Game Project: Mechanics and Designer Perspectives

HISM-G511 Introduction to Game Studies and Analysis should be done or underway before a student can take this course.

After the course the student

- understands the concepts and implications of design principles and practices, game mechanics, and normative narrative structures to produce games,

- has a hands-on experience of developing a game from a concept to a first model, as part of a team,

- can adapt their previous knowledge base into a form of public gamification,

- has in-depth understanding about the forms, practices, and contexts of developing both board and video games,

- Katie Salen & Eric Zimmerman, Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals, 2004
- Mike Selinker et al, The Kobold Guide to Board Game Design, 2012
- Evan Skolnick, Video Game Storytelling, 2014
- Christopher Vogler, The Writer’s Journey, 2007
- Wolgang Baur et al, Complete Kobold Guide to Game Design, 2012

Only by contact teaching, compulsory attendance minimum 75%.

The course can not be taken as an Examinarium test.

The assessment is based on the learning outcomes of the course. More detailed assessment criteria and methods will be available before or at the start of the course.

Learning is supported by using a wide range of methods that contribute to understanding Game Studies as a discipline. Students are also encouraged to actively reflect, to acquire information independently and to develop their own reasoning skills. In addition, special attention is paid to interactive communication with students.

The course includes a final compulsory essay reflecting upon the course and the whole topic of Game Studies. Deadline for this is after the lessons have finished.

Primary target group: The study module and course units are open to all students and exchange students of the Faculty of Humanities.

Secondary target group: Limited student participation within the continuous learning offerings and students from other study tracks and faculties.

In case of excessive applications, students intending to take the whole module will have priority to the contact course. 

Period 4, yearly

Recommended for students with at least one year of studies within their respective main subjects.

Part of Historical and Cultural Game studies HISM-G510. An optional course for taking the 15 cr module.

Normal rules (10 years)

Language of instruction is English. Language of learning is English. Swedish and Finnish are possible to use in any tasks handed in only to the teacher.

Master's/EQF level 7. Also possible for level 6 (Bachelor) students.