4B071E - Game Design Principles 01 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2033 | Version 0
Associated Module Information
| Module Code: | 4B071E | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Module Title: | Game Design Principles | ||
| Faculty: | Faculty of Business and Creative Industries | ||
| Faculty Group: | Games and Design | ||
| Faculty Sub Group: | Games and Design | ||
| Module Leader: | |||
| Module Team: | Dann Rees, Jackson Rolls-Gray, Corrado Morgana | ||
| First Intended Intake: | SEP 2027 | Final Year of Intake: | 2032 |
| Date Closed: | |||
| Credit Value: | 30 | Credit Level: | 4 |
| Language: | English | ||
| Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: | 0 | ||
| Equivalent Module: | |||
| HECOS codes: | 101268 - computer games design | ||
| HECOS Code Weighting: | 100 | ||
Document Version Information
| Version | 0 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2027 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2033 |
Module Aims
The main aims of the module are:
To introduce students to key game studies concepts, design theories and critical frameworks that can inform practical game design.
To support students in applying theory, research and case study analysis to the design and development of playable game prototypes.
To develop students’ ability to evaluate design decisions, player experience and their own creative practice through research, playtesting and critical reflection.
Content Summary
This module explores the relationship between game studies, design theory and practical game creation. Students design and develop small-scale playable prototypes in response to a defined design challenge, applying selected theories, principles or frameworks to create and evaluate player experience. Through research, case study analysis, planning, prototyping and playtesting, students examine how design decisions shape interaction, challenge, meaning and engagement.
The module introduces research methods and critical vocabulary that support students in analysing existing games and applying those insights to their own work. Students develop confidence in connecting theory and practice, using game studies not as separate written content, but as a practical tool for making informed design decisions. Through guided workshops, seminars and self-directed development, students produce playable work and critically evaluate the theories, principles and methods that informed their design process.
Learning and Teaching Methods
| Activity Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| LECTURE | 12 |
| SEMINAR | 12 |
| Practical classes, workshops and supervised studio learning | 28 |
| Formative assessment (scheduled) | 4 |
| Guided learning | 14 |
| Groupwork (unscheduled) | 20 |
| Independent / self-directed study | 150 |
| Summative assessment (unscheduled) | 60 |
| Total Hours Selected | 300 |
Learning Outcomes
| # | Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| LO1 | Produce a simple playable prototype that demonstrates basic use of relevant game design principles in relation to a defined player experience. |
| LO2 | Identify and describe relevant game design theories and examples from existing games, showing how selected concepts relate to practical design decisions. |
Module Requisites
N/A
Assessment Criteria
| Assessment Category | Assessment Type | Description | Duration | Word Count | Weight (%) | Best of? | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asynchronous Assessment | Portfolio | Individual portfolio documenting the design and development of a playable prototype, including design intentions, relevant theory, research, production evidence, playtesting, iteration and critical analysis. The assessment supports students in identifying and interpreting relevant game design theory and explaining how selected ideas can inform practical design decisions. Completing this task early provides timely feedback that students can use to improve the design and development of their prototype. | 0 | 7200 | 80 | No | 100 |
| Asynchronous Assessment | Student Choice | Individual research task exploring relevant game design theory and explaining how selected ideas could inform practical design decisions. | 9 | 1201 | 20 | No | 100 |
Assessment Matrix
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcomes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO1 | LO2 | ||
| Portfolio | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Student Choice | ✘ | ✔ | |