Course Title: Design games
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
Course Code: COSC6212C
Course Title: Design games
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6151 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media
Course Contact: Program Administration
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4815
Course Contact Email: mcvet@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Jeanie Hague-Smith
e: jeanie.hague-smith@rmit.edu.au
ph: 9925 4815
Nominal Hours: 30
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
In this course you will cover the skills and knowledge required to design technically feasible games and document production requirements.
It applies to individuals who generate and develop a game idea through to documentation of the mechanics and design. They communicate the vision for a game to the rest of the team.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUADIG504 Design games |
Element: |
1. Identify project requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm objective and outcomes of a game proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel 1.2 Identify factors that may impact game s design 1.3 Clarify target audience to determine format and delivery platform of the game in discussion with relevant personnel |
Element: |
2. Research games and generate ideas |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify and source a full range of genres, in consultation with relevant personnel 2.2 Select and play different genres as a source of inspiration, including traditional and state of the art games 2.3 Search game literature to identify various games objectives and game theory 2.4 Generate a range of ideas for game designs that are technically feasible, respond to the proposal or brief, and provide creative solutions to design issues 2.5 Discuss ideas and creative solutions in collaboration with relevant personnel |
Element: |
3. Select a game genre |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify a range of game genres with potential to meet the game brief, and present to relevant personnel for consideration 3.2 Select the game genre that meets the creative, technical and production requirements of proposal or brief in consultation with relevant personnel |
Element: |
4. Draft game design document |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Propose a game concept that is original and compelling for users 4.2 Establish game strategy outcomes 4.3 Develop the structure of the game and document all elements, including style and game mechanics 4.4 Develop criteria to determine the scope of a prototype game sequence to be used in the development phase 4.5 Confirm the proposed prototype can test effectiveness of the game-play elements 4.6 Develop a register of game assets in consultation with relevant personnel 4.7 Use various presentation techniques to present a draft game design document for feedback from other team members |
Element: |
5. Finalise game design document |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Review game design objectives based on feedback on the draft game design document 5.2 Discuss and confirm additional requirements or modifications to the game design with relevant personnel 5.3 Specify game production requirements, including appropriate testing strategies 5.4 Produce final game design document to reflect all additional requirements or modifications |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to establish project parameters, research game genres, plan and structure gaming products whilst drafting and finalising game design documents.
Details of Learning Activities
In class learning activities may include, but are not limited to:
• lectures and/or lab work
• teacher directed group activities and projects
• concept development of group and individual projects
• group discussions and class presentations
• peer and teacher feedback
• WIP (work in progress) reviews
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
Out of class activities may include, but are not limited to:
• maintaining secure daily backups of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account
• accessing online tutorial resources
• self directed online, library and industry research
• self directed project production work and reflection
• class excursions to events and locations outside of RMIT
Teaching Schedule
Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Week |
Topic & Activities |
Assessment |
1 |
Introduction to the course and assessments What to consider when writing a typical game review. Introduction to |
|
2 |
WIP - AT1 - Game review due
|
A01 - Game review due |
3 |
AT1 review and project feedback. AT2 begins - Introduction to AT2 Triple Threat Game (TTT) Activity: game ideas - old games - board games Organising team production - Slack & Trello |
|
4 |
AT2 Group presentation of ideas so far Discussions for document criteria, such as:
|
|
5 |
Gameplay Workshops
|
|
6 |
Class presentation of each groups design variations with the aim of deciding or consolidating ONE final group idea. Class feedback. Further consolidation/decision on the ONE final idea & initial technical considerations and preparation for production | AT2 part A - individual game design document due |
7 |
Development of final Game based on Design proposal Report of collaborative aspects WIP review – AT2 part B |
|
8 |
Class presentation of each groups final game design documentation |
AT2 part B - Group final game design document due |
9 |
AT2 - review & feedback AT3 begins - Introduction to AT2 game production for testing |
|
10 |
Game production |
|
11 |
Game production |
|
12 |
How to test games - getting test ready for week 13 Games testing lab 1 |
|
13 |
Games testing lab 2 |
AT3 - Game prototype testing (Graded) |
14 |
Work on Game for Design Digital Simulations |
A04 - Games 3 knowledge quiz |
15 |
Final Games set up and played in lab |
|
16 |
Reviewing Games 3 Projects; what worked, what didn't, lessons to be learnt |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Students are encouraged to make full use of class time, open studio time and University computer lab resources. Please consult the RMIT University web site for details of access times and locations.
Other required resources include, but are not limited to: an A4 or A3 visual diary, drawing materials (pencils of various grades (1B & 2B), erasers, coloured pencils and pens, graphic markers such as Copic brand) broadband internet access, suitable digital media storage such as a portable hard drive or USB 3.0 flash drive, with at least 128Gb capacity.
You are strongly advised to maintain a daily backup schedule of all assessment and project data to your RMIT Google Drive account.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, practical project work and through the application of learned skills.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment for this course is competency based. To show competency, you must complete all assessments to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task. Once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for a specified assignment[s] and for the course.
Late assessment submissions, or submissions that do not reach the required standard may be assessed as Not Satisfactory (NS). You will receive feedback on your assessment through Canvas and resubmission instructions via email. You must resubmit within two weeks of this notification. You may re-submit an assessment task only once. Graded assessments which are resubmitted, are eligible for CAG (Competency Achieved Graded) only.
Please refer to the assessment brief for full assessment criteria or assessment rubric. All assessment documents are available on the course Canvas page through MyRMIT.
A01 - Game Review
In no more than 400 words, write a game review for a game of your own choice. This game can be on any platform and any genre and should include a screen grab of the game visual.
Due Week 2 - Ungraded
A02 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) Design Documents (Part A and B)
The Triple Threat Game (TTT) is a joint game project between the Interactive 3, Games 3 and Sound 3 courses. Students will develop concepts from the initial pre production stage to the final realised product.
- Part A - Individual Design Proposal Document - For the Triple Threat Game (TTT), students will prepare individual design documents, emphasising their own concepts, designs, technical considerations, production schedules and timelines. Due Week 6 - Graded
- Part B - Group Design Proposal Document - For the Triple Threat Game (TTT), students will prepare group design documents. This will represent the final concept, designs, technical considerations, production schedules and timelines. Due Week 8 - Ungraded
A03 - Triple Threat Game (TTT) prototype testing
A series of QA questions answered while testing gameplay in the Triple Threat Game (TTT) prototype.
Due week 13 - Graded
A04 - Games 3 knowledge quiz
A knowledge quiz to gauge your understanding of fundamental concepts and techniques covered in this course.
Due week 14 - Ungraded
Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:
CHD - Competent with High Distinction
CDI - Competent with Distinction
CC - Competent with Credit
CAG - Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix for this course demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the unit of competency. It can be found on the Canvas course page through myRmit, or from your teacher.
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.
Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. You are strongly advised to attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Assessment Feedback:
You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student Progress:
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.
Adjustments to Assessment
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the assessment.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview