DIGITAL GAME DESIGN
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
GAD1001	Fundamentals of Game Design I	Fall	2	2	3	6

Basic information

Language of instruction:	English
Type of course:	Must Course
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:	The aim of the course is to teach the basics of game design by producing board and card games. Explaining the stages of game design from idea to production is one of the fundamentals of the course. At the end of the semester, students are expected to produce a fully finished and playable board game prototype.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1. To get general information about the World of Games.
2. To learn the basics of Game Design.
3. To be able to build a bridge between the board game world and digital gaming.
4. Writing rules and learning how rules are applied to games.
5. Testing games.

Course Content

Fundamentals of Game Design I is a one-semester course that explores the fundamentals of game design. The focus of the class is the actual creation of several non-digital (off the computer) games. Just as art students might take “fundamentals” classes in figure drawing or color theory as part of their education to become visual artists, this class remains rooted squarely in the basics. It focuses on the elementals common to all games that are fundamental for a game designer working in any format, from sports to board games to computer and videogames. Although the focus of the course is on the creation of non-digital games, digital games will also be discussed and one of the assignments is the creation of a digital game concept pitch.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Orientation
2)	What is Game Design? What is a Game Designer? The Game Development Process
3)	Formal Elements/Basic Building Blocks of Games
4)	Games as Systems
5)	Actions, Movement and Resolution
6)	Turn order structure & Worker Placement
7)	Economics, Game End and Victory
8)	Midterm
9)	Prototyping and Testing Fundamentals
10)	Term Project Development continued – Testing for Fun & Functionality
11)	Term Project Development continued – Testing for Functionality & Balance + Box Design
12)	Term Project Development continued – Testing for Balance + Box Design
13)	Term Project Development continued – Testing for Balance & Accessibility + Box Design
14)	Term Project Delivery and Presentations

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:	- Game Design Workshop – Tracy Fullerton - Fundamentals of Game Design – Ernest Adams & Adam Rolling - Challenges for Game Designers – Brenda Brathwaite & Ian Schreiber
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	10	% 10
Midterms	1	% 30
Preliminary Jury	1	% 20
Final	1	% 40
Total		% 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK		% 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK		% 40
Total		% 100

ECTS / Workload Table

Activities	Number of Activities	Duration (Hours)	Workload
Course Hours	14	4	56
Application	10	3	30
Study Hours Out of Class	8	6	48
Preliminary Jury	1	3	3
Midterms	1	3	3
Final	1	3	3
Total Workload			143

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)	Comprehend the conceptual importance of the game in the field of communication, ability to implement the player centered application to provide design.	5
2)	Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.	4
3)	Analyze the key elements that make up specific game genres, forms of interactions, mode of narratives and understand how they are employed effectively to create a successful game.	3
4)	Understand game design theories and methods as well as implement them during game development; to make enjoyable, attractive, instructional and immersive according to the target audience.	4
5)	Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.	4
6)	Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.	1
7)	Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.	1
8)	Comprehend and master how ideas, concepts and topics are conveyed via games followed by the utilization of these aspects during the development process.	3
9)	Manage the game design and development process employing complete documentation; following the full game production pipeline via documentation.	4
10)	Understand and employ the structure and work modes of game development teams; comprehend the responsibilities of team members and collaborations between them while utilizing this knowledge in practice.	1
11)	Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.	1
12)	Pitching a video game to developers, publishers, and players; mastering the art of effectively communicating and marketing the features and commercial potential of new ideas, concepts or games.	1