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
GAD3009 Writing for Games Spring 3 0 3 5
The course opens with the approval of the Department at the beginning of each semester

Basic information

Language of instruction: En
Type of course: Departmental Elective
Course Level: Bachelor
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Assoc. Prof. BARBAROS BOSTAN
Course Objectives: GAD3009 aims to introduce to the class the skills and duties involved in being a Narrative Designer in the game development seco and provide them with a comprehensive understanding of the concept of “Narrative Design”

Learning Outputs

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Throughout the course, terms such as World Building, Character Design, Story Structure Models and Dialogue Writing will be analyzed with the help of basic exercises and examples from contemporary game history, in order to teach the students how to design and pitch their own stories.

Course Content

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to the course
2) Brief history of Narrative Design and an overview of terms in the field
3) Concept / Pitching / Writing a Game Pitch Document / Roles in a game studio Assignment 1
4) Worldbuilding / Analyzing a World Overview Template Assignment 2
5) Character Creation / Conflict / Fuel of the Story Assignment 3
6) Game Narrative Breakdown / Types of Narrative / Player Agency
7) Narrative Design in Hyper-casual / Casual Games w/Resul Alıcı
8) Types of Structure / Implementations in Games Assignment 4
9) Workshop: Assignment 4: Story Structure feedback Feedback Session
10) Dialogue Writing
11) Cutscenes / Cinematics
12) Breaking Down the "Quest"
13) Tools of Narrative / What we did in Cultic Games w/Burak Ant Kılıç
14) Analyzing Game Concept Document Assignment 5

Sources

Course Notes:
References: -Skolnick, E (2014). Video Game Story Telling_What Every Develoer Needs to Know about Narrative Tecnhiques_Watson-Guptill -Bryant, R.D., Giglio K (2015). Slay the Dragon_Writing Great Video Games Michael Wiese Productions -Heussner, Finley, Lemay, Hepler (2015). The Game Narrative Toolbox_Focal Press Game Design Workshops

Evaluation System

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 1 % 10
Laboratory % 0
Application % 0
Field Work % 0
Special Course Internship (Work Placement) % 0
Quizzes % 0
Homework Assignments 1 % 20
Presentation % 0
Project % 0
Seminar % 0
Midterms % 0
Preliminary Jury % 0
Final 1 % 40
Paper Submission 3 % 30
Jury % 0
Bütünleme % 0
Total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
Total % 100

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.
2) Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from various perspectives.
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) 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.
5) Understand the technology and computational principles involved in developing games and master the use of game engines.
6) Understand the process of creation and use of 2D and 3D assets and animation for video games.
7) Understand and master the theories and methodologies of understanding and measuring player experience and utilize them during game development process.
8) Comprehend and master how ideas, concepts and topics are conveyed via games followed by the utilization of these aspects during the development process.
9) Manage the game design and development process employing complete documentation; following the full game production pipeline via documentation.
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.
11) Understand the process of game publishing within industry standards besides development and utilize this knowledge practice.
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.