Introduction to Game Design
Introduction to Game Design introduces students to the principles of game design and provides opportunities for them to be put into practice using analog materials and methods. Students explore what motivates play, risk-taking and reward systems, and the visual design of games for serious applications and leisure. Create, test, and play games developed in the course.
Overview
Introduction to Game Design introduces students to the principles of game design and provides opportunities for them to be put into practice using analog materials and methods. Students explore what motivates play, risk-taking and reward systems, and the visual design of games for serious applications and leisure. Create, test, and play games developed in the course.
Objectives
After completing this course students will be able to:
- Identify patterns of interest and interaction within complex analog systems
- Deconstruct logic systems and communicate them effectively to others
- Create and discuss analog games in terms of goals, win/lose conditions, mechanics, and risk vs. reward schedules
- Apply visual feedback to interactive experiential media
- Collaborate, critique, and iterate
Required Materials
- Colored Markers / Sharpies
- Blank Index Cards
Recommended Texts
- ‘Rules of Play’, Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman o https://gamifique.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/1-rules-of-play-game-designfundamentals.pdf
- ‘The Art of Game Design – A Book of Lenses’, Jesse Schell
Course Organization
This is a 3 credit hour course that meets twice a week 1:20 in person
Sample Coursework
Work students can expect include:
- Lecture based
- Assignments and group discussions
- Course projects