This module defines the Gamification, Experimental Games and Games for Change Group Project component of the course, representing a significant group contribution in the area of alternative game design and production. The aim of the module is to focus students around the production of a game, based on previously acquired knowledge, skills and techniques in the area of serious games design they have obtained during modules in Gamification, Experimental Games and Games for Change. The project will use agile techniques to implement and manage the design, production and testing of a game with significant levels of functionality and high quality assets. Engagement with industry and community groups would be important as students attempt to address solving real world problems using games.
As this is a practical module, students will be expected to carry out significant amounts of self-directed study and work. Students will be expected to form teams and assign roles and tasks within a wider project plan that will be agreed with the BA Game Design team. Students will take research and prototypes from other modules and develop the ideas further creating a serious game that attempts to address real world problems. This module will be delivered in a similar manner to previous production modules and will simulate on a smaller scale the experience they might expect in the major project in year 4.
Agile Project Management- covering agile techniques and methods for effective software development, notably in relation to the use of vertical slices as a means of implementing functionality quickly for testing.
Group Communication- illustrating techniques and methods for effective group work, including the use of a group charter, clear assignment of roles and tasks, use of reporting and management tools and highlighting the importance of professional courtesy and respect in any group scenario.
During the module, students will perform iterative design, build and test tasks within an agile project management environment based on an initial prototyping phase. Sprint presentations will be used throughout the module to determine project status, assess group performance and troubleshoot production and development issues. The project is expected to comprise of a serious game containing high quality assets and demonstrating significant levels of testing and feedback.
This module is comprised of a significant amount of both self-directed and group work. Students will make weekly presentations (sprints) and define their goals. Class time is split into a series of interactive “studio classroom” based presentations and practical problem solving in labs.
In lectures, students have access to a PC, with appropriate software and development kits, so that material and examples can be examined in a live environment. In addition, students will be expected to proactively and independently seek out resources on the internet and from the library to supplement their own learning.
A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) will be employed to distribute all teaching materials and to support student interaction with other students and academic staff. Where new material is not presented in lectures, such material will be made available through the VLE and students will be expected to proactively use this resource.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |