ATLS 4040: Game Design

Course Description

This course introduces students to the theory, history, and culture of Game Design through readings, discussion, game analysis and the creation of tabeletop games.

Students will read articles focusing on game history and theory and analyze existing games to build a common and more extensive vocabulary to both discuss and understand the underlying principles of game design. In addition, principles from traditional board games, sports games, tabletop games, party games, and digital games will be explored and the lessons learned will be applied to designing one game expansion and one original tabletop game over the course of the semester.

Course Objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will:

Critical Thinking & Theory / History:

• Learn the history of games and game design
• Build knowledge on user engagement
• Gain an understanding of various game design vocabulary and theory
• Explore alternative uses for game experiences

Design/Creative:

• Design game experiences
• Strengthen game design, UI and UX fundamentals

Technical:

• Implement rapid-prototyping and user testing techniques
• Adjust game mechanics for variable user experiences

Credit Hours

• 3 hours

Prerequisites

• None