GAME H1201 - Games Studies

Module Title:Games Studies
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: As well as traditional lectures and discussion groups, the students prepare and presents designs to the class. Group projects and teamwork will feature prominently.
Module Aim: To introduce the student to game design and working effectively in the game's industry.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Identify and appraise the elements that make up a game;
LO2 Understand the elements involved in designing a game.
LO3 Appreciate the dynamics of a game development team;
LO4 Be familiar with the business model and practices of the industry;
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
6546 GAME H1201 Games Studies
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Introduction to Gaming:
Reasons for playing; player expectations Analysis of game genres, fundamentals of game design, gameplay elements,
Game Design
In-game puzzles, puzzle domains, varying difficulty, cheats and escape paths, Level Design, themes, objectives, balanced gameplay, structure and progression,
Storytelling:
Plot, character development, integrating with gameplay.
Development Cycle
Development team, Project lifecycle, concept, art bible, design document, project plan, demo stages, testing cycle,
Game Internals, economy and mechanics Artificial Intelligence:
Goals of game AI, Game reviews and review techniques,
Introduction to HCI:
Interface design, controllers, user experience.
Games and Society
Games & Society, gender, ethical & political issues, violence levels, audience age.
Games Industry
The games industry, licences, intellectual property, product marketing, distribution channels, producer/developer relationship.
Work Skills
Presntations, technical writing, teamwork, roles and responsibilities, time management, communication.
Assessment Breakdown%
Project40.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination40.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project They will propose, design and create a large scale game as a group 3,4 40.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation The students will be involved in a number of team based projects including the development of a board game, multiple game designs presentations. 1,2 20.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam No Description 1,2,3,4 40.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 30 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Laboratory 30 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Total Hours 210.00