Course detail

Game Design

FaVU-1HERDESAcad. year: 2021/2022

The course focuses at a general level on the basic methods, attitudes and elements of game design in selected game typologies. Through the MDA model, the course includes analysis of popular, contemporary, and experimental game mechanics. These are further structured primarily in relation to hardware. A concurrent theme of selected points in the course is the conveyance of information or story through narrative design.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

MgA. Vojtěch Vaněk

Department

Game Media Studio (AHM)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The knowledge gained provides students with a direct insight into the basic principles of game design and the professional terminology used in game development.

Prerequisites

Keen interest in games.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Theoretical lectures accompanied by presentations of specific game mechanics.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Credit awarded on the basis of attendance and submission of a written thesis, the assignment of which will be specified at the beginning of the semester.

Course curriculum

The following topics will be discussed during the semester (with varying time allotments depending on the complexity of the topic).
- Genres and typologies, marketing
- Game design in relation to hardware
- Game mechanics, game dynamics, aesthetics (MDA model)
- Level design, corridor vs map, open world
- Puzzle design
- Narrative design, working with story

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to deepen theoretical knowledge in the field of game design and its subsequent application in the development and design of digital games, or board and card games.

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

Compulsory attendance - 3 unexcused absences tolerated.

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). (CS) (EN)
Jesse Schnell, The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, CRC Press, 2008 (2. vyd. 2014). (CS) (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme VUB Bachelor's

    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-VT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 3 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-D , 4 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 1 year of study, summer semester, elective
    branch VU-IDT , 2 year of study, summer semester, elective

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

MgA. Vojtěch Vaněk