GAD3028 Game JournalismBahçeşehir UniversityDegree Programs DIGITAL GAME DESIGNGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational QualificationsBologna Commission
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
GAD3028 Game Journalism Fall 3 0 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: Hybrid
Course Coordinator : Instructor ERTUĞRUL SÜNGÜ
Course Lecturer(s): Instructor ERTUĞRUL SÜNGÜ
Course Objectives: Video gaming market is a huge business throughtout world led by US. Today many designers, developers, copywriters, and producers are working to improve gaming experience. However not all the games are good enough to attrack people and only a small amount of them find their value.

At this poing game criticism become more of an issue. A producer who is not able to analise the games he/she produces properly he/she will produce weaker games. How are games reviewed, what points are significant during the review, how are games criticised? Game Critic class aims to answer all these questions.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
"
The students who have succeeded in this course will be able to;"
Improve their writing skills and learn improve writing techniques
Comprehend how to be objectiven wjhile criticizing a video game
Understand what kinds of details come into prominence
Obtain a new perspective to look at video games not only as a consumer but also as a producer aspect
Comprehend what kinds of video games achive success
Master detailed analiyze making
Get familiar with different and valuable information about video game industry

Course Content

Video gaming market is a huge business throughtout world led by US. Today many designers, developers, copywriters, and producers are working to improve gaming experience. However not all the games are good enough to attrack people and only a small amount of them find their value.

At this poing game criticism become more of an issue. A producer who is not able to analise the games he/she produces properly he/she will produce weaker games. How are games reviewed, what points are significant during the review, how are games criticised? Game Critic class aims to answer all these questions.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Intoroduction and discussion about game criticism. What it is? Why does it matter? Video Game criticism in foreing countries.
2) Game review evaluation. In this section, we will read the same game reviews through Gamespot, IGN and EuroGamer web site and critices in class.
3) Important Points about game criticism. Structure of essay, what is important during previews and reviews.
4) What is the main differance between preview and review. How to write a preview? Aspects of a gamer and developer.
5) Video game testing. How we can manage to test under construction game. How to approach games which still in Alpha and Beta phase.
6) What makes video game valuable? Close reading of graphic, narration ve storieline of a video game. General information what is Graphic Engine. How does it work?
7) Game criticism through different game types; TPS, FPS, RPG and RTS.
8) Method of scoring. How to grade video game?
9) Evaluation of last week assigment inside the classroom.
10) MMO Games. MMO game dynamics, user interface and analysis how its evolution from past to today.
11) Mobile video games. How we should approach them and what are the criterias of evaluating mobile video games.
12) Video game magazine and magazine structure. Journey of a game critizim, from playing to publishing.
13) Online video game criticism. YouTubers and indie video game critics.
14) Evaluation of students reviwevs. This week students try to criticize each others reviews.

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Soler, Alejandro. Can We Save Video Game Journalism? Can grass roots media contribute with a more critical perspective to contemporary video game coverage?" 2014. Tennant, Dan. Analyzing Games Journalism, 2009.
References: Gamespot.com, IGN.com, Eurogamer.com, 64'ler Dergisi, Gameshow, LEVEL Magazine, Oyungezer Magazine

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Presentation 1 % 20
Project 1 % 10
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 40
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
Study Hours Out of Class 13 6 78
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. 1
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. 4
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. 1
5) Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines. 1
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. 2
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. 1
11) Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice. 3
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. 3