CIS125 - Intro to Computer Game Development
3 Credit hours - 2 Lecture, 2 Lab
Prerequisite(s): None
Course Rationale:
Computer game development is a multi-billion dollar industry in the United States alone, in addition to several rapidly expanding international markets. Developers capable of producing such software are in demand in a wide variety of segments of the industry. This course will give students an introduction to the game development industry, its history, current trends, production methods, technologies employed, and skills required. The course will also seek to identify students who have a serious interest in becoming part of the game development industry through diligent study and aptitude to be successful in such an endeavor.
Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to computer game development for those seeking a career in this industry. Technologies commonly employed in developing interactive software will be examined, including software, hardware, and middleware such as class libraries and engines. Game design modes and genres will be explored, as well as other applications and markets for this medium. Issues surrounding the computer game business will be explored, including personnel, philosophical and production issues, ethical concerns and influences of games and other interactive media on society.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Describe the history of games, noting historically significant games and genres.
Outline the impact of games and interactive media on society in the present context.
Explain Ludology, Narratology and the academic nuances of gaming and interactive media.
Attempt to characterize entertainment and identify aspects of games that make them enjoyable.
Formally develop a game design.
Describe the overall process of developing a computer game, including roles of persons, technologies commonly employed, platforms and other hardware, and software components such as graphics engines.
Outline the business of games including production guidelines, marketing and distribution methods.
All course assignments and exams are closely aligned to, and assess the student's mastery of these core objectives.
Core Outcomes
In this course, students are introduced to key concepts of game design, primarily from the tabletop/board game standpoint. Course assumes no prior knowledge in game design theory.
Understand how to unpack the term "game," incorporating different concepts and multiple perspectives.
Analyze the mechanics of paper and digital games, considering how these mechanics affect gameplay and player experiences.
Design, develop, and test games using an iterative design process and considering user feedback.
Explore the business of games and how companies of varying sizes develop and publish games
Create a paper-based game, following the steps of iterative design
Test Out Requirements
Students who wish to demonstrate proficiency in this course will need to complete a Departmental proficiency exam. Departmental proficiency examinations are created by appropriate college faculty to allow students to demonstrate their mastery of course content in designated subjects. These examinations will be equivalent to the cumulative final assessment used in the course. Faculty will determine the minimum score required to earn credit by exam for these courses.
The college’s test out policy is outlined in policy 2.12 - Credit by Exam (Test Out)
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