Module details for Gameplay and Narrative Design

Description

The module will introduce students to the knowledge, processes and techniques necessary to formulate and explore effective, innovative game ideas with consideration for the structure of both gameplay and narrative design.

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the ability to engage with the development of innovative game concepts, through establishing an informed awareness of design process and evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

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

1.  Describe and practice the techniques and processes required to effectively form, develop, and design games.

2.  Demonstrate a considered design process and awareness of the key conceptual, audience, and cultural models that can impact on game design.

3.  Create game design documentation and artefacts that reflect the processes utilised across the mainstream games industry and emergent development communities.

Indicative Content

1 Game Genre Mechanics

Deconstructing core components of popular game genres.

2 Constructs of Gameplay

What is gameplay and how is this broken down and communicated within the game design.

3 Design Documents and Artefacts

Physical prototypes, visual documentation, technical design, capturing requirements.

4 Game Design Process

Conceptualisation, iteration, phases of workflow, alternative approaches.

5 Narrative Theory for Game Design

Themes, narrative structures, characters, storyboarding, animatics, scripts.

6 Experimental Approaches

Exploring emergent practices and methods for innovative game design.

7 Visualisation and Digital Techniques

Utilising digital techniques to produce gameplay and narrative previsualisation, developing rudimentary digital prototypes.

8 Audience and Cultural Engagement

Discussing the role of audience and exploring cultural aspects of game design.

Teaching and Learning Work Loads