Principles of Game Design

From the course: Foundations in Media and Digital Design

Why do people play games? How are games structured? How can you design a video game that creates an engaging experience for a player? In this unit, students learn principles and strategies for designing games. Students play and analyze a variety of games, exploring both game structure and how the games are played. Students create a “reverse- design document” of an existing game. They unpack the design elements of the game and identify components and features—such as game play, level of challenge, and the game’s visual environment—that make the game engaging.

Unit Project Description
Students work in teams to design and develop a simple video game using game development software. Working in teams, they complete a design document and wireframes that show the user interface at different points in the game. Students use software to create their game, test their game by having another team play it, and revise their game based on player feedback. Students also create art for their games. At the end of the unit, students use all the materials they have developed to present their game to classmates and, ideally, to AME professionals.

Media and Resources
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