The aim of the module is to provide students with knowledge to use appropriate methodologies to develop a digital game concept. On successful completion of the module the student will be able through use of appropriate tools and techniques to create content for, design, document and implement a digital game prototype.

The game idea: starting points, intended audience, limitations; The elements of a game play: non-linearity, game mechanics, controls and inputs, output and feedback; game elements: characters, items, objects and their behaviour, functionality, mechanisms; Gaming genres; The Game Development Life Cycle: Conceptual phase: game architecture, base game play and story lines, game mechanics and flow; Game Design phase: game play, scenes and screens, game flow and progression, levels in different games (order, components, and goals), navigation, user interface, interactivity and immersion, game technology (hardware, software and limitations, tools and techniques to integrate props, media objects, special effects, storage and retrieval), platform and genre-specific design challenges games; Development phase and playtesting, refining and aesthetics; Game Documenting phase: the Design Document and its elements; Blogging and communication for careers.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 1. Justify expectations in relation to the creation of a computer game and computer game development methodology. 2. Explain, through appropriate documentation, game design concepts in relation to a computer game. 3. Evaluate contributing factors (e.g. team dynamics) in relation to the development process of a meaningful computer game implementation.

Affective: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 4. Cooperate in the creation a meaningful computer game utilising an existing game engine. 5. Reflect on the process and their role in development of a computer game.

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The module encourages students to be open minded and agile in developing a computer game concept through interpersonal skills collaborating in teams. Students will apply problem-solving skills and their knowledge, informed by content in lectures and demonstrations, to responsibly and professionally independently create and validate a software prototype. A reflective Blog will enable students to articulate their contributions to the creation of their artefact, demonstrating their adaptive problem-solving skills, their ability to communicate and collaborate with others, in engaging in the innovative and enterprising implementation of a product. Module content is informed by games industry best practices.