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
GAD2020	Level Design	Fall	2	2	3	5

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):	Instructor SERVER ZAFER MASALCI
Course Objectives:	Main objective of the course is to provide basic knowledge and solid understanding about Level Design and its elements in games, including creating assets in 3d software (Blender 3d), and exporting them to game engine (UE4) for building levels such as adding lights, camera, animation and basic coding. This course is a project-based course that includes teamwork and in-class activities that affect the grades; students are expected to fulfill the requirements.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Will be able to create basic levels with using specific techniques and design rules,
Will be able to understand and analyze level designs, foreground and background elements, core knowledge on cinematography and basics of lights,
Will be able to create a portfolio standard level.
Will have their first playable levels.

Course Content

Through the course, we will explore and analyze some famous AAA titles and indie games and their level designs for better understanding of the necessity of its usage.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week	Subject	Related Preparation
1)	Introduction and Review of the Course	General overview of this class; rules, homework, projects and get-to-know
2)	Level Design Fundamentals	Core principles of the level design and its structures
3)	Different Level Design Tools, Types & Styles	Theory based analysis with discussions on popular AAA and Indie games and their level designs.
4)	Introduction to Unreal Engine 5 for Level Design	Interface and basic use of UE5, creating first level and importing custom assets.
5)	Basic Game Spaces 1	Different Game Spaces and how they effect on gameplay
6)	Basic Game Spaces 2	Different Game Spaces and how they effect on gameplay
7)	Material Creation	Setting up material and game ready assets
8)	Midterm	Project Based Works Presentations
9)	Design Rules in Level Design	Rules to be aware of when designing levels as a level designer, creating Level Design Document (LDD)
10)	Lighting, Camera, and Cinematography	Learning use of light and camera actors in UE5, creating a scene with Design Rules
11)	Teaching Theories in LD	Teaching Models, How to use them?
12)	Reward Spaces	Types of rewards How reward become goal? What makes rewards satisfying to Obtain
13)	Love and Hate in LD	Survival Instincts and Player Avatar Prospect and Refuge Spatial Design
14)	Final Project Q&A	Work on final project with help of the lecturer

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:

The Essential Guide to Game Audio: The Theory and Practice of Sound for Games, 1st Edition by Steve Horowitz (Author), Scott R. Looney (Author)

References:

Level Design: Processes and Experiences, Christopher W. Totten (Book)
Level Design: Concept, Theory and Practice, Rudolf Kremers (Book)
Understanding Comics, Scott McCloud (Book)
Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals, Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman (Book)
Behance.com - Level Design Document Samples & Drafts (Web)
The Art of Game Design, Jesse Schell (Book)
+Online Resources (Youtube channels, Reddit Topics, Games, Level Design Examples)

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Laboratory	14	% 30
Midterms	1	% 30
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	3	42
Application	10	3	30
Study Hours Out of Class	8	6	48
Midterms	1	3	3
Final	1	3	3
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)	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.	3
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.	5
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.	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.	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.	2
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.	1