Course details

Game Design

1HERDES FaVU 1HERDES Acad. year 2023/2024 Summer semester 2 credits

Current academic year

The course focuses at a general level on the basic methods, attitudes and elements of game design in selected game typologies. Through the MDA model, the course includes analysis of popular, contemporary, and experimental game mechanics. These are further structured primarily in relation to hardware. A concurrent theme of selected points in the course is the conveyance of information or story through narrative design.

Guarantor

Vaněk Vojtěch, MgA. (AHM)

Language of instruction

Czech

Completion

Credit

Time span

  • 26 hrs lectures

Department

Game Media Studio (AHM)

Lecturer

Vaněk Vojtěch, MgA. (AHM)

Learning objectives

The aim of the course is to deepen theoretical knowledge in the field of game design and its subsequent application in the development and design of digital games, or board and card games.
The knowledge gained provides students with a direct insight into the basic principles of game design and the professional terminology used in game development.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Keen interest in games.

Fundamental literature

  • Jesse Schnell, The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, CRC Press, 2008 (2. vyd. 2014). (CS)
  • Jesper Jull, The Art of Failure: An Essay on the Pain of Playing Video Games, The MIT Press, 2013 (2. vyd. 2016). (CS)

Syllabus of lectures

The following topics will be discussed during the semester (with varying time allotments depending on the complexity of the topic).
- Genres and typologies, marketing
- Game design in relation to hardware
- Game mechanics, game dynamics, aesthetics (MDA model)
- Level design, corridor vs map, open world
- Puzzle design
- Narrative design, working with story

Progress assessment

Credit awarded on the basis of attendance and submission of a written thesis, the assignment of which will be specified at the beginning of the semester.
Compulsory attendance - 3 unexcused absences tolerated.

Course inclusion in study plans

  • Programme BIT, 1st year of study, Elective
  • Programme BIT (in English), 1st year of study, Elective
  • Programme IT-BC-3, field BIT, 1st year of study, Elective
Back to top