INTRODUCTION TO GAME DESIGN or Think Like a Game Designer
GAMES-UT 150 / OART-UT 1625 | Lecture | 4 units | Instructor: Check Albert
Prerequisites: Students will be expected to have a passion for and interest in games. However, there are no specific prerequisites.
An introduction to the fundamental principles of game design. As with any form of art or design, the field of game design has fundamental concepts and skills that must be acquired as a basis for more advanced work. This course introduces students to the basics of design through the creation of non-digital games. Students will collaborate on making card games, board games, social games, and physical games, while learning about basic game design concepts such as systems, uncertainty, game goals, social play, and meaningful interaction. Readings, discussions, and analyses will link the work students are doing off the computer to computer and videogames.
The course will help students:
- Develop a critical vocabulary around game design and games in general.
- Understand how to analyze games as dynamic, complex systems.
- Become familiar with essential essays and readings relating to game design.
- Explore games as logical, rules-based systems.
- Design games as the human experience of players.
- Understand games as cultural phenomena that relate to larger contexts.
- Experience the iterative process of prototyping-based game design.