Gameplay Design

The course is mandatory within Game Design & Technology Master's Programme (N2GDT).

The course can be part of the following programmes:

1. Computer Science, Master's Programme (N2COS)
2. Software Engineering and Management, Master's Programme (N2SOF)
3. Applied Data Science, Master's Programme (N2ADS)

The course is a also a single-subject course at Gothenburg University.

To be eligible for the course the student must have a Bachelor's degree, 180credits or have passed 60 credits in the subject Computer Science.

Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

Gameplay design focuses on how the rules and game components can be used to create game environments that encourage and advocate specific interaction, either between people or between people and the game system. The goal of these environments can vary from experimental environments in the automotive or aerospace industry, learning environments in simulations for pure entertainment environments on home computers or game consoles. The course covers general design methods that can be applied in all these areas.

The course aims to provide an understanding of how all the components in a game environment interact with each other as well as the relations gameplay design have to other areas necessary for contemporary interactive simulations, such as programming and graphical design. Key issues addressed in the course is how to motivate users to some specific interaction, the relationship between interaction and narrative, how to balance the interaction in multi-user environments, how to support and encourage the creativity of the user, how to modify the design solutions to suit both new and experienced users as well as how to change design solutions to suit the interaction sessions with time constraints.

After completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Describe the role of a fame designer within a game design project.
• Discuss game design features explicitly using both de facto industry concepts and theoretical frameworks.
• Relate current game designs to earlier examples, from the direct predecessors to the first recorded example of similar games.

Competence and skills

• Plan game design projects according to best practice description.
• Develop a game design concept from initial idea to a full game design document, using iterative design processes and prototyping.
• Specify target audience and develop specific game design concepts for specific target audience.
• Present game design concepts for an audience.

Judgement and approach

• Motivate different perspectives on game games and use of games, both from practical and ethical aspects.
• Analyze different game design using analytical tools to be able to suggest design changes and compare different game designs.
• Evaluate game concepts and prototypes from the needs of different target audiences.

The course is based around exercises and projects within the subject area which are complemented with lectures and workshops. Project work takes places in supervised groups and aim to give practical training in the development and modifications of game design.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through three exercises and four tasks. The tasks are to be submitted in writing except two subtasks to one of the tasks that are practical. All the parts are scored and added together for a final grade. When all steps are completed and approved one grade is reported in Ladok.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

Sub-courses

1. Project, 7.5 credits
   Grading scale: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3) and Fail (U)

To pass the course, all mandatory components must be passed. To earn a higher grade than 3, a higher weighted average from the grades of the components is required.

The course is evaluated through meetings both during and after the course between teachers and student representatives. Further, an anonymous questionnaire is used to ensure written information. The outcome of the evaluations serves to improve the course by indication which parts could be added, improved, changed or removed.

The course is a joint course together with Chalmers.

The course replaces the course TIA098, 7.5 credits. The course cannot be included in a degree which contains TIA098. Neither can the course be included in a degree which is based on another degree in which the course TIA098 is included.