Course Title: Design games

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: COSC6212C

Course Title: Design games

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6151 - 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

Arthur Michalopoulos 

e: arthur.michalopoulos@rmit.edu.au

ph:9925 4111

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

In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to design technically feasible games and document production requirements.

It applies to individuals who generate and develop a game idea through to documentation of the mechanics and design. They communicate the vision for a game to the rest of the team.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUADIG504 Design games

Element:

1. Identify project requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm objective and outcomes of a game proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel

1.2 Identify factors that may impact game’s design

1.3 Clarify target audience to determine format and delivery platform of the game in discussion with relevant personnel

Element:

2. Research games and generate ideas

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify and source a full range of genres, in consultation with relevant personnel

2.2 Select and play different genres as a source of inspiration, including traditional and state of the art games

2.3 Search game literature to identify various games’ objectives and game theory

2.4 Generate a range of ideas for game designs that are technically feasible, respond to the proposal or brief, and provide creative solutions to design issues

2.5 Discuss ideas and creative solutions in collaboration with relevant personnel

Element:

3. Select a game genre

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify a range of game genres with potential to meet the game brief, and present to relevant personnel for consideration

3.2 Select the game genre that meets the creative, technical and production requirements of proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel

Element:

4. Draft game design document

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Propose a game concept that is original and compelling for users

4.2 Establish game strategy outcomes

4.3 Develop the structure of the game and document all elements, including style and game mechanics

4.4 Develop criteria to determine the scope of a prototype game sequence to be used in the development phase

4.5 Confirm the proposed prototype can test effectiveness of the game-play elements

4.6 Develop a register of game assets in consultation with relevant personnel

4.7 Use various presentation techniques to present a draft game design document for feedback from other team members

Element:

5. Finalise game design document

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Review game design objectives based on feedback on the draft game design document

5.2 Discuss and confirm additional requirements or modifications to the game design with relevant personnel

5.3 Specify game production requirements, including appropriate testing strategies

5.4 Produce final game design document to reflect all additional requirements or modifications


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 may include, but are not limited to:

• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT

Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:

• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT


Teaching Schedule

Week

Class content - Games 3

Assessments

Wk 1

Introduction to course

What to consider when writing a typical game review.

Introduction to A01 - Game review

 

Wk 2

What is a game? Rules and gameplay

Activity: Making simple games on paper that can be played in groups

Introduction to A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Looking at key pre-production elements for a design document

 

Wk 3

 

Continuing discussion and brainstorming to A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Initial brainstorming in groups of 3 students - to come up with ideas

A01 - Game review

 

Wk 4

 

WIP review – Present your progress A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Brainstorming in groups of 3 students to come up with idea for ‘Triple Threat Game’

Group presentation of ideas so far

Discussions for document criteria, such as visual designs, flowcharts, maps, final art, influences

 

 

Wk 5

 

Brainstorming in groups of 3 students to come up with idea

Individual students to continue working on own design documents

developing their group’s idea. Emphasis     on flow chart and early visual design

 

Wk 6

 

Individual students to continue working on own design documents, with emphasis on technical considerations, production schedules and timelines.

 

Wk 7

 

WIP review – Present your progress A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Individual students to continue working on own design documents, with emphasis on tweaking & finalising design document requirements

 

 

Wk 8

Class presentation of each groups design variations with the aim of deciding or consolidating ONE final group idea

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

part a: Individual Design Proposal Document

Wk 9

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) review and project feedback

part a: Individual Design Proposal Document

Further consolidation/decision on the ONE final idea &

Initial technical considerations and preparation for production

 

Wk 10

WIP review – Present your progress A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Development of final Game based on Design proposal

Any required documentation  for the ONE final idea for the group to be completed

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

part b: Group Design Proposal Document

Wk 11

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) review and project feedback

part b: Group Design Proposal Document

Development of final Game based on Design proposal

 

Wk 12

WIP review – Present your progress A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Development of final Game based on Design proposal

Report of collaborative aspects (initial brainstorm & consolidation process)

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

part c: Group Production report

Wk 13

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) review and project feedback

part c: Group Production report

Development of final Game based on Design proposal

 

Wk 14

Consolidation and tweaking of final Game based on Design proposal

 

Wk 15

WIP review – Present your progress A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

Review & Submission of final game

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

part d: Final Prototype Build

Wk 16

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) review and project feedback

part d: Final Prototype Build

Review, feedback and discussion of semester and achievements

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None


References

The University Library has extensive resources. The Library has produced a number of subject guides that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The Library provides guides and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarians.


Other Resources

Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.

Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB flash drive, with at least 32Gb capacity.


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 course is assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment.To demonstrate competency you must complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for A02 and for the course. Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Blackboard page through MyRMIT.
 

Ungraded Tasks:

A01 - Game Review

Students will be required to research a typical game review on the internet and then write their own review on an existing game of their own choice  (Refer to specific assessment task for details)
Due Week 3


Graded Task:

A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT)

A joint Game Project between the Interactive 3, Games 3 and Sound 3 (Design Digital Simulations, Design Games, Develop Sound Designs) courses. Students will be required to develop their concepts from the initial Pre Production stage to the Final realized Production. The TTT Game will be developed using Unity Software for either a 2D or 3D environment. Work in Progress Reviews (WIP) weeks 4, 7, 10, 12 and 15 (Refer to specific assessment task for details).

            part a: Individual Design Proposal Document Due week 8

            part b: Group Design Proposal Document Due week 10

            part c: Group Production report Due week 12

            part d: Final Prototype Build Due week 15

 

Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:

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.

The assessment matrix for this course can be found on Blackboard through myRmit, or from your teacher.

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions:

You must complete and sign a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions.

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s1llva641yxuz.pdf

Attendance:

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work.  Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/acadprogress

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/credit

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview