International Game Developers Association

CISG102 Introduction to Game Design and Simulation

Games Education
Course

Contents 1 Teachers 1.1 Instructors 1.2 Location 1.3 Classification 1.4 Course prerequisites 1.5 Time periods 2 Course Structure 2.1 Course description 2.2 Course learning objectives 2.3 Week by week topics 3 Analysis of learning methods 3.1 What worked 3.2 What didn't work

Teachers

Instructors

• Unavailable

Location

Bucks County Community College

Classification

Primary Classification: Game Development (General)

Course prerequisites

Students need a working knowledge of Windows

Time periods

2250 minutes of instructional time in the semester

Course Structure

There will be at least two written examinations, a case study project in which the students will give a written analysis of a game of their own choosing, three in class game case studies, and five lab assignments, all of which will include documentation and storyboards. Additionally, the students will design, document, and program an original game.

Classes will be conducted in a lecture/lab environment. The instructor will provide direction and engage in discussion on the topic. The remaining class time will be devoted to reinforcing the ideas through projects.

Course description

This course introduces basic techniques, concepts, and vocabulary of electronic game and simulation development. Students design and develop electronic games and simulations, learn about various aspects of the game industry and analyze a popular game. Storyboarding, character creation, scorekeeping, and the psychology of game development will be discussed.

Course learning objectives

The student will be able to:

• demonstrate basic game programming ability.
• skillfully apply fundamental game design and programming concepts in the development

of an original game.

• develop clear and concise documentation for lab assignments and original game.
• develop detailed storyboards for lab assignments and original game.
• analyze several popular games from commonly used genres, examining both form and

functionality.

• develop an independent analysis of a game of their own choosing.
• develop an effective understanding of the various segments of the Digital Media industry

and the different employment opportunities within that industry.

• demonstrate user-friendly design in lab assignments and original game.

Week by week topics

1. History of Electronic Game Development and Simulation
2. Types of Electronic Games and Simulations
3. Platforms (PC, Game Consoles, Handheld Devices, Arcade)
4. The Psychology of Game Development
   1. Games and the Imagination
   2. Emotional Response to Color
   3. Characters, Symbols, and Emotions
   4. Carl Jung and the Shadow Self
   5. Theme and Audience
   6. Choices and Consequences
5. Fundamentals of Design
   1. Creating a Storyboard
   2. Determining the Intended Audience
   3. Creating an Appealing Story
   4. Creating Interesting Characters
   5. Plot
   6. Rules of Play
   7. Characters
   8. Devices (weapons, paddles, balls, etc.)
   9. Game Analysis
   10. Documentation
6. Game Programming
   1. Action
   2. Adventure/Role Playing
   3. Arcade
   4. Strategy
   5. Simulation
   6. Driving
   7. Puzzle
7. The Gaming Industry
   1. Size and Scope of the Game Design and Simulation Industry
   2. Independent “Indie” Game Designers
   3. Game Design Companies
   4. Game Related Industries
      1. Magazines
      2. TV Shows
      3. Clothing
      4. Movies based on Video Games
8. Jobs in the Game Design and Simulation Field

Analysis of learning methods

What worked

Please discuss what techniques worked well

What didn't work

Please discuss what techniques didn’t work as well as you had hoped

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