FIT1073 · Game design

Overview

Design worlds, shape stories, and test ideas - this is where game creation begins. This unit introduces the core principles of game design and storytelling for games. You'll explore how mechanics, systems, and narrative structures work across game contexts, and how design decisions shape the games we play. No prior coding experience is needed - this unit focuses on game design fundamentals through paper-based prototypes and creative experimentation. Working in a collaborative environment, you'll design, test, and refine your ideas while building skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback. This unit is entirely a combination of human-human interaction and paper-based game-making; no generative AI is allowed or involved in learning tasks. The combination of theory and practice in this unit is geared to equip you with the skills to not only design games, but also to critique existing games and new game ideas. The unit provides knowledge and skills, which you can apply within game development projects across subsequent units within the Games and Immersive Media major.

Areas of study: Games design Games development Interactive media

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Construct a game narrative that expresses effective structure and mapping of plotlines and characters;
2. Design environments with clearly indicated game mechanics, level design and balancing;
3. Formulate a theoretical game design to a specific brief, implementing effective game narrative, mechanics, level design and balancing;
4. Constructively critique game designs based on understanding of good design principles;
5. Work collaboratively in a team environment.
6. Explain the ethical responsibilities of game designers by analysing how design choices can create unintended social or psychological harms.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.