An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of computer game design, with an emphasis on technical skills. Topics include game critique, game design, programming, visual design, and interactive storytelling.
This paper is designed to introduce students to the multi-disciplinary nature of computer game design, with the emphasis on technical skills.
| Paper title | Computer Game Design |
|---|---|
| Paper code | COSC360 |
| Subject | Computer Science |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Summer School (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- COSC 202 or COSC 242
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Science
- Eligibility
Students wishing to take this paper will need to have a strong background in computer programming. The prerequisite for this paper is COSC202 or equivalent, at the discretion of the department. If you are interested in taking this paper, and don't have the prerequisites, it is important to contact the course advisers for Computer Science as early as possible.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Convenor and Lecturer: Dr Lech Szymanski
- Paper Structure
This is a Summer School paper, run over six weeks, using Unity game engine. Lectures cover planning, ideas, production pipeline, prototyping, games engines and mechanics, UI, AI, testing, 3D graphics, networking. Labs cover Unity game development with topics in programming, game design and elements of graphics and animation.
Internal assessment is based on assignments working towards a fully developed computer game.
- Teaching Arrangements
There are four 1-hour lectures, four 2-hour lab sessions and two 1-hour tutorials per week.
- Textbooks
Recommended but not required: Jesse Schell, The Art of Game Design.
- Course outline
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
This paper will enable students to:
- Get familiar with a Unity game engine
- Learn about technical aspects of computer game development: graphics, collisions, game AI, etc.
- Have the opportunity to design and develop your own 2D computer game in a team of 3-4 people
- Learn about various aspects of the game experience
- Have a chance to participate in a full software development cycle
