ARCHITECTURE
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
VCD4128	Game Studio	Spring Fall	2	2	3	5

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:	Hybrid
Course Coordinator :	Dr. Öğr. Üyesi İPEK TORUN
Course Lecturer(s):	Dr. Öğr. Üyesi GÜVEN ÇATAK
Recommended Optional Program Components:	VCD4113 Interactive Arts & Design
Course Objectives:	Main objective of the course is to introduce video games by focusing on their current status in new media and entertainment market; analyzing them with a sociocultural and multidiscipliner perspective; and experiencing the design process for various purposes like education, advertising, social media, etc. Discussion topics start with cultural and economic effects of games on society and follow the new trends like gamification, machinima, games for change, etc. As a midterm paper, students propose research topics relating games with non-game issues and environments. Working on game design process through the adventure genre is the other focus of the course. Adventure game mechanics and dynamics are defined to lead students for developing their own game concepts and design documents which serves as the final project.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1. Define the game culture and its current status in new media.
2. Recognize the video game history as an alternative guide for the digital evolution.
3. Recognize the relations of games with other disciplines.
4. Define the effects of games on society.
5. Recognize how games are used today in different areas.
6. Study the game design process through the adventure genre.
7. Identify game mechanics and dynamics through puzzle systems and visual interfaces.
8. Develop a game concept and its design document.
9. Recognize video games as a media for visual communication campaigns.

Course Content

Course Outline

The course is structured in two parts:

• First part focuses on how games influence everyday life and interact with other disciplines. Besides current trends like gamification and games for change, theoretical background of games is also dicussed. Regarding those topics, students propose a subject and prepare a research paper about it.
• Second part will concentrate on game development and design process through the adventure genre. Analyzing the game dynamics and mechanics of adventure games will form a basis for the students to develop their own game concepts and prepare design documents as a final project.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	1. introduction to course: review of the syllabus
2)	2. screening & discussion: push the button! Part1 history of games / social effects
3)	3. screening & discussion: push the button! Part2 history of games / current trends announcement of midterm paper
4)	4. discussing gamification / games for change
5)	5. discussing game art / machinima / art games
6)	6. discussing game genres introduction to game design focusing on adventure games
7)	7. presentation of midterms /discussion session
8)	8. screening 'existenz' reviewing adventure genre dynamics announcement of final project
9)	9. screening ‘making of another world’ focusing on adventure game interfaces discussing puzzle types & mechanics
10)	10. guest lecturer
11)	11. screening 'making of metal gear solid II' brainstorming on final project concepts
12)	12. workshop for the final project - first drafts synopsis / characters / game world / levels
13)	13. workshop for the final project - in progress gameplay / puzzles / audiovisual style
14)	14. workshop for the final project - final drafts designing the concept document

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

- Game Work: Language, Power & Computer Game Culture
- The Computer Game Design Course: Principles, Practices & Techniques for the Aspiring Game Designer
- Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals
- Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design
- Gaming: Essays on Algorithmic Culture
- The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses
- Gamescenes: Art in the Age of Videogames
- Gamification by Design: Implementing Game Mechanics in Web and Mobile Apps
- Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World

References:

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Attendance	10	% 20
Midterms	1	% 35
Final	1	% 45
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 55
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 45
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Workload
Course Hours	14	42
Project	13	63
Final	3	21
Total Workload		126

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)	Using the theoretical/conceptual and practical knowledge acquired for architectural design, design activities and research.
2)	Identifying, defining and effectively discussing aesthetic, functional and structural requirements for solving design problems using critical thinking methods.
3)	Being aware of the diversity of social patterns and user needs, values and behavioral norms, which are important inputs in the formation of the built environment, at local, regional, national and international scales.
4)	Gaining knowledge and skills about architectural design methods that are focused on people and society, sensitive to natural and built environment in the field of architecture.
5)	Gaining skills to understand the relationship between architecture and other disciplines, to be able to cooperate, to develop comprehensive projects; to take responsibility in independent studies and group work.
6)	Giving importance to the protection of natural and cultural values in the design of the built environment by being aware of the responsibilities in terms of human rights and social interests.
7)	Giving importance to sustainability in the solution of design problems and the use of natural and artificial resources by considering the social, cultural and environmental issues of architecture.
8)	Being able to convey and communicate all kinds of conceptual and practical thoughts related to the field of architecture by using written, verbal and visual media and information technologies.
9)	Gaining the ability to understand and use technical information about building technology such as structural systems, building materials, building service systems, construction systems, life safety.
10)	Being aware of legal and ethical responsibilities in design and application processes.