The course will provide the students with: (i) A theoretical understanding of the principles, concepts, and structures underlying game designs; (ii) An analysis of game specific engineering frameworks and architectures including software and hardware architectures, game play mechanics, design documentation, and production methodology; (iii) An introduction to the innovation processes and skills needed to formulate a viable design and take it from the idea stage to a published game.

 Prerequisite: N/A

Course Outcomes   

Each course outcome is followed in parentheses by the Program Outcome to which it relates.

1. Explain the different game genres, market subsections and development models. [requirements]

2. Evaluate and compare narrative development methodologies. . [requirements, problem-solving]

3. Evaluate target audiences for a specific game design. [requirements]

4. Explain the core software architecture of a specific game. [problem-solving]

5. Describe the development team roles and the game development process stages.[problem-solving]

6. Describe the game industry’s current working practices and the emerging trends. [problem-solving]

7. Create game features and content using and modifying existing game engines. [requirements, languages, problem solving]

8. Create high concept papers and design documents. [requirements]

9. Design and conduct playtest sessions. [requirements, problem-solving]

10. Evaluate playtest session results and integrate them into future design iterations. [requirements, problem-solving]

Required Texts:   

Other References:

The Game Production Handbook, Second Edition, by Heather Maxwell Chandler, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2009

Syllabus with links to class notes

Final Grade:

HW 40%

Feature documentation & illustration  10%

Design documentation  10%

Final Project: 40%

Stevens Institute, Department of Computer Science
Last Update: 08/27/09