VGD+281

VGD 281: Game Design I
Introduction to major topics in video game design, including game mechanics and dynamics, genres, storyline, characters, player psychology, and marketing. Emphasis on the principles of game design through identifying, comparing, and contrasting examples of design elements in various pre-existing games. Prerequisite: VGD121 or VGD 171. Three lecture.

COURSE CONTENT: 1. Sources of game design ideas 2. Game rules, mechanics, and dynamics 3. Psychological factors involved in the player's experience 4. Types of challenges 5. Strategy vs. reflex 6. Balancing chance vs. skill 7. Game puzzles 8. Engaging the player 9. Enjoyment vs. frustration 10. Goals and achievements 11. Difficulty progression 12. Popular game genres 13. Games as teaching tools 14. Storyline and characters 15. Intellectual property considerations 16. Targeting the game audience 17. Marketing the game

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 1. Discuss and explain major aspects of the game design process. (1-17) 2. Identify, compare, and contrast examples of specific design elements in various pre-existing games. (1-17)

Assignment Examples:
These are examples of papers submitted by students within the course. They are here to provide a better understanding of what is being asked for in this course with the assignments. PLEASE DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. If you do not understand what this means, watch the **Diagnosis Plagiarism** video on this page (@http://yc.campusguides.com/content.php?pid=258245&sid=2208972)

Please note that these assignments did not always meet the credentials for full points. As the student progressed, so did the information provided within the documents. This was added from comments left by the instructor. ALWAYS READ THE COMMENTS IN THE GRADES.

Common Elements of Successful Games

Common Elements of Unsuccessful Games

Select a Project

Game Mechanics

Game Assets

Game Value Proposition

Project Rough Draft

Final Project