Course description for 2026/27
Game Design
SPO1008
Course description for 2026/27
Game Design
SPO1008
Game design gives an intro to the basic concepts of the theme, giving an understanding of main topics, such as game mechanics, game rules, game balancing, play testing and more. It also addresses topics on the history of game development, game development processes, project management, teamwork, industry knowledge and more.
The course gives an introduction to the field of game design, addressing main themes within the field to make sure that the candidate is familiar with the terminology and key concepts within the field. The candidate will also be able to use the given knowledge to develop new games, give good feedback on the quality of given games, to work in teams and to plan and manage the development process. The main topics covered are game design fundamentals, development processes, play testing, teamwork,industry insights. By establishing a shared vocabulary and understanding of fundamental processes,the course ensures that students are prepared for more advanced design challenges in subsequent courses.
Reserved for students at the Bachelor studies in Games and Entertainment Technology, CG art and Animation, Film and TV production and connected study programs at our international partner institutions.
After completing the course, the student:
Knowledge
- Has knowledge on game design principles, such as basic of game design, game mechanics, game rules, game balancing, game testing and more
- Has knowledge of the basics of project management, focusing on agile development methods
- Has knowledge of key research and development work within the above-mentioned topics
- Has the ability to update their knowledge within the area, evaluate and give feedback on games based on the basic knowledge on game development / game design and all that this entails
- Has fundamental knowledge of history of game development, with particular emphasis on evolution of technology over time
Skills
- Can apply their knowledge to produce both analogue and digital games
- Is able to contribute and manage team-based productions
- Can collaborate effectively in teams
- Can reflect on their work and adapt the progression accordingly
- Is able to provide constructive peer feedback on student-made products
General competence
- Is able to place game design practices in a wider industry and societal context, both nationally and internationally, and reflect on how they evolve in response to technological and cultural change
- Is able to work in teams and adapt to changes that might occur during the development process
- Can exchange experiences with peer students and support each other during the learning process and activities
- Is able to communicate design ideas and project results in a professional manner
In addition to the semester fee and curriculum literature, it is assumed that the student has a laptopcomputer at his/her disposal.
Mandatory
The course combines theoretical walkthroughs and learning activities focusing on designing analogue games. The learning activities will be arranged through group work and students will provide peer feedback on their projects and games produced.
Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.
Compound assessment (SV) Graded A-F
Coursework (0/100)
3 mandatory group-based coursework - approved/not approved.
- Coursework 1 (AK1): Designing an analogue game
- Coursework 2 (AK2): A written report, giving peer feedback to peer groups
- Coursework 3 (AK3): A written report based upon assignment 1 and 2
Students must complete all mandatory coursework before being eligible for the final examination
Portfolio (MA) (100/100) consisting of:
A written group report (group size: 4-6), (70/100)
- Documentation of the game designed and how it supports the learning outcomes of the course.
- Reflections of the peer feedback received during game testing
An individual reflection note (30/100)
- Reflections on the student’s learning outcomes.
Graded: A-F
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer, is considered cheating.
None