Games Design

Know about computer games.

Purposes of computer games:

• Educational
• Entertainment
• Training
• Single Player
• Multi Player

Aspects to consider:

• Theme
• Target audience
• Gaps in the market
• 2D / 3D
• Platform
• Resources
• Budget

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Describe the different purposes of computer games.

• 1.2

  Outline aspects to consider when developing a computer game.

Be able to create a computer game design proposal.

Sources:

• Primary sources (e.g. observation drawings, photographs, visits)
• Secondary sources (e.g. practitioner research, books, websites, blogs)
• Existing products (e.g. 2D games, 3 D games, websites, apps, interactive TV)

Design proposal:

• Format (e.g. from a template, written, presentation)
• Genre
• Working title
• Purpose
• Inspiration
• Content
• Research
• Timeline
• Resources

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Use different sources to gather ideas for the design of a computer game.

• 2.2

  Create a computer game design proposal.

Be able to produce and present a computer game prototype.

Prototype for a computer game:

• Theme
• Visualisation
• Experimentation
• 2D prototype
• 3D prototype
• Script
• Storyboard
• Technical notes
• Annotated screenshots
• Use of sound

Presentation formats:

• PowerPoint presentation
• Group / individual presentation
• Group critique
• Using visual aids
• Effective communication
• Collation of research
• Demonstration of prototype
• Audience interaction
• Audience feedback
• Meeting initial intentions

Safe working practices:

• Importance of health and safety
• Working safely with equipment
• Working safely with computers
• Maintaining a safe working environment

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Use different techniques to create a prototype for a computer game.

• 3.2

  Use suitable format to present a computer game prototype.

Be able to review the computer game proposal and prototype.

Review game design and prototype.

Include reflections on:

• how well you worked to produce the design and prototype (strengths and areas for development in your way of working)

Draw on:

• User feedback
• Own self-assessment
• Feedback from those who worked with you

Suggest improvements to own work:

• More efficient or effective ways of working
• Ways to improve the design and prototype

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1

  Outline the strengths and areas for development of the proposal and prototype produced.

• 4.2

  Suggest improvements to own work.