Subject details

At the completion of this subject students will be able to:

  1. communicate game design concepts and ideas both orally and visually
  2. evaluate and aesthetic and structural aspects of games to develop new game concepts
  3. examine the limitations imposed on games by their techno-historical context
  4. analyse how digitally mediated games are connected to play, sport, toys, and non-computer, video games as a cultural phenomenon

  • Topics

    • Unit Introduction: Developing Game Concepts
    • Games, Rules and Strategy
    • Games and Narratives
    • Games as Simulations
    • Player Types and Game Aesthetics
    • Game History
    • Games, Literature and Film
    • Game Character Design
    • Game World and Level Design
    • Game Interface Design
    • Emotion and Games
    • Issues in Gaming and Game Development

  • Study resources

    • Instructional Methods

      • Online assignment submission
      • Chat Rooms
      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Audio/Video conferencing
      • Embedded Multimedia
      • Podcasting/Lecture capture

    • Online Materials

      • Online Assessment
      • Resources and Links
      • Audio-Video streaming

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

  • EquipmentDetails - Computer capable of running project-relevant animation software
  • OtherDetails -

    Relevant Animation Software (eg. Adobe Creative Cloud, Maya, zBrush etc)

This subject invites students to consider the design, structure, functionality and application of games and gaming. The unit presents various ways to consider game elements including as virtual environments, toys, narrative engines, sets of algorithmic rules, simulations. There is a primary focus on digitally mediated games, especially those that leverage three dimensional modelling and rendering. Students will undertake critical analysis of existing games, as well as explore the potential for game creation through the design and conceptualisation of their own games.

Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.

Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.

  • Case Study (30%)
  • Project Proposal (30%)
  • Project Report (40%)

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

undergraduate CUR-AGD-DEG-2019

Bachelor of Arts Animation and Game Design