Introduction to Game Design

Games are increasingly recognized as a tool that can serve many business purposes beyond entertainment. This course provides a general introduction to what goes into the design and development of both video and analog games, with a particular focus on the use of games outside of consumer entertainment. By completing this course, you can take the first steps into understanding game design, and how it can be applied in your field.

Agenda

Unit 1
What Makes a Game?
– Practical Definition for Game
-The Anatomy of a Game
-Games and Play
-Different Types of Games

Unit 2
Essentials of Design
-Getting Beyond a Game Idea
-Game Verbs and Game Mechanics
-Documentation
-Test Early, Test Often

Unit 3
Game Design: Solo and in Teams
-Defining Development Needs
-Roles in Game Design
-Finding Design and Development Partners

Unit 4
Serious Games & Gamification
-Games Beyond Entertainment
-Designing “Serious” Games
-Gamification
-Designing Gamification Systems