3070 - Spring Electronic Media

Sophomore Course

This course provides students with a theoretical and conceptual understanding of the field of game design and practical exposure to designing a game. Topics covered include iteration, mechanics, dynamics, flow theory, the nature of fun, game balance, and user interface design. The
primary focus is on 2D asset creation and game design documentation.

Objectives:

Acquire and apply a proficient understanding of game design.
Practice creative concept process through research, design, and development of a game design document. Demonstrate advanced analysis and exploration of an existing game and level design.
Critically analyze students' artistic development, comfortably consider criticism, and critique peers' work. Apply problem-solving skills and make revisions based on this feedback

Board Game Redesign

Project Overview: In this project, participants will redesign the mechanics of an existing board game, focusing on modifying gameplay through updated rules and systems. By analyzing and reinventing the "how" of a game—its core mechanics—students will create new gameplay experiences and strategies, reshaping the game's flow, player interactions, and pathways to victory. The project includes creating a game pitch with visuals, refined artwork, storyboards, and animations to illustrate the new mechanics.

Objectives:

Understand and Analyze Game Mechanics: Explore how game mechanics structure gameplay, define player actions, and guide interactions to achieve game objectives.
Redesign Existing Mechanics: Develop innovative new mechanics that alter player choices and enhance the overall gameplay experience, giving fresh challenges or strategic options.
Visualize and Communicate Mechanics: Use full-color illustrations, storyboards, and animation to explain the mechanics’ functions and integration within the game.

Designing a 2D Video Game & Developing a Game Design Document

Project Overview: In this module, participants will design and develop an original 2D platformer video game level using Unreal Engine, centered on character design, world-building, and gameplay mechanics. Beginning with a comprehensive Game Design Document (GDD), students will outline their game’s concept, mechanics, genre, target audience, story, characters, and level design. From their concept work, students will create animations and produce game assets, culminating in the final construction of a playable 2D platformer level in Unreal Engine. By the end of the module, students will have a fully realized game level that utilizes their original characters, environments, and assets.

Project Objectives:

Design a Unique 2D Platformer Concept: Develop a game concept with cohesive themes, mechanics, and goals that engage the target audience.
Develop a Comprehensive Game Design Document (GDD): Structure the GDD to include detailed sections covering genre, story, characters, levels, mechanics, and user interface.
Produce Original Game Assets: Create and finalize all assets, including characters, environments, props, and UI elements, through concept sketches, silhouette studies, and polished illustrations.
Animate Character Movements: Produce and refine key animations for the main character’s actions (walk, run, jump/fall) and any additional animated elements for gameplay.
Build a Playable Level in Unreal Engine: Use Unreal Engine to construct a functional 2D platformer level that incorporates the designed assets, animations, and mechanics, providing an engaging gameplay experience.