Video game design - logic and game mechanics Field of study: Creative management in new media
Programme code: W8-S2CM20.2022

Module name: Video game design - logic and game mechanics
Module code: W8-ZN-S2-PGW
Programme code: W8-S2CM20.2022
Semester:
  • winter semester 2025/2026
  • winter semester 2024/2025
  • winter semester 2023/2024
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 3
Description:
As part of the course, students are introduced to video game design concepts and the basic principles of game design in areas such as gameplay design, game systems design, AI, level design, and UI. They will learn the main concepts of popular game genres. They will learn to notice, analyze, and design gameplay loops (Game Loops) from different time perspectives. Students will learn to identify fundamental game assumptions (Game Pillars) and create critical documents such as Game Design Document. They will learn how to create an acceptable Pitch Deck - a presentation describing the basic premise of a game. Students will learn the basics of game prototyping using visual programming languages.
Prerequisites:
The student has to know the knowledge of video games and popular video game genres.
Key reading:
E. Adams: Fundamentals of Game Design. Addison Wesley, Third Edition, 2013.
C. Macklin, J. Sharp: Games, Design and Play: A Detailed Approach to Iterative Game Design, Addison-Wesley Profesional, 1st Edition, 2016. K. Isbister: How Games Move Us, Emotion Design, The MIT Press, Reprint edition, 2017. J. Juul: The Game, the Player, the World: Looking for a Heart of Gameness,, Utrecht University. Game Maker’s Toolkit https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkBrownGMT AI and Games https://www.youtube.com/c/AIGamesSeries GDC https://www.youtube.com/c/Gdconf Level Design Lobby https://www.youtube.com/c/LevelDesignLobby
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
The student knows video game design, mainly its logic and mechanics. [PGW_1]
 K_W02 [5/5]
The student knows methods to indicate the fundamental assumption of the video game (Game Pillars) with the design of the Game Loops. [PGW_2]
 K_W01 [4/5]
The student can create vital documents about designing video games like Game Design Document and Pitch Deck. [PGW_3]
 K_U03 [4/5] K_U06 [5/5]
The student has the skill of analyzing the Game Loops from different time perspectives. [PGW_4]
 K_U01 [4/5]
The student is competent in gameplay design, game systems design, AI, level design, and UI. [PGW_5]
 K_K02 [3/5]
The student is competent in video game prototyping basics using visual programming languages. [PGW_6]
 K_K03 [4/5]
Type Description Codes of the learning outcomes of the module to which assessment is related
Test [PGW_w_1]
Written examination of theoretical problems.
 PGW_1 PGW_2
Continuous evaluation [PGW_w_2]
Preparation for the classes, activity in discussion during classes, and demonstrated skills in creating technical documentation.
 PGW_3 PGW_4 PGW_5 PGW_6
Form of teaching Student's own work Assessment of the learning outcomes
Type Description (including teaching methods) Number of hours Description Number of hours
lecture [PGW_fs_1]
Theoretical lecture, activating lecture, multimedia presentation, discussion.
 15
Analysis of the literature on the subject, analysis of the lecture content, searching for examples in practice, independent implementation of the indicated material batches, including the subject literature.
 30 Test [PGW_w_1]
practical classes [PGW_fs_2]
Study cases get the student involved in the individual analysis of Game Loops, especially understanding logic and mechanics. Activating exercises, games, simulation. Group work.
 15
Individual preparation for each class, systematization of the material presented during classes, preparation of projects - also group ones. Independent implementation of the material batch indicated in the syllabus and analysis of examples selected by the lecturer, repetition and consolidation of knowledge and skills acquired during the course.
 30 Continuous evaluation [PGW_w_2]
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)