Computer Games: Design

Computer Games: Design (SCQF level 4)

CODE – HX9V 44

Computer Games: Design (SCQF level 5)

CODE – HX9V 45

You will learn how to recognise and distinguish differences between gaming platforms and computer game types. You will be introduced to fundamental methods used in the planning and design of computer games, and you will design a computer game of your own.

The unit covers the following knowledge and skills:

 Computer game genres and platforms
 Writing proposals for computer games
 Elements of a game design
 Designing and planning computer games

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to plan and design computer games.
You will be assessed by written or oral reports, by undertaking research into different computer games, and by producing a game design of your own.

This Unit has the Critical Thinking component of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that when you achieve the Unit, your Core Skills profile will also be updated to show you have achieved Critical Thinking at SCQF level 4.

You will learn how to recognise and distinguish differences between gaming platforms and computer game types. You will be introduced to fundamental methods used in the planning and design of computer games, and you will design a computer game of your own. You will also learn about writing computer game proposals and receiving feedback about your ideas.

The unit covers the following knowledge and skills:

 Computer game genres and platforms
 Writing proposals for computer games
 Elements of a game design
 Designing and planning computer games

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to plan and design computer games.
You will be assessed by written or oral reports, by undertaking research into different computer games, and by producing a game design of your own.

This Unit has the Critical Thinking component of Problem Solving embedded in it. This means that when you achieve the Unit, your Core Skills profile will also be updated to show you have achieved Critical Thinking at SCQF level 5.

Outcome 1

Identify elements of game design.

Performance criteria

(a) Identify game genres
(b) Categorise existing games by genre
(c) Accurately describe design elements from observable design areas in existing games

Outcome 1

Describe elements of game design.

Performance criteria

(a) Describe the characteristics of different game genres
(b) Identify features of game platforms
(c) Accurately describe design elements from observable design areas in existing games

Outcome 2

Create proposals for new computer games.

Performance criteria

(a) Identify a title, theme and genre for proposed computer games
(b) Identify the platform for the proposed computer games
(c) Describe design elements for the proposed computer games, referring to existing games

Outcome 2

Create proposals for new computer games.

Performance criteria

(a) Identify a title, theme and genre for proposed computer games
(b) Identify the platform and controls for the proposed computer games
(c) Describe design elements for the proposed computer games, referring to existing games
(d) Refine a computer game proposal based on peer feedback

Outcome 3

Produce a design document for a computer game.

Performance criteria

(a) Produce a design document consistent with a design proposal
(b) Describe design elements for a proposed game
(c) Produce a list of assets for the proposed game

Outcome 3

Produce a detailed design document for a computer game.

Performance criteria

(a) Produce a design document consistent with a design proposal
(b) Describe design elements for a proposed game
(c) Illustrate elements of a proposed game
(d) Produce a list of assets for the proposed game