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
GAD2015	2D Animation for Games	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:	Departmental Elective
Course Level:	Bachelor’s Degree (First Cycle)
Mode of Delivery:	Face to face
Course Coordinator :	Assoc. Prof. GÜVEN ÇATAK
Course Lecturer(s):	Instructor BURAK PARLAK
Course Objectives:	This 2D game animation course is a starting point for those looking to step into the world of game animation. This course is designed to equip you with the fundamental skills you need for a career in the digital entertainment industry or want to develop your own independent game projects.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
1. Understand the principles of 2D animation and apply them to create smooth and expressive character animations for games.
2. Use animation software such as Spine 2D to rig, animate, and export game-ready animations.
3. Animate game elements such as props and assets ensuring they integrate seamlessly into a game’s mechanics and narrative.
4. Optimize 2D animations for game performance, considering technical limitations and platform- specific requirements.
5. Develop a portfolio of 2D animations demonstrating a variety of animation styles and techniques, from idle loops to action sequences.

Course Content

This course covers the basic concepts and application of game art theories. The first weeks focus on the basic definitions and theories of game art, while the following weeks focus on how these theories are applied to game projects.

Learning Methods: Lecture, Implementation, Individual Study, Project, Tech-Enhanced Learning

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Introduction
2)	Introduction to Spine 2D - Preparation for the First Animation Project
3)	Step-1 Prepare Images
4)	Step-2 Rigging Principles
5)	Step-3 Starting First Animation Project
6)	Step-4 Ball Animation
7)	Final Step on Ball Animation Project - Midterm Submission
8)	Game Environment Concept Project
9)	Step-1 References for Chest Opening Animation
10)	Step-2 Rigging
11)	Step-3 Second 2D Animation Project
12)	Step-4 2D Chest Animation Project
13)	Step-5 Export Animation to the Game Engine
14)	Final Step – 2D Chest Animation Final Exam

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

Williams, R. (2009). The animator’s survival kit (Expanded ed.). Faber & Faber.
Thomas, F., & Johnston, O. (1995). The illusion of life: Disney animation. Disney Editions.
Beane, A. (2012). Animation art: From pencil to pixel, the world of cartoon, anime, and CGI. Harper Design.
Su, H. (2011). Alive character design: For games, animation and film. Gingko Press.
Tillman, B. (2011). Creative character design (1st ed.). CRC Press.

References:

Spine User Guide. (n.d.). Spine 2D documentation. Esoteric Software. https://esotericsoftware.com/spine-documentation

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Homework Assignments	1	% 20
Midterms	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	5	3	15
Laboratory	1	10	10
Study Hours Out of Class	8	10	80
Homework Assignments	2	5	10
Midterms	1	2	2
Final	1	2	2
Total Workload			119

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.	3
2)	Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.	2
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.	2
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.	3
5)	Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.	2
6)	Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.	5
7)	Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.	2
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.	1
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.	3
11)	Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.	2
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.	2