GAD5201 Fundamentals of Game DesignBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs SOFTWARE ENGINEERINGGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementBologna CommissionNational Qualifications
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
Bachelor TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 6

Course Introduction and Application Information

Course Code Course Name Semester Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
GAD5201 Fundamentals of Game Design Spring 3 0 3 8
This catalog is for information purposes. Course status is determined by the relevant department at the beginning of semester.

Basic information

Language of instruction: English
Type of course: Non-Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. GÜVEN ÇATAK
Course Lecturer(s): Assoc. Prof. GÜVEN ÇATAK
Course Objectives: This module introduces students to the conceptual and practical fundamentals of games, with a specific focus on game design, as well as analyzing. Some of the core topics covered include the formal possibilities of games and different approaches within game design.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1- Use appropriate terminology to describe and analyze games and game design.
2- Explain, understand, and discuss the fundamental concepts and structures of games and gameplay.
3- Successfully propose game ideas and develop prototypes.
4- Conduct game analysis suited to the target audience and perform market analysis.
5- Create design presentations that accompany game design projects and use them in practical applications.

Course Content

Methodological and practical aspects of game design, such as teamwork, playtesting, iteration, prototyping, and documentation, are introduced through projects. These concepts and methods provide a foundation for future modules in digital game design and development. Teaching Methods: Lecture, Group Work, Individual Studies, Guest Speakers, Readings, Discussions, Projects

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Intro
2) What is game design Written assignment number 1
3) Game Structures Written assignment number 2
4) Target Audience and Analysis Written assignment number 3
5) Core loop and complexity Written assignment number 4
6) Experience & Psychology Written assignment number 5
7) Midterm Exam
8) Game Flow Written assignment number 6
9) Randomization, Level design & Balance Written Assignment number 7
10) Game Production
11) Prototype & Assesment Student Presentations
12) Game Economy Written assignment number 8
13) First time user experience and analytics
14) Final Presentations Final Presentation Prep

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: The module resources will be provided by the instructor.
References: Daniels, J. T. (2022) Make Your Own Board Game: Designing, Building, and Playing an Original Tabletop Game. Storey Publishing, LLC.

Schell, J. (2019) The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, Third Edition. A K Peters / CRC Press.

Solis, D. (2023) Graphic Design for Board Games 1st Edition. CRC Press.

Calleja, G. (2022) Unboxed: Board Game Experience and Design. The MIT Press.

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 1 % 10
Field Work 8 % 10
Preliminary Jury 1 % 30
Final 1 % 50
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 50
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 50
Total % 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Application 8 3 24
Study Hours Out of Class 13 6 78
Presentations / Seminar 1 3 3
Homework Assignments 7 3 21
Midterms 1 3 3
Paper Submission 8 4 32
Final 1 3 3
Total Workload 206

Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) Be able to specify functional and non-functional attributes of software projects, processes and products.
2) Be able to design software architecture, components, interfaces and subcomponents of a system for complex engineering problems.
3) Be able to develop a complex software system with in terms of code development, verification, testing and debugging.
4) Be able to verify software by testing its program behavior through expected results for a complex engineering problem.
5) Be able to maintain a complex software system due to working environment changes, new user demands and software errors that occur during operation.
6) Be able to monitor and control changes in the complex software system, to integrate the software with other systems, and to plan and manage new releases systematically.
7) Be able to identify, evaluate, measure, manage and apply complex software system life cycle processes in software development by working within and interdisciplinary teams.
8) Be able to use various tools and methods to collect software requirements, design, develop, test and maintain software under realistic constraints and conditions in complex engineering problems.
9) Be able to define basic quality metrics, apply software life cycle processes, measure software quality, identify quality model characteristics, apply standards and be able to use them to analyze, design, develop, verify and test complex software system.
10) Be able to gain technical information about other disciplines such as sustainable development that have common boundaries with software engineering such as mathematics, science, computer engineering, industrial engineering, systems engineering, economics, management and be able to create innovative ideas in entrepreneurship activities. 4
11) Be able to grasp software engineering culture and concept of ethics and have the basic information of applying them in the software engineering and learn and successfully apply necessary technical skills through professional life. 3
12) Be able to write active reports using foreign languages and Turkish, understand written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, give clear and understandable instructions.
13) Be able to have knowledge about the effects of engineering applications on health, environment and security in universal and societal dimensions and the problems of engineering in the era and the legal consequences of engineering solutions. 3