Module details for Developing Game Concepts

Description

This module will provide students with an introduction to the games industry by engaging them with developing, pitching, and communicating game concepts, and by requiring them to consider gameplay principles, game development practices, and game production.

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of games design and production practices, and to develop skills in the conceptualisation, communication, and planning of game projects.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module the student should be able to:

1.  Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, technological, and social factors that influence game design and development.

2.  Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise, iterate, refine, and pitch game design ideas.

3.  Communicate game design ideas through the development of a proposal, demonstrating an appreciation for game production practices and project management methodologies.

Indicative Content

1 History of Games and the Games Industry

Fundamentals of play, board and card games, early digital games, emergence of a professional digital games industry, the role of the game designer, the role of the game producer.

2 The Nature of Digital Games

Gameplay, game genres, game platforms, audiences.

3 The Structure of the Games Industry

Developers, software tools and middleware providers, publishers, hardware manufacturers, distributors and retail outlets.

4 Documentation and Communication

High concept, X meets Y, pitching, visualising concepts, communicating gameplay, developing a game design proposal.

5 An Introduction to Game Project Management

Overview of project management methodologies employed in digital game production, discussion of production planning materials, consideration of the business case, the scope baseline, the schedule baseline, work breakdown, cost breakdown, risk register.

Teaching and Learning Work Loads