Game Design (5cr)

Objectives (course unit)

This course provides students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to design and present their own small-scale game. It’s a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of game design.

This course serves as an introduction to the fundamental concepts of Game Design. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have gained the knowledge and skills to:

Develop and Present Unique Game Concepts:
• conceptualize
• develop
• present unique game ideas
• demonstrating creativity and originality in game design.
• Gain understanding of various game mechanics and their applications, showcasing the ability to design engaging and balanced gameplay

Explore Game Monetization Strategies:
• Explore and understand different monetization strategies, illustrating knowledge of how to sustainably publish and profit from games.

Analyze and Critique Game Design:
• Develop the ability to critically analyze and provide constructive feedback on game designs, fostering a deeper understanding of what makes games engaging.

Content (course unit)

Basics of Game Design:
• Introduction to game design and its history
• Core principles and player psychology

Different Game Mechanics:
• Gameplay elements like exploration
• Combat, and progression systems
• Social mechanics and randomness in games.

Game Concept Presentation:
Ideation and documentation of game ideas, prototyping and effective pitching skills.
Monetization with Game Design:
• Free-to-Play and premium models,
• Subscription-based services
• Data-driven design.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student
• can design a simple board game with one unique mechanic
• can identify a basic game mechanics

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student
• is able to identify and discuss a range of game mechanics in PC/Console games

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student
• can pitch a game concept
• can take existing game and discuss changes to design for monetisation and publishing

Location and time

Online lectures on Thursdays

Game Design: 9.00 - 10.00
Game Business and Production: 10.30 - 11-30

Zoom Meeting: https://linkki.si/GA-2025-Season1

Exam schedules

Assignments

Assessment methods and criteria

Personal course activity: 50 %.
Assignments: 50 %

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, assignments

Learning materials

Moodle

Student workload

5cr about 135 working hours
Most of the time is spent on the team's game project.

Practical training and working life cooperation

Gareth Noyce, Triple Eh

International connections

Game Designer and Producer Gareth Noyce from UK and founder in Triple Eh is one of the teachers of the course. That is why the game ideas and concepts are written in English.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student can design a simple board game with one unique mechanic
Student is able to identify a basic game mechanics

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student can identify and discuss a range of game mechanics in PC/Console games

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student can pitch a game concept
Student can take existing game and discuss changes to design for monetisation and publishing