Course detail

Visual Digital Game Styles 1

FaVU-VSDH1Acad. year: 2019/2020

The course combines theoretical and practical lessons with a focus on the digital game medium and the adjacent field of application. The theoretical part of the lecture focuses on identifying and analyzing visual styles and graphical possibilities of contemporary and historical digital games. In this area, the lesson looks at parallels between contemporary art, digital games, and moving images across platforms. Within the exercise students are introduced to the possibilities and ways of presenting digital games inside and outside of the institutional environment.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

MgA. Vojtěch Vaněk

Department

Game Media Studio (AHM)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Students acquire terminology used in the development and participative culture of digital games. They can navigate through the possibilities and ways of presenting digital games depending on the platform and the environment. They are able to intelligibly present a digital game depending on its nature and context.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites are the artistic and theoretical skills demonstrated at the entrance exam. Previous experience with the Adobe program suite is welcome, but it is not unnecessary.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures accompanied by practical exercises, commented play and presentation of the viability of the subject matter. Discussions and tutorials to inspect students' creative intentions.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Attendance (80%) and active participation in lecture. Implementation and collective presentation of assigned tasks.

Course curriculum

Typology and terminology of individual visual styles of digital games.
Presentation of digital games in the physical and internet environment.
Typography and information graphics in digital games (HUD, menu, narrative and informative text).
Participatory culture and presentations - Fan art, Cosplay, Let's play, festivals, e-sports.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is practical and theoretical familiarization of students with the current possibilities of digital games and their role in various ecosystems. Understanding of terminology and general orientation in the cultural environment of presentation and development of digital games. Students will acquire sophisticated work methods and gain a deeper insight into the subject. The acquired skills are a prerequisite for enhancing the creative work with this medium.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

The time frame of the lesson is determined by the schedule. Lessons take place in a computer study room, or, depending on the situation, in the Studio of Multimedia FaVU VUT (building U2). At least 80% attendance is required for credit. Making up for the missed lessons depends on the agreement with the teacher and assumes completion of the missed tasks.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Jesper Jull, The Art of Failure: An Essay on the Pain of Playing Video Games, The MIT Press, 2013 (2. vyd. 2016). (EN)
Jesse Schnell, The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, CRC Press, 2008 (2. vyd. 2014). (EN)

Type of course unit

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

MgA. Vojtěch Vaněk

Seminar

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

MgA. Vojtěch Vaněk