CSCI 11 - Introduction to Game Design

Transfer Status

CSU/UC

Unit(s)

3.00

• Lecture: 34.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
• Lab: 51.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
• Total: 85.00 Contact hours/68.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the concepts, technologies, and techniques of game design and development. The course covers the history of games, basic game theory, the phases of game development, the use of computers and other media in the development of games, and game testing and analysis. Students will explore the ethical and social issues associated with the design, production, and marketing of games. The course emphasizes the importance of teamwork in, and the interdisciplinary nature of, the games industry.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the role of the game designer in the game development process
2. List and describe the formal and dramatic elements that comprise a well-designed game
3. Conceptualize and refine an idea for a game
4. Produce prototypes for games using computers and other media
5. Design and conduct a playtesting session for a game concept
6. Analyze a game design for completeness, correctness, balance, and fun
7. Describe the roles of the members of a game development team
8. Define the stages of game development
9. Produce a formal design document for a game
10. List and describe the major genres, developers, and publishers of games

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lab

1. Collaborative Group Work
2. Demonstrations
3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
4. Lecture
5. Multimedia Presentations
6. Reading Assignments

1. Oral Presentation
2. Demonstration
3. Class participation
4. Lab Projects
5. Written Assignments

Reading Assignments

1. Read the chapter in your text on the formal elements of video games. Be prepared to discuss game objectives as categorized in your text.
2. Read the article "MDA: A Formal Approach to Game Design and Game Research" provided by the instructor. Make a list of common game mechanics (as defined in the article) to share in group discussion.

Writing Assignments

1. Prepare a one page summary ("one-sheet") for a game design proposal. Your document must include: target audience, target platform, core mechanics, genre, similar games, and a "hook" statement. Be prepared to present your game design to the class.
2. Using the template provided by the instructor, complete a formal written review of a platformer video game. Submit your review to the instructor and be prepared to present a brief summary to the class.

Out-of-Class Assignments

1. Play several games of tic-tac-toe with a friend, family member, or classmate. Write down your ideas for three mechanics that could be added to tic-tac-toe to alter or eliminate the optimal strategy. Be prepared to conduct a play-through of tic-tac-toe in class using each of your new mechancis.
2. Select two video games from the list provided by the instructor and play each for a minimum of one hour. As you play, pay particular attention to the level design in each game, and record your thoughts about the quality of the level design in each game. Be prepared to share your thoughts with your team during lab.

Fullerton, Tracy. (2018). Game Design Workshop: A Playcentric Approach to Creating Innovative Games. A K Peters/CRC Press, 4th. 978-1138098770.

Schell, Jesse. (2019). The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses. A K Peters/CRC Press, 3rd. 978-1138632059.

Brathwaite, Brenda and Schreiber, Ian. (2009). Challenges for Game Designers. Charles River Media, 1st.

Other Learning Materials

Supplies: USB thumb drive - 2G minimum

Computer Science (Masters Required)