Game Development (Design) MA

60 credits

The Digital Media Final Project, as a capstone project, consolidates the knowledge gained in earlier modules and is informed and supported by prior learning.

You will interpret the coursework into a practical solution and demonstrate skills in defining, analysing and developing a substantial solution to an individually defined design related problem. You will utilise an advanced understanding of contemporary digital media practice. The research and documentation of the project is an integral part of the submission; reflecting on the process, as well as the critical analysis and methodology of the research itself. The research will be conceptually integrated within the practical work. Individual project topics are expected to be wide ranging and provide the opportunity to fully investigate a practical situation, underpinned by a critical report on the work produced. Topics must allow the opportunity to position work with respect to business, social and cultural goals and identify and apply appropriate technology as a means of delivery.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Critically apply theoretical knowledge of design and evaluate contemporary discourse on the subject.
• Demonstrate the application of design research methods in formulating concepts and ideas.
• Originate design propositions through the application of appropriate design ideologies, research principles, methods, materials and technology, forms, means, actions or interventions.
• Engage in the critical reflection of own work and in peer review related to the development and production of the major project, employing skills of evaluation, contextualisation and communication.
• Disseminate the research process and outcomes of the final project with appropriate currency and consideration of audience.

30 credits

This module deals with the game design principles such as narratology versus ludology; interactive fictions; understanding play and engagement; level design and game flow; motivation, jeopardy and reward; to present ideas verbally, on paper and in technical demos, in a range of 2D and 3D graphics and animation packages, with some programming skills at scripting level.  

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

• Develop and carry out effective and appropriate research and testing methodologies in relation to practice.
• Apply game theory to practice in such a way as to confidently inform design decision-making processes.
• Use new and existing technologies to enhance the communication of design processes and resolutions.
• Identify, analyse and critically reflect on game design practices and processes in such a way as to enable the evaluation of career opportunities and individual direction within the gaming industries globally.

30 credits

You will work with a multidisciplinary group of students as appropriate for your course (User Experience Design MSc, Game Development (Design) MA, Game Development (Programming) MSc and Computer Animation MA); involved with the digital media production process in response to a project brief developed in consultation with the industry panel and/or research staff. Projects concern contemporary platforms, such as iPhone, Android, Windows, Playstation, Xbox and Next Generation controllers and innovative input devices. You also develop a professional profile (online CV/portfolio) fitting for your role and intended destination which you maintain throughout the course.

• Coursework: report, prototype, and presentation (group and individual)
• Schedule: allow one weekday per week in the first semester
• Staff: course staff

30 credits

The module covers the process of creating multiplayer computer games using various technologies and designing approaches. This module provides guided teaching and practical sessions on topics related to connected games programming, design and portfolio development.

The aims of this module are:

• To enable students to solidify, develop, and design connected games of their selected genres aiming also to consolidate their portfolio.
• To develop problem-solving abilities in the relevant programming and designing techniques which underpin this.
• To help students develop a confident and extensive understanding of connected games under their own genre specialism.

30 credits

This module is primarily aimed at the User Experience Design field, but also Digital Media Practice, Information Design, Web Development and Software Engineering, as preparation for development of rich-media, persuasive and engaging user experiences particularly associated with multimodal interaction with personal and ubiquitous computing. The module addresses holistic issues raised by interaction with information in context (the context of small groups, communications, and environments), and focuses upon design and prototyping from as a creative, reflexive practice. Students are encouraged to draw upon diverse sources to inform design decision-making processes and methodologies for complex outcomes, including but not limited to approaches from the performing arts, ethnography and service design.

30 credits

Students will benefit from having some prior experience with animation concepts, 2D and/or 3D animation practice. This module will enable them to develop their 3D animation skills further in creating dynamic and appealing animation for application in both film/TV and games production. Fundamentals and theory, such as the 12 Principles of Animation and study of reference, will underpin the development of a portfolio featuring body mechanics and character performance animation. Students will also learn basic techniques in rigging, such as parenting, constraints, IK solvers, utility nodes, set-driven keys, etc. in order to animate models.

On completion of the module, students will have the ability to animate assets for different applications (film, television and computer games).

This is a practical module where the majority of students' time is spent working with 3D software. Similarly, the assessment is practically based.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.