GAME 101: Introduction to Game Design 3 Credit Hours

George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts Computer Game Design V1.0

GAME 101: Introduction to Game Design 3 Credit Hours Term: Fall Semester 2015 Studio/Lecture: W 4:30-7:10 PM Section: 002 Prerequisites: None. Room: Robinson Hall A111 Instructor: Professor Gregory Grimsby Contact: 703-993-5733 Office: Art and Design Building Rm 2021 Office Hours: M TU 3:00 to 4:30 PM Email: [email protected]

Course description: This course provides an introduction to the history and process of video game development. By analyzing historical and modern games, students will learn how to discuss and evaluate games as products of a structured design process. Digital games are the pri- mary area of study, but traditional, non-digital games are also explored to demonstrate universal game design principles. Students will learn the language and structure needed to develop their own game ideas during the course term. Projects, in and out of class, will fo- cus on creating and designing game concepts both digital and non-digital.

Objectives. Students who complete this course will:  Be familiar with the evolution of electronic gaming and the factors that pushed its development.  Understand the basic mechanics and design structure of traditional and digital games  Understand the basic game development process.  Be able to identify the roles within a game development team  Have developed a simple game individually and in a team environment

Requirements and Evaluation At the beginning of each class, students should come prepared to discuss assigned readings and ongoing projects. A lecture will fol- low. Oftentimes there will be team exercises done during class.

Readings and/or short assignments will complement most lectures. Some of these readings will be quizzed during a following class.

1 For mid-term, students will submit and present a midterm project. Students will create a boardgame or card game conversion of a digital game. Details are given in Blackboard. (see Blackboard for details)

In lieu of a final exam, students will submit and present a final project. This can either be a playable, non-digital game of their own design or a game design document for a digital game of their design. (see Blackboard for details)

Grading: Grading will be based on student performance in five areas of assessment.

 Participation in classroom (50 points)  Assignments (varies –See Blackboard)  Quizzes (50 points each)  Game design project –Midterm (200 points)  Game design project –Final (200 points)

To receive a grade of "A" a student must achieve a minimum average grade of 90% on the course work requirements. To receive a grade of "B" a student must achieve a minimum average grade of 80% on the course work requirements. To receive a grade of "C" a student must achieve a minimum average grade of 70% on the course work requirements. To receive a grade of "D" a student must achieve a minimum average grade of 60% on the course work requirements. Failure to receive a "D" grade will result in a grade of "F".

Assignments Students are expected to check Blackboard on a weekly basis to preview their upcoming assignments. Digital assignments must be turned in via Blackboard.

Written Material All written material must be typed, double-spaced, and free of typos, misspellings, and grammatical errors. It must be fully foot-noted (or end-noted) and utilize either the MLA or APA style consistently. If you do not when or how to footnote, it is incumbent upon you to discover how, there are resources available in the library and on campus. Be sure to cite video, games, news, websites, or any form of media also used in your assignments.

2 Late Work and Make-up Policy Meeting deadlines is one of the most important aspects of game design. Please pay careful attention to the due date and time for each assignment. Assignments must be in before the due date and time to receive credit for the assignment. If extenuating circumstances prevent a student from finishing an assignment before the due date and time, the student must contact the instructor before the assignment is due. Late work will only accepted at the instructor’s discretion. If it is accepted at all, grading may be adjusted based on the tar- diness.

Participation & Attendance Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions, answer questions when prompted, and in general, add to the collective dialogue. Participation in class discussions and activities is necessary for the course. Some of the information for the course can be found in the text, but not everything. The lecture will cover additional fascinating information and discussions that you will not want to miss, so come to class.

Required Text: Novak, J. (2011). Game Development Essentials: An introduction (3rd Edition). Delmar Cengage Learning.

To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the university community, have set forth this honor code:

Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work.

See GMU Honor Code: http://academicintegrity.gmu.edu/honorcode/

If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office.

Students must inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester, and the specific accommodation will be arranged through the Disability Resource Center.

Sign up for the Mason Alert System by visiting the website https://alert.gmu.edu, and an emergency poster exists in each classroom explaining what to do in the event of crises; emergency procedures exists on: http://www.gmu.edu/service/cert

Students must use their MasonLIVE email account to receive important University information, including messages related to this class. See http://masonlive.gmu.edu for more information. Course Schedule Week

I Introduction 9/2

II History of Games 9/9 Readings Due: Chapter 1 & 2

III Genres and Audiences 9/16 Readings Due: Chapter 3 & 4

3 IV Gameplay and Game Theory 9/23 Readings Due: Chapter 5 & 6

V Game Mechanics 9/30 Assignment Due: Video Series #1: Board Games

VI Designing your Own Game 10/07 Assignment Due: Game Design Roundtable Podcasts

VII Game Project Presentations and Playing 10/14 Midterm Due –Game Design Project

VIII Computer Game Development 10/21 Readings Due: Chapter 9 & 10

IX Computer Game Development (CONTINUED) 10/28

X Computer Game Development (CONTINUED) 11/4 Assignment Due: Videos Series #2 Written Response

XI Game Design Documents 11/11 Readings Due: Chapter 11

XII Open Topic 11/18

XIII Thanksgiving Break 11/25 class does not meet

XV Playtesting of final projects (work day) 12/2 -

XV Wrap Up

12/9 Final Project Due