Topics in Interactive Media (376-0-20)

Topic

Advanced Game Studio

Instructors

Derrick Vernelle Fields

Meeting Info

Louis Hall 118: Tues 10:00AM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

Advanced Game Studio is a workshop course where students apply game developing techniques learned in previous Game Studio courses to produce a single digital game. Students will brainstorm and create their own game design document to build a single prototype that conveys a connection to fundamental design approaches. In addition, they will be challenged to iterate upon their prototypes and maintain sight of project milestones to stay within scope. This class will focus on world-building, narrative, and gameplay communication. Workshop time will be supplemented by in-class exercises, readings and discussion, and dialogues with professional game developers. It is highly recommended that students complete Introductory Game Studio or have some experience using the Unity game engine, and importing assets. Some understanding C# or visual scripting is helpful but not required. Students with a deep interest and initiative in game design are invited to enroll.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will have: • A strong understanding of game development and demonstrate both design and production skills. • An ability to identify project scope and develop milestones for iteration within its frame • Knowledge for how to integrate fundamental design approaches to communicate gameplay effectively • Experience in combining asset implementation, visual design, sounds, and narrative into a single digital product.

Teaching Method

Lecture

Evaluation Method

Attendance, Class participation, homework, project, final

Class Materials (Required)

Materials • Unity3D o Student license available for free • Access to laptop or desktop computer that has the minimum specifications or higher to run Unity. • A computer mouse • An external storage device with at least 5GB is suggested but not required.