Games and Interactive Systems
30 Credits
Module code: COMP1286
Level: 4
Credits: 30
School: Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department: Computing and Mathematical Sci.
Module Coordinator(s): Stella Doukianou
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Aims
The aim of this course is to introduce students to processes involved in designing and developing interactive systems such as video games and digital media applications. Students will become acquainted with creative design and development techniques by engaging in the design process, looking at the application of software and scripting in order to develop a prototype application.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
Identify and apply appropriate design processes for game development
Experiment with developing interactive systems and games prototypes
Identify appropriate methods and techniques for producing prototypes
Propose a solution to a creative brief based on a game or interactive system​
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Indicative content
Scripting for games and interaction;
Interaction methods;
Using an industry standard tool for product development;
Psychology of gaming;
Level design;
Concept;
Iterative development process;
Current and emerging uses of games design and technology.
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Teaching and learning activity
This course is to be delivered via several complementary activities: lectures, tutorials, practical work and directed unsupervised learning. The rationale for this mix of activities is to give the students an interesting and varied learning experience combining theory and analysis to underpin the core practical work.
Students will also have extra support through supplemental material in the form of digital recordings such as screencasts and example projects to analyse and disseminate.
Assessment
Coursework - 20%
LO - 1.
Pass mark - 40%
2000 words.
A report analysing a video game using established game theory and methodologies.
Portfolio - 30%
LO - 2.
Pass mark - 40%
A portfolio of lab tasks.
Coursework - 50%
LO - 3,4.
Pass mark - 40%
A group based product following software development full-lifecycles and prototyping techniques to address a creative brief on a short period of time, hackathon style.
Nature of FORMATIVE assessment supporting student learning:
Formative assessment would include weekly uploads of simple game mechanics that would need to demonstrate each week.