Computer Gameplay Design and Production BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons) BSc (Hons)

Introduction To Games Design

This module introduces students to games design through the analysis, design and implementation of game levels and mechanics.Using a games engine, students will learn how to create game mechanics using scripting, and then implement these mechanics into levels of their own design.

Module code: GDEV40014

Introduction To Asset Creation

3D Models populate the games we love to play. Start your journey by learning key 3D Modelling creation skills and implement your assets into a fully working framework. You will build a series of assets and develop a reflective journal as you bring to life a games visuals.

Module code: GDEV40012

Narrative Design For Games

Everybody loves a good story! This module will help you understand why by looking at how narrative is applied to modern and traditional gameplay experiences from Indie & AAA spaces. You will gain perspective on the history & trends of interactive fiction, allowing you to prepare for a future in game writing & narrative design. You will learn to showcase these talents by developing interactive narrative games using industry-standard development practices.

Module code: GDEV40019

Mechanics Prototyping

This module develops further students’ understanding of game mechanic creation using a game engine. Students will learn how to plan, communicate and implement core game concepts, such as characters, enemies and game loops in order to create fun, playable prototypes of their own design.

Module code: GDEV40018

Introduction To Games Animation

This module introduces students to game animation through planning, application, and problem solving of animations that are finalised and taken into a game engine context.Using a game engine, students will learn how animations are set up and technically implemented into the core mechanics of the game.

Module code: GDEV40013

Experimental Games Production

The history of game design is full of experimentation and innovation, and most game designers love to explore new territories. Recently, there has been a movement toward the design of games that are deliberately experimental, underpinned by a clear and interesting idea. This module will encourage you to attempt to do something new with games. It will help you push forward the frontiers of game design by revealing new mechanics, new patterns of play, and, in the case of a particularly successful game design experiment, reveal entirely new game genres. You will try new ideas, playtest new mechanics, and explore what can be done with games as an art-form.

Module code: GDEV50016

Virtual Reality For Games Designers

Virtual reality offers new and exciting ways of designing immersive games and interactive worlds, spaces that player can literally walk within. Freed from the limitations of a two-dimensional screen, you will learn how to design physical and spatial experiences where presence is key.Working on a creative brief, you will develop a virtual reality project which could include VR games, escape rooms, interactive environments or other virtual reality experiences. You will be introduced to a range of design principles and practical techniques you can use to create your project. At the end of the module, you will present a playable demo that includes interaction within a virtual environment, remembering that simple ideas, executed well, are often the most successful.

Module code: GDEV50045

Junior Collaborative Games Development

Students will work in a junior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other juniors and level 6 students who take the role of seniors, to make a vertical slice of a game.

Module code: GDEV50001

Arcade Games Development

This module follows on from the C# For Games Designers module and continues to develop scripting skills and points them towards creation of arcade games. This module will focus on the practicalities of scripting as well as the documentation required.

Module code: GDEV50006

Gameplay And Quest Design

This module focuses on working with game prototypes and industry standard documentation. You'll develop skills in the field of games design, level design and game engines resulting in games design documentation, playable projects and demo videos.

Module code: GDEV50021

2D Games Creation

2D Games Creation looks at both the artistic side of games design as well as the mechanical side. This module looks to create gameplay experiences using 2d art integration into 3d engines, mixing classic art styles with new engine techniques.

Module code: GDEV50002

C# For Games Designers

This module considers an introduction to the fundamentals of scripting in C#. Scripting is an important tool in developing interactive and fun experiences for players. You will learn how to leverage the power of C# scripting to technically design and build interactive gameplay solutions.

Module code: GDEV50034

Cinematics For Games Designers

You will hand craft and design real time cinematics in a chosen game engine, this will be taught over a collection of face-to-face lectures which will cover the theory and practical elements of working with real time cinematic solutions as well as motion capture to create immersive sequences.

Module code: GDEV50011

Advanced Realtime Technologies

Students will explore the wider application of Real Time Game Engine technology in a 21st Century setting. Completing this module will afford you skills in a wide range of game engine techniques such as Scripting, Lighting, VFX and Cinematography.

Module code: GDEV50005

User Interface Design And Implementation

This module will explore the key principles of User Interface design as you research existing Interfaces in games and then design your own. You will explore a range of User Experience principles and use these skills and knowledge to implement your own User Interface into a game engine.

Module code: GDEV50042

Game History Theory And Culture

This course introduces students to the histories, theories, and cultures that combine to form the interdisciplinary field of game studies. Through lectures, gameplay examples, and exercises students will develop a rich understanding of the power and potential of play (in diverse cultural and technological forms) and by the end of class students will demonstrate their facility with key course concepts by examining in-depth a particular area of games or gaming culture.

