Game Design

Recommended Prerequisites

Introductory computer graphics programing.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology is based on a combination of theoretical presentation and discussion of models, methods and instruments with practical application exercises in delimited contexts. The student is required to autonomously execute 10 weekly assignments on relevant topics. Students are also required to perform a group project where they will exercise the course techniques, and develop capacities for communication and work organization required in the project context.

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit addresses the development of competencies required for the conception and production of original games. The student will develop an understanding of the characteristics of games as technical objects and human, social and learning activities, developing the  capacity for critical appreciation and synthesis of game proposals as interactive media products, and acquire competencies for applying techniques to the analysis, conception, construction and evaluation of computer games and game experiences, develop capacities for creativity, communication and organization of the production process in a team, preparing the student for industry or research with the capacity for autonomous learning in the area.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Perspectives on the study of play and games
2. Play Aesthetics: Object and Experience
3. Designing the Playful Experience
4. Game as Narrative
5. Sound Design in Games
6. Game System Modeling
7. Gameplay Prototyping and Rehearsing
8. Game Engine Architecture
9. Generative techniques in games
10. Playtesting and player experience evaluation
11. Experience Balancing Approaches
12. Game User Research Methods; Telemetry and Gameplay Analytics
13. Games as Learning Contexts
14. Sociotechnical perspective of Multiplayer Online Games.

Head Lecturer(s)

Licínio Gomes Roque

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Resolution Problems: 50.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

Johan Huizinga, Homo Ludens (excerpt)
Klabbers, The Magic Circle (excerpts)
Salem & Zimmerman, Rules of Play (excerpt)
Jesse Schell, The Art of Game Design (excerpt)
Tracy Fullerton, Game Design Workshop (excerpt)
Espen Arseth, Cybertext (excerpt)
Joseph Campbel, The hero's journey (synthesis)
Jason Gregory, Game Engine Architecture (excerpt)
Czikszentmihalyi, The Flow (optional)
Selecção de artigos científicos em GUR, PCG, Game Design, etc.