Introduction to Video Game Design
3.0
creditsAverage Course Rating
A broad survey course in video game design (as opposed to mathematical game theory), covering artistic, technical, as well as sociological aspects of video games. Students will learn about the history of video games, archetypal game styles, computer graphics and programming, user interface and interaction design, graphical design, spatial and object design, character animation, basic game physics, plot and character development, as well as psychological and sociological impact of games. Students will design and implement an experimental video game in interdisciplinary teams of 3-4 students as part of a semester-long project. Section 1 requires technical skills, including at least one programming course (preferably 2 or more). Section 2 requires artistic skills, including at least one multimedia course (preferably 2 or more). Open to sophomores and above.
Fall 2014
Professor: Peter Froehlich
Students appreciated the opportunity to work collaboratively on group projects with flexibility in choosing their focus. Students found that the lecture portions of the course were disorganized at times. Students also thought the course could be improve by having the topics covered in lectures be better aligned with the skil s they were attempting to use in their projects. They felt that people considering taking this class should know that a background in the Python programming language would be useful. They also thought students with artistic or graphic design experience should consider taking this course.