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
GAD4010	Pixel Art	Spring	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 EMRE GÖKÇE ÇİMEN
Course Objectives:	This course aims to teach the students how to produce game graphics with manual pixel placement. All pixel art techniques will be addressed and within the semester, the students will have the chance to make all graphic assets -including character sprites, object sprites, background art, tile sets, portraits and buildings- for pixel art games of varied genres.

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
- will be able to identify and define core pixel art techniques, such as dithering, anti-aliasing, and color palette management.
- will be able to explain the principles of sprite animation and how they contribute to character movement and expression in pixel art games.
- will be able to demonstrate the creation of tile sets and background art using manual pixel placement techniques for various game environments.
- will be able to compare and contrast the visual styles and techniques used in different genres of pixel art games, evaluating their effectiveness.
- will be able to design and produce a complete set of game assets, including character sprites, object sprites, and environment graphics, for a self-directed pixel art game project.

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 to pixel art
2)	Features of pixel art	Crash Course Adobe Premiere
3)	Basic pixel art techniques	Working on Project1: first cuts
4)	Colors, lighting, highlights and shading	Working on Project1: draft cuts
5)	Dithering, textures, materials, antialiasing and common mistakes	Working on Project1: final cuts
6)	Drawing monster and vehicle sprites	P1 Due + P2: Working with Concepts
7)	Drawing objects and user interface elements	Working on Project2: draft cuts
8)	MIDTERM	Getting feedback and iteration
9)	Topdown graphics and tilesets	P2. Mid Screening Critiques
10)	Isometric graphics	P2 Due + P3. Working on Case Studies
11)	Sidescoller tilesets	Working on Project3: concept frames
12)	Creating background graphics	Working on Project3: collecting materials
13)	Basic character and vehicle animations	Working on Project3: production
14)	Background animations and parallax scrolling	Working on Project3: production

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks:	Hervieux, M. (2015). Learning pixel art. Max Hervieux. Azzi, M. (2017). Pixel logic: A guide to pixel art. Michael Azzi. Feldman, A. (2000). Designing arcade computer graphics. Wordware Publishing. Davies, R. (2009). The complete guide to isometric pixel art. Rhys Davies.
References:	Çimen, E. G. (2016). Pixel art series [In Turkish]. Kahramangiller. https://www.kahramangiller.com/yazidizisi/pixel-art/

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements	Number of Activities	Level of Contribution
Attendance	1	% 10
Homework Assignments	3	% 20
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	4	56
Study Hours Out of Class	2	4	8
Project	3	16	48
Homework Assignments	3	3	9
Midterms	1	3	3
Final	1	3	3
Total Workload			127

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.	4
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.	5
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.	3
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.	4
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