General provisions

The course is a part of both the main field Game Design and the supplemental field Liberal Arts and therefore has “double” classification. Other courses in the main field of Game Design, also classified within Liberal Arts, include Game Design in Practice (15 credits), Interactive Storytelling (7.5 credits), Ethics in New Media (7.5 credits) and Character Design and Representation (7.5 credits).

Entry requirements

30 credits

Learning outcomes

After completing the course students will be able to:

• demonstrate fundamental knowledge and proficiency in describing and applying theory and methods of game design,
• demonstrate fundamental knowledge and proficiency in applying gamification methods
• analyse and reflectively interpret ludological characteristics of various areas and situations,
• design an interactive experience based on a self-selected topic,
• demonstrate basic knowledge of and reflectively discuss the importance of entrepreneurship on individual, organisational and societal levels, and
• demonstrate ability to plan for the launch of a game project within a set time.

Content

The game market and gaming industry are both going through continual change with central focus on issues such as production, financing and profits. The course in applied game design, built on the collaboration of game design, business administration and law, reviews issues regarding actual game creation as well as matters related to the game as a business project. The course begins with a definition of games as a study field and way of expression. It continues with theoretical and practical reviews of how game systems can be applied also to areas normally outside of the game’s focus. The course also includes developing a prototype of a game to be tested by an audience, to identify a market for the game and to launch a new business project. In this effort the students are encouraged to find examples from their immediate environment.

Instruction

Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, seminars and workshops that require active student participation.

Assessment

Examination is accomplished by written assignments, oral presentations and a final reflective PM. Course grades consist of Pass with distinction, Pass or Fail.

Uppsala University views cheating and plagiarism as serious offenses and disciplinary actions are taken against students suspected of involvement in cheating and/or plagiarism. Disciplinary measures involve a warning and suspension during a specified time.

Transitional provisions

The course is a part of both the principal field Game Design and the supplemental field Liberal Arts.