Critical Games, Play and Design

• • Introduction to the field of Games Studies.
  • Social effects and cultural context of games and play.
  • Critical overview of 'gamification' and 'ludification'.
  • Social effects and cultural context of games and play.
  • Core principles of Game Design.
  • Review of the critical design, speculative design and co-creative design practices.
  • Research methods in Game Studies and Game Design.
  • Practice-led research methods and game ethnography.

Others

This subject is CSP only and cannot be taken as open access. The correct CSP fee will be displayed once you begin the enrolment process. Note: Level 2 subjects normally assume an introductory level of prior knowledge in this area, e.g. from studying related Level 1 subjects or other relevant experience.

Additional requirements

• Other requirements - Murdoch University students should also note that MCC232 is considered academically equivalent and therefore you should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed MCC232.

This subject will critically explore game design and playful digital content production in contemporary culture.  Areas of focus will include: games (console, computer, mobile, casual and multiplayer), user-created content and playful media produsage (e.g. Indie game development, modding, web and app development).  These practices will be examined from a number of perspectives, including game studies, critical design and new media theory.  Students will learn key concepts emerging from these fields, and how to apply them.

Please Note: All students studying at Murdoch University will need to complete the compulsory unit, Murdoch Academic Passport (MAP100), which only takes 2-3 hours to complete online. Find out more: http://goto.murdoch.edu.au/MurdochAcademicPassport.

• Essay - 1000-1500 words (20%)
• Participation (20%)
• Major essay or project (40%)
• Short answer test (20%)

For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).