Module Code - Title:
CS4067
-
WRITING GAMES ANALYSIS
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The primary objective of this module is to define the art and practice of writing and thinking about computer games, through analysis. Students discover how to analyse games discourse and content, through discussions in class. Students are given examples for investigation that result in their potential discovery of a network of similarities, unique attributes, or critical issues, around the area of analysis. The student will identify and engage in an analysis of a related subject area, to support their career proposition, and develop their communication of ideas/understanding.
Syllabus:
- What is games analysis.
- Consideration of games related writing.
- Discussion related to games analysis.
- Analysis of scope and focus to support an objective.
- Implementation of an analysis in a related topic.
- Communication of ideas to support career opportunities and development.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Perform critical analysis of games related topics.
2. Interpret and understand text.
3. Identify critical topics for discussion and analysis in the computer games area.
4. Communicate clearly on a topic, with the view of demonstrating in-depth understanding to enhance career development.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module is intended to support the student's inquisitive nature, to professionally and independently, identify industry relevant topics for analysis and investigation. With graduation close on the horizon, the module encourages students to confidently and imaginatively communicate ideas, informed by open minded and adaptive consideration, though class discussions. Communication for career development is an important focus as students near graduation, students are encouraged to demonstrate their professional, socially and ethically aware findings, relating to a career relevant analysis topic with the view of demonstrating they are an active participant in the computer games industry community.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Lee Sheldon (2004)
Character Development and Storytelling for Games
, Course Technology
D. Freeman (2003)
Creating Emotion in Games: The Craft and Art of Emotioneering
, New Riders Press
A. Glassner (2004)
Interactive Storytelling: Techniques for 21st Century Fiction
, AK Peters
N. W. Fruin (2004)
First Person: New Media as Story
, MIT Press
K. S. Tekinbaş and E. Zimmerman (2003)
Rules of Play -
Game Design Fundamentals
, MIT Press
Other Relevant Texts:
C. Crawford (2004)
Chris Crawford on Interactive Storytelling
, New Riders Press
W. Jordan (2004)
Ludology, Literary Game Theory
, Word Press
J. Derrida (1974)
Of Grammatology
, John Hopkins University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSCGDEUFA - COMPUTER GAMES DEVELOPMENT
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
gavin.wade@ul.ie