Module code: GDEV50048

Systems Design For Games

This module develops student knowledge of scripting techniques and the design of complex systems for games. Deconstructing existing mechanics in games, we will design our own gameplay systems before learning how to implement them into a game engine to create our own game framework.

Module code: GDEV50040

Emergent Games Technologies

Innovation often comes from experimentation, and innovations within the game space are no different. With the constant evolution of game technologies, engines and physical devices, often game engines are being used as solutions to design problems in unconventional ways. This module allows you to explore emergent game technologies to create unique, innovative solutions to a wide range of potential design problems. You will perform some research into new game technologies, devise and develop innovative solutions to these design problems through an iterative development cycle, offering you an alternative perspective on traditional emergent games technologies.

Module code: GDEV60016

Senior Collaborative Games Development

Students will work in a senior role in a group comprised of students from across the suite of games development courses to mimic a games development studio. They will work with other seniors to effectively support and lead a team including level 5 students, to make a vertical slice of a game.

Module code: GDEV60033

Prototyping For Technical Designers

Prototyping for Technical Designers will help you launch your Technical Games Design portfolio. In this module you’ll produce Technical Games Design projects within leading Game Engines. You’ll projects will be supported by excellent Technical Design Documentation and presented by demo reels.

Module code: GDEV60031

Games Development Project

The Games Development Project module gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of research testing and analysis or a high-quality artefact, ready for their portfolio. You can focus your studies on your career aspirations. Whether it's stylised game characters, stalking AI monsters, procedural environments, immersive level design, or a concept for futuristic vehicles. The project allows you the opportunity to work with a supervisor and tailor the project to you. Your supervisor will be your guide and project manager. Supporting you in your journey to create a highly developed outcome with industry standard software whilst receiving lectures on portfolio development and employability.

Module code: GDEV60001

C++ For Game Designers

This module prepares you for work with Technical Designers and Programmers. You will be introduced to C++ terminology, basic programming techniques, and how to integrate Blueprints and C++ together. The aim of the module is to help you create simple gameplay features in C++, enhancing your portfolio with new skills. Intended for students who are confident with Blueprints and want to take their first steps into C++. The module provides a starting point for C++ development and encourages further learning into programming techniques.

Module code: GDEV60012

Rapid Games Design

It’s time to get ready for the workplace, and for that you’re going to need a portfolio of projects that showcase your skills. This module will provide you with opportunities to bolster that portfolio by creating highly polished short playable gameplay experiences. The development platform will be yours to decide, whether your skills reside within Unreal, Unity, or even on Tabletop, you will perform development cycles that are supplemented with agnostic game design theory that can be applied to any player experience.

Module code: GDEV60032

Experimental Level Design

In experimental level design you will craft a single player experience focused on a specific existing game mechanic. You will develop a range of skills including 2D map making, greyboxing, understanding fundamental level design knowledge, and other industry techniques that will develop are applicable to making fun and interesting levels for a range of games.

Module code: GDEV60018

3D Modelling Foundations

This module introduces students to 3D modelling for games. Using industry-standard 3D modelling software, students will learn the foundational approaches and techniques required to create game-ready 3D assets.

Module code: GAME30506

Introduction To Collaborative Enterprise

Video games are interdisciplinary pieces of interactive art that require a range of specialist skills. The majority of the games that you have played will have been developed by a team of individuals. Games Developers rarely work alone. This module will challenge you to capitalise on your skills and individual creativity while working with a mixed disciplinary team of games developers. Beyond developing a video games artefact, you will be exposed to the tools, practices, and transferable skills required to work effectively as part of a group.

Module code: GAME30512

Games Design Foundations

This module introduces students to the process of game design and creation. Students will learn how to design great gameplay experiences in the form of levels and game mechanics. This is achieved by exploring existing game design theory, deconstructing existing games, and producing clear, professional game design documentation.

Module code: GAME30510

Introduction Into Games Scholarship

The games industry is a melting pot of different creative and technical roles. In this module, you will begin your journey as a games developer in training, understanding the roles and career opportunities within the games industry and beyond. You will also be exposed to the reality of the industry, exploring the ethical, economic, and societal impact of games. We will also support you in the creation of a career action plan, helping you to develop as an independent learner.

Module code: GAME30513

Games Engine Foundations

This module introduces students to games development using games engines. By utilising existing game frameworks, students will learn the foundations of level creation and scripting in Unreal Engine.

Module code: GAME30511

Dta Industrial Placement

Module code: PLAC00003

Pre-Production For Gameplay Designers

So, you want to be a game designer, but you don’t know where to start out? This module will introduce you to the creative visualisation process that occurs during game design pre-production. This will provide you with a snapshot into the kind of work that goes into lots of game design sub-fields, from levels to narrative, UI to puzzles, and more! From here you will understand the general work that occurs in each area and be able to pursue the path of game design that appeals to you.

Module code: GDEV40020