Virtual Realities and Games Software Design

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$1,190

Your upfront cost: $0

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Duration

13 weeks

Study method

100% online

Available loans

HECS-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Required

Study terms

02 Mar 2020
31 Aug 2020

This research-based university in Perth has a strong interdisciplinary focus and a reputation for outstanding teaching and ground-breaking research. With more than 22,000 students and 2,000 staff from over 90 countries, and campuses in Dubai and Singapore, Murdoch embraces free thinking, shared ideas and knowledge to make a difference, and Open Universities Australia is certainly part of that.

QS RANKING 2020

Times Higher Education Ranking 2020

2020

Subject details

What you'll learn

On successful completion of this subject, you should be able to:

know the formal definition of a game
know the essential elements of a game
understand the nature of challenges and actions, as well as the formal definition of gameplay
become familiar with the concepts of symmetry and asymmetry, fairness, and competition and cooperation
learn the various benefits that computers bring to games
become familiar with the ways in which computer and video games entertain people
understand the player-centric approach to games design
know how the core mechanics and the user interface work together to create gameplay
explain how gameplay modes and shell menus make up the structure of a game
Recognize the three stages of game design and describe the design work in each stage
know the types of jobs/tasks required/needed in a design team
know the types of documents that a game designer is likely to need and what they are for
know the qualities required of a good game designer
understand the concept of software and games
Collaborative work. Where possible, acquired a basic appreciation of what is involved in group work. This is especially important to students who will be graduating and work in the games industry. More importantly, collaborative work is a fundamental requirement when it comes to getting a job at the end of your degree.

Topics covered

- Introduction to Games and Game Software Design
- Game Concepts and Game Worlds
- Character Development
- Storytelling and Narrative
- User Experience
- Gameplay
- Core Mechanics
- Game Balancing
- Software Engineering and Game Development
- Virtual Realities
Study resources
- Instructional methods
  - Online assignment submission
  - Podcasting/Lecture capture
- Online materials
  - Resources and Links
  - Printable format materials

Entry requirements

You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:

MUR-ICT101-Introduction to 3D Graphics and Animation and MUR-ICT159-Foundations of Programming ;

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

This subject aims to give students a general background to game software design to create something fun and entertaining. It addresses issues in the computer and video game software design which includes elements of games creation, gameplay and game concepts. Topics include character design, creative play, design process, design documentation, environment, game-balancing, player motivation, and user interface design. This subject does not treat game software design as purely art or engineering.

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.

Assessments

Major Assignment - Part 1 (30%)
Major Assignment - Part 2 (30%)
Invigilated Exam (30%)
LabAssignment (10%)

Textbooks

Current study term (01 Mar 20 to 31 May 20)

Textbooks are not required.

Next study term (30 Aug 20 to 29 Nov 20)

Check the learning management system (LMS) of your university for textbook details.

Related degrees

undergraduate MUR-BIT-DEG-2020

Bachelor of Information Technology BIT in Games Design and Development

2 available majors

Core Subjects
Major Subjects