Description
As games have moved more towards services, subscription models, and live online updates, the collection and analysis of player data is increasingly important to the games industry. Data is valuable not only for improving user experience and balancing gameplay, but also understanding player behaviours and driving profits for games companies. This module will introduce game design students to player data collection and analysis, and prepare students for games and related creative industries that involve user research and product management.
Aims
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the tools, methods, and techniques that are used in the games industry to collect and analyse player data
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module the student should be able to:
1. Incorporate player data collection into the design and implementation of game mechanics, levels, and interfaces
2. Interpret player behavior and decisions through collection and analysis of player data
3. Act upon this analysis to consider improvements for retention, balance, difficulty, and user experience
Indicative Content
1 Tools
Reviewing available in-engine and third-party solutions for analytics.
2 Data visualisation and interpretation
Utilising dashboards to display and interpret data.
3 Statistics and analysis
Introduction to basic statistical methods for analysing data.
4 Player behaviours
Track and understand player behaviours.
5 Balance and retention
Adjust game design based on data analysis.
6 Ads
Integrating advertising into games.
7 Monetisation strategies
Sales models for games such as premium, freemium, and subscriptions.
8 Monetisation performance
Understanding metrics such as DAU and ARPDAU to track players and revenue.
Teaching and Learning Work Loads
| Teaching and Learning Method | Hours |
| Lecture | 6 |
| Tutorial/Seminar | 12 |
| Practical Activity | 18 |
| Assessment | 100 |
| Independent | 64 |
| Total | 200 |
Guidance notes
SCQF Level - The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.
Credit Value – The total value of SCQF credits for the module. 20 credits are the equivalent of 10 ECTS credits. A full-time student should normally register for 60 SCQF credits per semester.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to ensure that the information on our website is accurate but it is possible that some changes may occur prior to the academic year of entry. The modules listed in this catalogue are offered subject to availability during academic year 2021/22 , and may be subject to change for future years.
