview
Development timeline
Divisions of a game development company
Game development post-mortems
No information available.
No information available.
STUDENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT THIS MODULE INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND CHANGE.
Lectures and Classes
20 hours of lectures
20 hours of classes
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1: Game design exercise |
|
100% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Richard Bartle
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 52 hours, 22 (42.3%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
30 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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