Course Title: Design games
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2015
Course Code: COSC5948C
Course Title: Design games
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6087 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact : Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Teachers: Arthur Michalopoulos
Phone: 9925 4111
Email: arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au
Jeanie Hague-Smith
jeanie.hague-smith@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 30
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit of competency is delivered in the class Games 3. This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to Design Games in the pre-production stage. Tasks will involve the research, design and understanding of games – both non digital and digital. Aspects such as design, game play, level maps, as well as team logs and organizational structures will be considered.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFDIG504A Design games |
Element: |
1 Identify project requirements. |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm the objective and desired outcomes of a game proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel. |
Element: |
2 Research games and generate ideas. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Select state of the art games from different genres to play as a source of inspiration. |
Element: |
3 Select a game genre. |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify and present a range of game genres to relevant personnel for consideration in terms of their characteristics, differences and ability to meet requirements of proposal or brief. |
Element: |
4 Draft game design document. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Establish the game strategy outcomes. |
Element: |
5 Finalise game design document. |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Re-evaluate game design objectives on the basis of feedback on the prototype and draft game design document. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to establish project parameters, research game genres, plan and structure gaming products whilst drafting and finalising game design documents.
Details of Learning Activities
In class learning activities include, but are not limited to:
* lectures
* peer teaching and class presentations
* group discussion
* teacher feedback
* online research
* independent project based work
* teacher directed group activities/projects
* workshopping of students’ own projects
Out of class activities include, but are not limited to:
* online research
* work shopping
* independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
Week | Class Content | Assessment due date |
Week 1 | Introduction What is a game? Rules and restrictions Activity: Making simple games on paper that can be played in groups |
|
Week 2 |
Activity: Making simple games on paper that can be played in groups, based on creating a game that can be played in a group by adapting a current computer game – and researching the genre) Class presentation/discussion & critique of game |
|
Week 3 | Introduction to assessment task 2 & Discussions for document criteria, such as visual designs, maps, final art, influences from different genres, organizational structure and production log etc. Work on assessment task 2 This will be an individual design only project |
Assessment task 1: Game review (ungraded, individual submission) |
Week 4 | Continue working on assessment task 2 in preparation of the submission in week 5 This will include class discussions and reviews |
|
Week 5 | Presentations of Assessment task 2: Game Design 1: Convert a painting into a simple game
Introduction & work on assessment task 3: Convert a film into a simple game (un-graded assessment) |
Assessment task 2: Game Design 1:Develop an image into a simple game (ungraded, individual submission) |
Week 6 | Continue working on assessment task 3- paying close attention to the division of labour in the team and the development of a production log | |
Week 7 | Continue working on assessment task 3- paying close attention to concept, gameplay, flow chart and graphics – Include group discussions, evaluations and log entry | |
Week 8 | Continue working on assessment task 3- paying close attention to concept, gameplay, flow chart and graphics – Include group discussions, evaluations and log entry and identification of issues and overall areas of improvement | |
Week 9 | Finalize Game Document for assessment task 3 in preparation for submission in week 10 | |
Week 10 | Presentation of assessment task 3 class discussion and feedback | Assessment task 3: Game Design 2: Develop a film into a simple game (graded, group submission) |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Internet |
References
None |
Other Resources
Extensive use of web for research as required.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.
Assessment Tasks
This semester, a series of tasks primarily involving the research, design and understanding of games – both non digital and digital. Aspects such as design, game play, level maps, as well as team logs and organizational structures will be considered - with on-going process of presentation, feedback and critique – in the context of peer discussion in class. The following assessments will be completed either as individual submission or as a group submission
Assessment tasks in this course are either Ungraded or graded
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete each of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessments and once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task 3 (refer to MyRMIT for grading rubric).
You will need to complete ALL assessments to be deemed competent in this course
Assessment task 1: Game review (ungraded, individual submission) Due: Week 3
(Refer to assignment brief for details)
Assessment task 2: Game Design 1: Develop an image into a simple game (ungraded, individual submission) Due: Week 5
(Refer to assignment brief for details)
Assessment task 3: Game Design 2:Develop a film into a simple game (graded, group submission) Due:Week 10
(Refer to assignment brief for details)
NB Assessment task 3 is a joint project between Games 3 and Interactive 3 (Design Digital Simulations CUFDIG507A COSC-5947C) – where it will be developed into a fully realised flash game by the end of semester 1
Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved - graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: www.rmit.edu.au/students
Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.
Assessment and Feedback (web link)
You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, and written feedback from teachers on your work . Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress (web link)
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you will need to apply for special consideration.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview