BA Hons Computer Games Design (Story Development) (Single Honours)
Programme leader: Stacey Pogoda
The BA Hons Computer Games Design (Story Development) Single Honours programme shows you how to plan, design and implement computer games, with an emphasis on the story development aspect of games. Traditionally, undergraduate programmes in the area of computer games design focus on either programming or visual design, requiring students to have skills or a portfolio of maths/computing or fine art. In contrast this programme focuses on other important aspects of games development including project and production management and interactive story development.
This programme focuses on story development for computer games within the context of learning about the whole games development process. As part of the program you will be required to produce games design documentation, as well as plan and manage implementation of games prototypes, both individually and as part of a development team. The programme gives you a foundation in the entire games development process and allows you to acquire skills in 2D/3D graphics production, and makes use of middleware to allow for prototyping without a background in computer programming. Also integrated into the programme is an exploration of traditional and interactive narrative structures across a range of media, coupled with creative writing and script writing skills necessary for a career developing and designing interactive narrative/storyline content for computer games.
The programme offers students an opportunity to study the interactive design process and theories underpinning the design and development of computer games. In addition to the theoretical elements, students will learn and use software applications to apply their understanding computer games design.
The first year of the programme introduces you to the basics of computer games design, story development and games theory, as well as introductory graphics and prototyping production techniques and theories. The second year focuses on more detailed games planning/implementation/production management and story development skills. The final year allows you to examine current issues in games markets, with options to explore the cultural role of games or develop more advanced technical skills.
According to government statistics, the games industry is now worth £1.6 billion annually to the UK economy and currently employs upwards of 20,000 people. Industry-led initiatives to map knowledge and skills to the needs of computer games companies recognise the role of games designer/story/content developer as an area of need within the industry. This role requires employees have an understanding of game play, interaction design, environment design/level editing, creative writing/scriptwriting skills, as well as media production and product development.
For further information see http://www.uel.ac.uk/ssmcs/programmes/ba-comp_games_des-sd.htm.
Modules include:
- Introduction to Computer Graphics
- Introduction to Games Theory and Design
- Creative Imagination
- From Text to Hypertext
- The Writer’s Voice
- Film Analysis 3D Computer Graphics
- Virtual Environment Design
- Story and Myth
- From Hypertext to Cybertext
- Multimedia Design
- Screenwriting
- Understanding Culture Industries
- Managing New Media
- Working in the Culture Industries
- Thesis/Project
- Games Markets & Production
- Computer Game Graphics
- Off the Page
- Screenwriting II
- Digital Media Cultures
- Ethical, Professional & Cultural Issues.
