CE217-5-SP-CO:
Computer Game Design
2021/22
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 17 January 2022
Friday 25 March 2022
15
20 January 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
CE317, CE318
BSC G610 Computer Games,
BSC G612 Computer Games (Including Year Abroad),
BSC G620 Computer Games (Including Foundation Year),
BSC I610 Computer Games (Including Placement Year)
This module examines games theory in general, leading to computer games in particular. This in turn leads to an extended, practical consideration of computer game design.
This module aims to evaluate the mechanics of a game, gameplay elements & game theory, the relationship of story / game, computer games & culture, and produce a specification for a computer game.
After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:
1. Evaluate the mechanics of a game.
2. Explain gameplay elements in terms of game theory.
3. Describe the relationship of story and computer games.
4. Outline the place of computer games in the context of wider culture.
5. Create an outline design spec for a computer game of their own devising.
Outline Syllabus
Theories of game
Definition of "game"
History of computer games
Game mechanics
Fun: flow, presence, immersion
Story structure: Aristotle, Syd Field
Game criticism
Sources of uncertainity
Basics of game design
Philosophy of computer game design
Design documentation: pitch, treatment, spec, doc
Narrative, backstory and history
Gameplay
Game theory
Core gameplay
Contextual gameplay
Platforms; Localisation
Game development
Industry overview
Development timeline
Divisions of a game development company
Game development post-mortems
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1: Game design exercise |
|
100% |
| Exam |
Main exam: 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Richard Bartle, email: rabartle@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Richard Bartle
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
Yes
No
Yes
Dr Adam Chester
University Of Warwick
Associate Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 193 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
193 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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