Game Design I

Course Name : Game Design I - DGM 2610


Course: Description
Explores video and computer gaming from historic, economic and production perspectives. Includes an introduction to game theory, analysis and design
documentation.

Course: Objectives

Creative Process
Will be used to help students explore ideas and develop them into a realistic project.

Scripting
Create and develop code that will be used as the back bone for all game function and mechanics.

Game Design
Students will study and practice game design techniques using the Unity 3d game engine. They will plan their games using correct documentation, sketches, layouts and storyboards.

World Building
By taking on the role of a level designer students can create game levels and environments that are centered around good design and playability.

Video Game Production
Learn how to organize a production, import assets and manage time and resources.  

Course: Materials
1. Sketchbook — 9 x 12 100 pages. 50 lb. +
2. Notepad
3. Pencils
4. External drive
5. CD-R or DVD-R Discs for back up
6. Dropbox.com account for assignments

Course: Resources

Title : The Ultimate Guide To Video Game Writing and Design
Author : Flint Dille & John Zuur Platten
Publisher : lone eagle
ISBN-13: 978-1-58065-066-3
Type : Required resource

Title : Unity3d.com
Author : Unity
Additional information : http://unity3d.com/
Type : Required resource

Policies: Back-up
Be sure to always back-up your files on a regular basis. Unfinished or lost projects due to data loss, or mismanagement will not be accepted. Policies: Extra Credit There is no extra credit offered in this course.

Policies: Feedback
The work you do will be assets prior to grading using feedback.
1. Self evaluation
2. Peer evaluation
3. Instructor evaluation
Once feedback has been given students my revise their work prior to grading. After grading no further feedback will be given.

Policies: Assessment
Students will meet with instructor to discuss work and grades one on one at midterm, and 2 week prior to final. This is the only time grades will be discussed, unless requested by the student.

Policies: Grading criteria
Objective : Measurable advancement, without bias or opinion: 50% of grade
1. Technical aspects and concepts
2. Understanding of the toolset or software

Subjective : Based on the industry and instructor knowledge and opinions: 50% of grade
3. Design aspects and Concepts
4. Project Aesthetics, and overall polish

Projects are to be finished on time; late projects will be reduced 10% for each day late.

Policies: Assignments*
Tutorial Based Learning and training 4 assigned tutorials 50 points each — up to 200 points.

50 pages of drawing, scripting, writing or designing  1 point per page quantity 1 point per page for quality — up to 100 points.

Final Project 100 points for each of the objectives met, 100 Design, 100 Playability, 100 Craftsmanship, 100 Creativity, 100 Complete — up to 500 points.

Class total — up to 800 points.

All work must be submitted on time. Each project will be graded using the stated grading criteria.

Policies: Final Assignment*
The Final Assignment will be an 8-week project. It must demonstrate all the course objectives, and be subjectively strong after feedback. In addition it must incline toward one of the 4 Digital Media Emphases; Animation and Gaming, Digital Audio, Digital Video, or Internet Technologies.

Policies: Grade Scale
A = 95-100 Exceptional
A- = 90-94
B+ = 86-89
B = 83-85 Meets Expectations
B- = 80-82
C+ = 76-79
C = 73-75 Average
C- = 70-72
D+ = 66-69
D = 63-65 Bellow Average
D- = 60-62
E = 59 Needs Improvement


Class Schedule*


Week_001
The Creative Process
Napkin Pitches
Layouts and Storyboards
Read: Introduction & Chapter 6
Read: Chapter 9


Week_002
Introduction to Scripting with Unity
FPS: Door Tutorial
FPS: Door Assignment
Napkin Pitches Due
Read: http://docwiki.unity3d.com/uploads/Main/Scripting%20Tutorial.pdf

Week_003
Scripting & Problem Solving
FPS: Door Assignment Due
FPS: Key Card Tutorial & Assignment Given
Read: Chapter 1


Week_004
Scripting
FPS: Key Card Assignment Due
FPS: Elevator Tutorial
Read: Chapter 11


Week_005
Scripting
FPS: Elevator Tutorial & Assignment Given
Read: Chapter 4


Week_006
Work Week
One Sheet Assignment Given


Week_007
FPS: Elevator Assignment Due
FPS: Projectile Assignment Given
Game Sketchbooks/ Journals Due


Week_008
Pre-Alpha Starts
FPS: Projectile Assignment Due
One Sheet Documents Due


Week_009
Work Week


Week_010
Pre-Alpha ends
Work Week

Week_011
Alpha Starts
Work Week

Week_012
Work Week

Week_013
Alpha Ends
Beta Starts
Work Week

Week_014
Work Week

Week_015
Beta Ends
Gold Starts
Final Assessment Review

Week_016
Work Week

Week_017
Gold Ends
Final


*Assignments, Tutorials, and Class schedule are subject to change, based on class need or conflict